Forum Discussion

dianne_mitsakis's avatar
dianne_mitsakis
Member
12 years ago

New girl on the block

Hi,

44yrs mother of three with TNBC started January 13th found large lump then mastectomy Feb 4th started chemo (Docetaxel & Cyclophosphamide) all ready losing hair, mouth full of ulsers my wound is really hurting, feeling quiet low,  still havent cried at all staying strong for the family as we do cause we are always looking after every one else, just wanted to say hello.

18 Replies

Show More
  • bearlyirish's avatar
    bearlyirish
    Member
    12 years ago
    Hi Dianne, I'm sure you probably wish at this time in your life, that this is something and someplace u don't want to, or didn't think u would b at, so I am sorry that you are here to welcome you, but believe me when I say to u that u could not have chosen a better place for all the support & help that u could possibly need!!! The sisters on here are simply amazing.i also want you to believe that u can b happy in life, & that the news of a trip neg diagnosis, is ok. At least you've already begun treatment, & that's half the psychological battle done, as u have accepted your cancer, & have started to take control of your body, & kick cancers butt outa here. I know the treatment isn't nice by any means, but you've gotta use nasty to rid of nasty. Emotional roller coasting anytime following a diagnosis is fine too. I still get upset when I read of yet another woman who's about to embark on her own cancer journey, thinking of what she has to face, none of us wanted this disease to interrupt our lives, but we are but a few who are currently travelling this journey, & thankfully u & I can do it knowing of the support and help these wonderful ladies offer to each other. Do I tell u the truth-YES!! I was 1st diagnosed at just 34. Had wide local excision,lymph nodes all taken u'arm, followed by chemo & radiation. The cancer was grade 3. & triple neg. within 12 mths I had my 2nd episode, but only surg was given, as I had only finished the other treatments so recently. I was weeks away from my 5yr Anni of being cancer free, when I was.once again, taken down by this horrible disease. This time it was surg, WLE, & full node removal u'arm, followed by chemo. Didn't have radio this time, as I had decided by then, I wanted dble mast. By the time surg was booked 6 weeks post chemo, I learnt I was also BRACA1, so had my ovaries removed same day as my mastectomy. After all of that almost 14 years ago, & despite a hiccup or two along the way, I'm still here,living & making the most of every day. My cancer cost me the loss of a few friends, & cost me my marriage of 27 years, but I am still here today. I also now have a new hubby, who's totally accepting of my altered & scar ridden body, & I've never been happier or felt more loved! Fight like the trooper you are Dianne, for life after cancer is not all doom or gloom. I still haven't given up kicking cancers butt, refuse to.... Have a great day. Take care, Bearlyirish xx
  • bearlyirish's avatar
    bearlyirish
    Member
    12 years ago
    Hi Dianne, I'm sure you probably wish at this time in your life, that this is something and someplace u don't want to, or didn't think u would b at, so I am sorry that you are here to welcome you, but believe me when I say to u that u could not have chosen a better place for all the support & help that u could possibly need!!! The sisters on here are simply amazing.i also want you to believe that u can b happy in life, & that the news of a trip neg diagnosis, is ok. At least you've already begun treatment, & that's half the psychological battle done, as u have accepted your cancer, & have started to take control of your body, & kick cancers butt outa here. I know the treatment isn't nice by any means, but you've gotta use nasty to rid of nasty. Emotional roller coasting anytime following a diagnosis is fine too. I still get upset when I read of yet another woman who's about to embark on her own cancer journey, thinking of what she has to face, none of us wanted this disease to interrupt our lives, but we are but a few who are currently travelling this journey, & thankfully u & I can do it knowing of the support and help these wonderful ladies offer to each other. Do I tell u the truth-YES!! I was 1st diagnosed at just 34. Had wide local excision,lymph nodes all taken u'arm, followed by chemo & radiation. The cancer was grade 3. & triple neg. within 12 mths I had my 2nd episode, but only surg was given, as I had only finished the other treatments so recently. I was weeks away from my 5yr Anni of being cancer free, when I was.once again, taken down by this horrible disease. This time it was surg, WLE, & full node removal u'arm, followed by chemo. Didn't have radio this time, as I had decided by then, I wanted dble mast. By the time surg was booked 6 weeks post chemo, I learnt I was also BRACA1, so had my ovaries removed same day as my mastectomy. After all of that almost 14 years ago, & despite a hiccup or two along the way, I'm still here,living & making the most of every day. My cancer cost me the loss of a few friends, & cost me my marriage of 27 years, but I am still here today. I also now have a new hubby, who's totally accepting of my altered & scar ridden body, & I've never been happier or felt more loved! Fight like the trooper you are Dianne, for life after cancer is not all doom or gloom. I still haven't given up kicking cancers butt, refuse to.... Have a great day. Take care, Bearlyirish xx
  • JoF's avatar
    JoF
    Member
    12 years ago

