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cathcath's avatar
cathcath
Member
11 years ago

New Diagnosis - Triple Negative Breast Cancer

48 years old, Divorced Single Mum with 2 teenage children :-) 

Found lump in shower on 30/1/15. Mammogram, Ultra sound and core biopsy on 4/2/15, results 6/2/15 - 23mm tumour and 6mm tumour in right breast, triple negative Grade 3 aggressive. Surgery 17/2/15 bilateral mastectomy (my choice) and sentinel node biopsy. Tumour when removed 38mm clear margins, and 6mm x 4mm tumour in lymph node (node size 10mm x 20mm- tumour enclosed in lymph node) other 4 nodes clear. Axillary dissection 10/3/15 - 9 nodes removed all clear. Treatment 6 x 3 week cycles of TAC, not decided on radiation yet. Phew... there you have the cancer/treatment facts! Emotionally... if only they were so matter of fact and easy to list. I think I have been doing ok, biggest fear long term not being around for my kids, fairly normal! I have found the posts on this site so supportive, caring and positive. Haven't found anything good on internet about TNBC and long term survival just doom and gloom so have stopped looking. Early days yet I know   :-) 

6 Replies

  • cathcath's avatar
    cathcath
    Member
    11 years ago
    Thanks Karen, great words of advice! It's great to be able to vent on here with people who really understand. :-) Cath xx
  • cathcath's avatar
    cathcath
    Member
    11 years ago
    Thanks Meg, I've tried to learn as much about TNBC as I could find! Now surgery is finished, and I've started chemo I'm more dealing with the emotional fallout that I don't think I've had time to let out so far. Planning to go back to work in two weeks (flexi time) so hoping that brings a little normal into our lives. It's great to be welcomed and share on here, Thanks for your support, Cath xx
  • cathcath's avatar
    cathcath
    Member
    11 years ago
    Thanks Michelle, I have a wonderful support network of friends who have been amazing helping/carrying me through this. I started chemo yesterday so apart from finding it hard to sleep last night only feeling slightly flat today, nothing to complain about! I have found it empowering to share my story on this site and connect with others on the same journey. Thanks for the hugs and right back at ya xx
  • Cook65's avatar
    Cook65
    Member
    11 years ago
    Hi cathcath It is definitely normal to worry about the future and being there for your kids. None of us have any control over that though. What we do have control over is the here and now. You are doing everything in your power to fight this and be well. Make the most of every day, love your kids and family and go to bed at night with no regrets. And don't forget to forgive yourself. There will be down days that you struggle to live for now and that's ok too. Good luck with it all Karen xox
  • rivergum's avatar
    rivergum
    Member
    11 years ago

    Wow Cath! You are so well informed and that's a great advantage in dealing with all of this. This site is fantastic for support and information. Best wishes. Meg xxx

  • Michelle_R's avatar
    Michelle_R
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Cathcath,

    You have certainly been riding the roller coaster and are doing brilliantly.  Your attitude is strong and positive, which certainly helps on this ride!  Like you, I am TNBC and found my lump in the shower.  We are nearly all Grade 3 aggressive when diagnosed, but the good news is that we respond strongly to chemo.  I had a bilateral mastectomy, 12 weeks of chemo and 28 zaps of radiotherapy, and today - 3 years later - I feel really well and am enjoying my 'new normal'.  I just wanted to let you know that this scary wild ride does come to an end.  Just take it all one day at a time.  Have you started chemo yet?  Keep in touch and let us know how things are going. And remember that if chemo makes you feel sick, it is making any cancer cells feel sicker!  All the very best and a big hug.  xx  Michelle