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NayD's avatar
NayD
Member
11 years ago

New to all this - TNBC

Hi Ladies, This is my very first post, so hoping it works..lol I'm quite scared and still trying to get my head around being diagnosed with Stage2b, grade3 TN. I was diagnosed New Years eve, so 2015 wasn't a great start for me. I have had to wait for a left breast mastectomy and full lymph node clearance until tomorrow 5/1/15. I'm scared about not knowing what to expect for the operation and chemo etc, however even more scarey is that I've had a dear friend diagnosised with TNBC in June last year and her treatment path seems to be so different to mine (She was involved in a clinical trial and six months later NED, now she doesn't need a full mastectomy) How do you know if you are making the right decision for treatment? Nay

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  • ashelvo's avatar
    ashelvo
    Member
    11 years ago
    Big hugs to you Nay. I agree with Michelle in taking everything one day at a time, it's worked for me. I don't get too far ahead of myself and find it easier to deal with the here and now. I too didn't find the surgery painful but make sure you get yourself a great lymphadeoma physio for afterwards. Is hard not to compare your treatment with others, especially being diagnosed with the same breast cancer, but everybody is unique. Write down your questions and take them with you to your doctor. I hope you have recovered well from your surgery. Anne xxoo
  • Gert's avatar
    Gert
    Member
    11 years ago
    Hi Nad, nice to see you have found the site, it is scary at the time especially if you don't know anyone else with the same diagnosis. I was diagnosed 2013 had surgery and 16 rounds chemo then 25 rads but you take each day slowly and be good to yourself and soon it will be all over . Will be thinking of you love Gert xxx
  • Gert's avatar
    Gert
    Member
    11 years ago
    Hi Nad, nice to see you have found the site, it is scary at the time especially if you don't know anyone else with the same diagnosis. I was diagnosed 2013 had surgery and 16 rounds chemo then 25 rads but you take each day slowly and be good to yourself and soon it will be all over . Will be thinking of you love Gert xxx
  • Michelle_R's avatar
    Michelle_R
    Member
    11 years ago

    So glad you have found our TNBC Group, but sorry you have to join us.  You will find lots of information and support here.

    The waiting is the worst part  - now your surgery day has arrived, and you will have a much clearer diagnosis - and a plan of action for your treatment.  TNBC is nearly always Grade 3 when we are first diagnosed - it is aggressive, and most of us have a mastectomy.  (I had a bilateral as a preventative measure.)  The operation was surprisingly pain-free and I was home again after a few days and just taking Panadol.  I started a Diary with notes of timetables for pills, pains and appointments, also doing the arm exercises which you will be given.  Try to do as much as gently as you can - it makes such a difference down the track.

    Keep copies of your Pathology Report and file them with all your history since diagnosis - it is helpful to know as much as possible later on, as our brains don't function too well when we are still in shock from being diagnosed.  It is better when your team has decided on your program of treatments - just take one day at a time, and don't look too far ahead.  You will get through this.  Chemo is do-able and was not as bad as I expected.  I also had 28 rads, but your doctors will decide if you need it.

    Just one step at a time, Nay.  Tomorrow your first and biggest hurdle - surgery - will be over!  Thinking of you and sending a hug.  Stay in touch.

    Michelle xxx

     

  • Michelle_R's avatar
    Michelle_R
    Member
    11 years ago

    So glad you have found our TNBC Group, but sorry you have to join us.  You will find lots of information and support here.

    The waiting is the worst part  - now your surgery day has arrived, and you will have a much clearer diagnosis - and a plan of action for your treatment.  TNBC is nearly always Grade 3 when we are first diagnosed - it is aggressive, and most of us have a mastectomy.  (I had a bilateral as a preventative measure.)  The operation was surprisingly pain-free and I was home again after a few days and just taking Panadol.  I started a Diary with notes of timetables for pills, pains and appointments, also doing the arm exercises which you will be given.  Try to do as much as gently as you can - it makes such a difference down the track.

    Keep copies of your Pathology Report and file them with all your history since diagnosis - it is helpful to know as much as possible later on, as our brains don't function too well when we are still in shock from being diagnosed.  It is better when your team has decided on your program of treatments - just take one day at a time, and don't look too far ahead.  You will get through this.  Chemo is do-able and was not as bad as I expected.  I also had 28 rads, but your doctors will decide if you need it.

    Just one step at a time, Nay.  Tomorrow your first and biggest hurdle - surgery - will be over!  Thinking of you and sending a hug.  Stay in touch.

    Michelle xxx

     

  • Michelle_R's avatar
    Michelle_R
    Member
    11 years ago

    So glad you have found our TNBC Group, but sorry you have to join us.  You will find lots of information and support here.

    The waiting is the worst part  - now your surgery day has arrived, and you will have a much clearer diagnosis - and a plan of action for your treatment.  TNBC is nearly always Grade 3 when we are first diagnosed - it is aggressive, and most of us have a mastectomy.  (I had a bilateral as a preventative measure.)  The operation was surprisingly pain-free and I was home again after a few days and just taking Panadol.  I started a Diary with notes of timetables for pills, pains and appointments, also doing the arm exercises which you will be given.  Try to do as much as gently as you can - it makes such a difference down the track.

    Keep copies of your Pathology Report and file them with all your history since diagnosis - it is helpful to know as much as possible later on, as our brains don't function too well when we are still in shock from being diagnosed.  It is better when your team has decided on your program of treatments - just take one day at a time, and don't look too far ahead.  You will get through this.  Chemo is do-able and was not as bad as I expected.  I also had 28 rads, but your doctors will decide if you need it.

    Just one step at a time, Nay.  Tomorrow your first and biggest hurdle - surgery - will be over!  Thinking of you and sending a hug.  Stay in touch.

    Michelle xxx