TNBC

Hi Nicky,

 

I just wanted to say thank you for taking to time to write to me.  A month ago, I was breastfeeding my baby girl and found a lump in my breast, which escalated to tests, scans, biopsy's, surgery then more surgery and found it was stage 11a triple negative breast cancer, 3.4 cm, no lymph node involvement and hasn't spread to other parts of my body.  No family history and lead a pretty healthy life.

 

Now, I'm about to start 3 rounds of FEC than 3 rounds of Docetaxel, than 6 weeks of rads.  I've been told my hope of having another baby are minimal, and I'm currently preparing for my baby's first birthday and wondering how my life has got here.  I remember where I was a year ago, and I am struggling to cope with my immediate future.

I try to stop my mind racing away and I find it really hard to slow it down and deal with the present.  I don't know what to expect as everyone seems to have a different opinion and story.  Sorry if I'm rambling, I just don't know where to start.  I've tried with a cancer counsellor, but I want to chat with people who are dealing with the same issues and have walked in my shoes.  So thank you again for your response, I'd love to know how your started your journey of dealing with this 4 years ago.

 

love mel

 

 

Hi Mel,

Firstly BIG HUGS being sent your way! It certainly is a hard and confusing time and some days you wonder, why me! But I want you to know there is wonderful support out there, and the most amazing women!I was diagnosed 4yrs ago this Oct at age 31 and I was triple negative as well, this will certainly be a chapter in your life which you never thought would be and from my own personal experience I hope you have a support group where you live to become apart of.I found just being able to talk, share and just have coffee and gossip with women who have been and are going through the BC journey so valuable.

The next best thing is  the BCNA site, I wish when I was going through treatment the blogs had been here for those nights when you just cant sleep because the minds racing.The BCNA team are wonderful, Ive been lucky enough to become a liaison and spend time with some of them at the young womens conference last year, they make you feel like your part of their extended family.Then there are the women who are sharing their personal stories like you who are recently diagnosed as well as the survivors who want to help support you. I now often stop and think how crazy it is that something as terrible as cancer has led me to meeting so many amazing ladies and now great friends.

Hang in there Mel, If I can help you in anyway let me know

Take Care Nicky xx