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Joanne1957's avatar
14 years ago

Triple Negative

Hi, my name is Joanne, and I was diagnosed with TNBC grade 3, on 21st May.  I am 55 years old, and really am having trouble getting my head around it.  I had my first chemo three weeks ago, and have experienced horrible panic attacks.  My oncologist gave me some medication to place under my tongue, which seem to work well, but can be very addictive.  I would like some advice on sugar cravings... does anybody else have these?  Can seem to get enough chocolate cake.  I need to stop.... help..... Joanne

4 Replies

  • Thank you Julie, it has helped greatly, having people who are walking the walk so to speak. I have some marvellous friends and family all offering support, from 'think positive' to getting rolling drunk on my floor. None of them understand the rollercoaster of emotions we face. Triple negative ? It's just cancer.... Grrrr...... Thanks again for putting into my language.... Jo
  • Thank you Serenity ...you just explained it so well. The oncologist has been wonderful in hearing my reaction to the first round of FEC. I'm now not having the Dex on the third day, he's hoping this will help, and has given the okay to use the anti anxiety tabs, as needed. Thank you for your answer. Help me immensely. Jo
  • Julie is so right - just eat what you want and listen to your body.  We all get a bit needle-phobic with blood tests and chemo.  The Cancer Council has relaxation CDs, which help you to breathe more slowly when you feel the pressure mounting, and their visualisation technique really helps as well.  I pinch the fingers of my other hand really hard - this hurts more than the needle ever does but it's okay because I am doing it to myself - go figure!

    Like you, I am also Triple Negative, diagnosed in April this year, started chemo 10th May after surgery.  If you would like to become a Contact, let me know and we can compare notes along the way.  All the very best -

    Michelle xx

  • I too have TNBC. Diagnosed March 2012.  There are a few of us in TN group of you would like to access the conversations, although I think they are all open for general reading.  I can't help with the panic attacks specifically except to say that I think we all have them.  Whether during treatment or in the middle of the night when we are insomniacs.  For myself,   I experience anxiousness and a bit of panic every treatment partially due to some complications I've experienced and partially due to the knowledge of what the treatment will bring - I dislike being sick and dependant. I now also understand that the steroids have an effect on my emotions and mental state - something I didnt realise until after my first round of chemo.  I use relaxation and meditation to work through these periods.  If your doctor had given you medicaiton that assists you accept it.  The whole BC diagnosis and treatment is very difficult and I found I had to accept help in many forms to successfully navigate treatment.  If you are concerned re addiction then address this with your doctor as well. 

    As for food and cravings - go with what is good.  First round of chemo I craved salty little things.  Now I have no taste buds from day 3 to about 8.  And when they come back nothing tastes the same.  Jelly snakes are good though on day 9.  I would kill for a good cup of tea and marmalade on toast that tastes like it should, or how I remember.  If cake is your current favourite, eat it.  When possible ensure you are also having fibre and water (chemo effects you if you dont).  If you have concerns re your diet speak with your medical team they are there to support you, to enable you to get through the treatment with as minimum stress as possible.  No question is a silly question.

    Most of all be gentle on yourself.  Take care and onwards we all go.