Triple Negative too!

Hi Sam,

I've just come across this thread, and was wondering what you discovered TN doesn't agree with. I've only just started chemo, but will be seeing my chinese herbalist and a naturopath when I finish.

Thanks!!

Penny x

The PA hospital here in brisvegas said they have already made a referral to the genetics department, don't know why you haven't Niks. It's your choice if you want to know but I thought you would have been referred. Oh hang on maybe coz you don't have the history, I have, that may explain things

Thanks so much for your reply. I have researched heaps and found ian gawker YouTube int erview then went to website. Before that I cam across Susan S Weed hippy herbal lady wrote a book on breast cancer, breast health. I ordered the herbs then said doh! I need to know more I don't wish to interfere with the chemo, only to help, so I'm on the research trail again for things a little less potent just now. Thanks so much. I will ask my breast nurse though mine doesn't seem to trip too much into those side of things, I asked about bras too recovering with my swelling and she didn't have a lot to offer either. Never mind, I think I'll get what I need to know when the time is right for me. I will have to endeavour to get here more often, you learn a lot via others. :-) may you keep feeling okay with the chemo, I start next week I believe

Hi KB,

If you find a good naturopath they will work closely with your oncologist and make sure that nothing they prescribe will interfere with your chemo drugs.  Just make sure they are both willing to work together.  Best also to check with your Oncologist.  Ask your breast care nurse if they have anyone they recommend as thats how I found mine.  I have just started reading You can Conquer Cancer by Ian Gawler.  Its very interested and has alot of helpful advice with regard to mind / body therapy, meditation and nutrition to help your body and your immune system.  His methods may seem extreme sometimes, however you can take what you need from it and apply it to you.  Just remember YOU can help yourself just as much as your medical teams.  You know your body better than anyone and sometimes its just a matter of fine tuning your intuition and consulting with experts who you feel can help you and your beliefs.  Even if all good nutrition helps with is making you feel better  then that HAS to be a good thing!  I hope I have been helpful...xxx   Nikki    So far I have had one chemo round of AC and I have had very minimal side effects if any...so far, so good :)

This has been my dilemma who to find in brisbane a person in the natural field who understands treating cancer. I have read a lot and about to start chemo soon. I want to help myself without interfering with the chemo drugs, it's all consuming and confusing. Anyone who did even simple things at home with food etc let me know please. Niks sounds like your naturopath is a great one

Thanks for your message Sam.

The oncologist told me they werent going to test me automatically for the BRCA gene as I was over 40 but I could try and request it if I wanted to.

I dont have any family history of breast cancer that I know of either.  But I think I would like to know, so will probably request it.

I am keen to just get on with it and get it done.  I cut my hair spikey short a couple of weeks ago, it was half way down my back.  Everyone seems to like it though!  My kids are quite excited about my baldness, they are looking forward to sticking stickers on me i think. 

I am glad to hear that you are past all the hard stuff and that you can get on with other, happier, things in your life now!

Cheers Sam

Nikk x

 

Fellow TNBC sista here. I found my lump last May, so I'm happy to say, for now, I'm at the end of my detour. I'm 41, was stage 3, no nodes involved. I did 3 months on AC & 3 months on Paclitaxel....was scary going in, but not the horror story I was expecting. Half way through chemo, I found out I was BRCA1 positive, so I cancelled radiation & had a hysterectomy, oophorectomy, bilateral matectomy & reconstruction....what a mouth full! My last op was almost 9 weeks ago, 4 weeks ago I got the all clear on my pathology.

My advice.....Keep away from Dr Google....he knows bugger all about TNBC. Drink heaps of water & be very strict with the mouth wash, I spent months with a mouth full of ulcers. 

Day 14 after the 1st dose seems to be the day that your hair will start to really fall out. I shaved mine before chemo started, back while I was still in control. My kids 6 & 14 helped me shave it to a level 2. I think it prevented any shock they my have had once I was shiney (Homer) bald.

I'm with Michelle re: the natropath, sounds like you have it covered, but there are loads of thing out there that TN doesn't agree with. I was really quite shocked. My onc took me off everything but Vitamin C.

Wishing you all the very best in the coming months, yell out if there's anything else I can tell you about chemo side effects....I think I had them all!

Hugs, Sam xoxoxoxox

Thanks so much for your reply Michelle.  I was a bit excited to see I had received a message!  So thank you for your kind words. 

My naturopath was referred to me by my breast care nurse and I spoke to my oncologist before meeting with her.  He knew of her and was happy for us to meet.  She communicates directly with him and will update him on any herbal medicines she prescribes and he will forward the results of my blood tests so she can alter her perscriptions also..  I am fortunate that she specialises in cancer care patients and was previously a cancer care nurse and midwife. 

I am confident that their treatments will compliment each other.  It gives me peace of mind also that I am doing my best 'naturally' also.  I am a bit of a health nut anyway!  Which makes it all the more frustrating to receive the diagnosis!!  Obviously cancer isnt fussy :)  I agree about not googling too much, its highly frustrating!

Once again, thank you and I look forward to chatting online :)   

Nikki x

There are a lot of us with TNBC here, all ages, and at various stages of treatment, so I am sure you will receive plenty of posts.  Things have moved so quickly for you - your head must be spinning - but we call this journey a roller coaster for good reasons!

You will find loads of information on this site and in the My Journey books - just order from this site - they are free and have a goldmine of information including TNBC.  Try not to Google too much as there is a lot of misinformation out there.

One thing I would mention - please check all the supplements you are taking with your Oncologist before you start chemo, as some can interfere with treatment. 

I am so sorry you are joining us, but glad that you will find so much support here onsite.  Take things one day at a time and try not to look too far ahead - it is easier to cope.  We have been right where you are at the moment, and understand how you are feeling.  Come online to vent or talk or ask questions - someone will always be here.

Stay strong and take care of yourself.  I hope chemo is as kind to you as it was to me.  Big hugs,  Michelle xx