Forum Discussion

Laura81's avatar
Laura81
Member
10 years ago

Better late than never!

Well it's only taken me 5 months to say hello on here but I've finally gotten off my bum to do it!

So. Hi everyone, my names Laura and I was diagnosed with triple negative bc 2 weeks into the new year and 2 months before I turned 35. It came totally out of the blue after the left side of my left breast felt a little tender (like when your about to get your period) and I could feel a small, fluidy, soft swelling. I got myself to the doctor quick smart who sent me for an ultrasound. This was quickly referred on for a mammogram and biopsy and less than a week after those I got the diagnosis. I then had  a CT scan, full bone scan and MRI which happily all came back clear.  Due to the size of the tumour , approx 5x7cm (how on earth did I miss that!?, my oncologist wanted to get the chemo done first to shrink the size of the tumour so I started that on Feb 10th and finished on July 7th.  I seem to have been very lucky and cruised through the chemo with basically none of the crappy side effects other than a bit of chemo brain and losing my hair!

So next is surgery, booked for the 18th August but as I'm still waiting for the results of my genetics tests to see if I have the mutation in my BRAC gene I'm still a little unsure about whether to have breast conserving surgery or a mastectomy. 

I'm thinking a mastectomy may be the way to go as I really can't be doing with the possibility hanging over my head that I'll be at higher risk of getting a second cancer in the future. 

Then I'll be having radiation and possibly/probably another 6months of chemo in tablet form! 

So instead of getting a job at the start of the year after having my little girl in Feb 2014, I got a crappy cancer diagnosis! So basically screw cancer I've got much better things to be doing!! ??

Thanks for reading my mini essay as this has turned out to be, I have been looking at the forum since I was diagnosed and it's been really useful seeing other peoples experiences.

Laura ??

 

triple-negative-breast-cancer

7 Replies

  • socoda's avatar
    socoda
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Laura,

    Welcome to the site. I have to say if you were trying to give yourself an early birthday present I think you could have chosen something a whole lot nicer!!! ;-) I'm sure that the choice that you make regarding your surgery will be one that you have had considered, debated and ultimately are happy with and that is the main thing. The decision has to be the right one for you, your state of mind and your circumstances. All the best and  let us know how you go with your genetic testing and your decision. Take care. Xx Cath

  • Laura81's avatar
    Laura81
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Michelle ??

    I feel like a bit like I've gotten away with all the bad stuff very lightly so far but thinking surgery will certainly be a much bigger thing to deal with. I've only had one surgery before and that was having my port put in!

    As for the chemo tablets I'm not sure yet, I have an appointment with my oncologist later this month so hopefully will find out more then. I guess it all depends on the outcome of surgery and radiation. 

    I'll try and remember to let you know ??

  • Ann-Marie's avatar
    Ann-Marie
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Laura,

    Welcome to the Online Network! Thank you for coming online and sharing with us the journey you are on. As you have seen and read the members are here to provide as much support as you need. So mini essays & questions are just perfect!

    Ann-Marie x

  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    10 years ago

    I don't  think there is any right answer. You just have to do what feels right for you. Your path may alter after your genetic results come back. Be guided by your treating  team. Hope surgery goes well. Kath. X

  • Brenda5's avatar
    Brenda5
    Member
    10 years ago

    Welcome. Five months on but better late then never. That little girl must have been keeping you busy as well. I do remember little ones seem to take over your life for a while and to cope with bc treatment as well is daunting. So far so good, well done!

  • Michelle_R's avatar
    Michelle_R
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Laura,

    There is a group onsite for triple negatives - you can read other women's experiences which my be similar to your own.  There are quite a few of us and we are all here for you.

    I was diagnosed over 4 years ago with triple negative, and like many of us, found the lump myself in the shower between mammograms/USS.  After surgery (I opted for a double mastectomy), 12 weekly chemos and 28 rads, I have been clear ever since.  There is light at the end of  the tunnel.  Just take things one step at a time.

    You are already past a huge milestone - chemo - and post-surgery pathology will give you your stage and grade.  All the best and stay in touch with your progress (great news that all your scans were clear!)

    Do you mind if I ask which chemo tablets you mention after rads?

    Good luck with your surgery - whatever you choose - and big hug -

    Michelle xx

     

  • Cook65's avatar
    Cook65
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Laura, 

    nice to hear from you. It sounds as though you are doing really well. Hopefully you will get your genetic tests before surgery so it will help you to make your decision about surgery. There is no right or wrong decisions. You need to do what you believe is right for you. Good luck with your continuation of treatment. Take care. Karen xox