    I, we, feel so for you. It is almost three years since I was diagnosed triple negative and I still live in fear of it coming back. The treatment was so awful. Who would have thought chemo could be so horrible? I too just tried to hold it all in for the sake of the family and still don't think I have had a really good cry about it all. I'm still in shock! But there are many good things that have happened since. One of the best is that I have joined dragon's abreast and started dragon boating. So many wonderful women, and they have all been through the same experience. It's a support group where you don't have to talk about cancer! You will get through it. Just be really kind to yourself and try to put yourself first. All the best, Jo

  • dmed's avatar
    dmed
    Member
    12 years ago
    I am two years out from my diagnosis on 3rd April . I had same treatment as you found it very hard but came out the other end ok. Readind your blog I am taken back to some of my own feelings but I did stay strong but then at the end of my treatment had a bit of meltdown. I sort help and support from a physiologist and a support group and this site has been so supportive. Found that having a good cry and asking for support helped me because it's hard and we need to reach out to others and I now hope I can help other women on this journey. We are not alone . Wishing you all the best. Deb
  • dmed's avatar
    dmed
    Member
    12 years ago
    I am two years out from my diagnosis on 3rd April . I had same treatment as you found it very hard but came out the other end ok. Readind your blog I am taken back to some of my own feelings but I did stay strong but then at the end of my treatment had a bit of meltdown. I sort help and support from a physiologist and a support group and this site has been so supportive. Found that having a good cry and asking for support helped me because it's hard and we need to reach out to others and I now hope I can help other women on this journey. We are not alone . Wishing you all the best. Deb
  • Glennybee's avatar
    Glennybee
    Member
    12 years ago
    Sad to hear how you are feeling....but so understandable. I finished my chemo 1 year ago and feel like I have emerged from a bad dream. I had wonderful support from my family and they all say how strong I was......we all try to put on a bit of a front I think ! I am still coping with the emotional impact of the whole thing. I am about to undergo reconstruction which I am a bit nervous about. I try to think that we are lucky not to have to take the hormones too. My oncologist recommended a daily low dose asprin as the main defence. [Not hard that] and vigilance. I wish you well, and take the advise to be kind to yourself.......say no, if you want to.....rest whenever you can...... and look forward to better things ahead. Your hair will come back and better than before !
  • the_Foxs_lady's avatar
    the_Foxs_lady
    Member
    12 years ago

    so that was why I was given a prescription?

    In all of my chemo fuzz, I didn't quite understand why I had it.

    and I NEVER thought of it as a positive....against all of the negatives that we seem to be up against.......

    Thanks Cape tribber for being so informative.

  • Bearteggie's avatar
    Bearteggie
    Member
    12 years ago

    I haven't introduced myself to this group but I too was diagnosed in November as Triple Negative.  

    I have cried a river but mostly in the shower when I am alone.  I like Mandy am almost at the end of chemo (2 more Doctaxel to go).  I have had some dramas along the way but that was with my PICC line which needed to be removed.  Other than that the only side effects I have experienced are fatigue, bone pain and a few ulers in the mouth.  Keeping my head straight is the hardest part.  Everytime I notice something different I think the worst.

    I have managed to walk 45 mins most mornings and have a 20 min swim in the afternoons.   I make sure  I go to bed and get up at the same time every day and if I can't sleep I take a sleeping tablet.  

    Be kind to yourself and accept all the help that is offered to you.  Take pain relief and any other medication that is required to help you remain comfortable.

    All the very best with your treatment.

    Joy xx 

  • Bearteggie's avatar
    Bearteggie
    Member
    12 years ago

    I haven't introduced myself to this group but I too was diagnosed in November as Triple Negative.  

    I have cried a river but mostly in the shower when I am alone.  I like Mandy am almost at the end of chemo (2 more Doctaxel to go).  I have had some dramas along the way but that was with my PICC line which needed to be removed.  Other than that the only side effects I have experienced are fatigue, bone pain and a few ulers in the mouth.  Keeping my head straight is the hardest part.  Everytime I notice something different I think the worst.

    I have managed to walk 45 mins most mornings and have a 20 min swim in the afternoons.   I make sure  I go to bed and get up at the same time every day and if I can't sleep I take a sleeping tablet.  

    Be kind to yourself and accept all the help that is offered to you.  Take pain relief and any other medication that is required to help you remain comfortable.

    All the very best with your treatment.

    Joy xx 

  • dianne_mitsakis's avatar
    dianne_mitsakis
    Member
    12 years ago

    Thanks soooo much Sam I was starting to think I was inhuman, cause I'm not the burden type if you know what I mean.  love back to you Dianne