Chemo .. ... a necessary evil...??.

Apologies for the late reply, I somehow lost the thread. I had surgery on the 2nd Sept in Adelaide (lumpectomy, as my lump was 6mm and the margins were clear with no lymph action) and then flew back to Doha (Qatar) where my Aussie family is currently based about 2 week later. I started chemo on Wednesday of this week. So far so good, I'm doing 4 x 3 weekly cycles of doxetaxol and cyclophosphamide. Then I'll do radiation in January. 

Thanks Lisa, 

Thanks Christine,

I think that as  Registered Nurse  -  am aware of the toxicity of Chemo but also aware that Trip Neg has nothing else its Chemo or Bust.. Sorry you are having such a hard time, i have so much support and so many other blessings, I met with a friend who is 7 years post Trip Neg BC and she has given me a "real" insight into what is up ahead - But I have also held many a patients hands - had many families lean on me crying uncontrollably on my shoulder.. many screams from parents of small children - telling them you can do this.. but as I am now at the starting line - it is very difficult  - Cancer sucks... its unfair, its cruel,,,  but it is so good to reach out to people like yourself who are so kind and supportive and offer so much advice about your own experience through this journey.

I know that I can do this, I am positive person, have a lot of medical training, beautiful supportive family, am young, I know the system, know medically what is ahead.. but Christine, ..... through all this, I still wake at night and cry uncontrollably, I am afraid, feel guilty, i want to be around for my kids, did I do something, no family history.... I need time to comprehend what has occured  ..... but slowly I am coming to peace with this all. I have two options .. fall in a heap and do nothing or stand up and do something  - i have chosen the latter.

Sending you a huge hug, your day seems to have started off very hard :-( 

regards

L

Dear Linda,

It’s Lisa from the Policy Team. We know that chemotherapy can be really confronting, but it is the standard treatment for triple negative breast cancer. As Ann-Marie said, you may wish to connect with women in the triple negative group on the Online Network, and also don’t hesitate to talk to your medical oncologist about your concerns and any questions you have.

If you experience side effects from chemotherapy, it is important to talk to your medical oncologist as there may be another chemotherapy drug that could be used or things which can be done to help you manage the side effects. There is also information and resources on the chemotherapy page of our website which might be helpful.

Best wishes,
Lisa

Thanks Lisax,

Its been hard but have never felt alone and was so happy to get my Kit, it helped so much.  I will be ok - what else can I do - Chemo must be done.... I want to live ... :-)

Hi Linda,

My name is Ann-Marie and I am part of the online team at BCNA.

This will take you to our triple negative group. within the Online Network.

You are surrounding by a wonderful community who will provide you with the support and help you need.

~Ann-Marie x

Hi Linda

I am also triple neg and there are lots of other women on this site with triple neg. You may be interested in the triple neg group which is on here and has lots of information and personal stories. You will find everyone here on the bcna site  very supportive and is the best place to air concerns or ask questions.

It is very normal to feel fear before treatment but as you know chemo is the very best option for triple negative. Your doctors will keep a close eye on you. I am through the chemo and walking 6 km at least every day and my heart is fine. 

All the best and good luck with all of your treatments. Feel free to ask as many questions as you need to as you will always get an answer here.

Lisax

Thanks Katie, 

I know it is the thing to do, and know I have to really fight to be around for many years to come, I will have an echo done and they monitor my heart closely  - hopefully will be ok 

L

Thanks Tracey - hard not to do Chemo when look at my two beautiful kids - I so want to be a grandmother, see graduations .. go to New York, feel the sun on my face.. life now is so precious as it could not be as long as I had taken for granted it would be ...  

Hi Kirsty, 

Am not sure re a triple Neg group - I stopped reading and researching info as it became overwhelming so decided to look at Cancer council web page and on BCNA newsletters as the success stories were inspirational. I am aware that Trip Neg responds well to Chemo and is unfortunately the only tool in their tool box besides surgery and Radiation. I won't be having radiation as the breast implant will fail and the tissue around will may become necrotic as the skin flap has to rebuild blood vessels and further surgery to remove the implant will be highly probable etc but will have further surgery after Chemo to do an auxiliary clearance which is just as effective as Radiation well so the Oncologist Professor Marx says..  Have you had surgery yet?  How are you feeling?  Have you started Chemo yet.?