Just diagnosed with TNBC....Update

13

Comments

  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598

    Another Welcome
    My dx at the end of July10 was TN Stage 2B Grade 3 and my treatment has been the same as yours will be. Had lymph nodes on right side removed and 7 of 15 were positive. I'm a little better than halfway through rads and will be finishing reconstruction after that's done. I've had few issues-some nueropathy in the feet from the second round of chemo and skin issues from rads, but nothing unmanageable.
    Oh-my hair is now about 3/4 inch long! I find that exciting!
    This is a great place to get info and support!

    Double post

    Double post
  • jnl
    jnl Member Posts: 3,869 Member

    I know exactly what you mean
    I know exactly what you mean about "all our feelings" because I'm good 99% of the time, then that 1% thought comes...."we're going to beat this right?!?!"! I know it's normal, especially since I just found out last month. I've only done one treatment and am anxious to get a couple of more under my belt.

    Thanks for the the kudos on the wig! My co-workers were totally freaked out by my MAJOR change! Amazingly enough, no one realized it was a wig! :o)

    Has anyone use the free house cleaning service available to us? My daughter just sent me a link, but I haven't had a chance to check it out....

    Hugs Everyone!

    Hugs and a big welcome to
    Hugs and a big welcome to you Janelle! You look beautiful!

    Leeza
  • Brooklynchele
    Brooklynchele Member Posts: 123
    TNBC too
    I was diagnosed last summer with Stage IIB. I turned 44 the day before my first chemo treatment. I've had a lumpectomy and then a partial mastectomy since the surgeon didn't get clear margins. No node involvement. I did 2 rounds of Taxotere/Cytoxen before I stopped chemo. I did not do radiation b/c of other medical concerns. I have been considering a double mastectomy as suggested by my surgeon but believe I will hold off on the surgery. I also got BRCA tested for my daughter. Fortunately the test was negative.

    There is life after treatment. I am happy to report that my once stick-straight jet black hair is coming in medium brown and curly!

    Hang in there because you WILL get through this.

    Michele
  • DianeBC
    DianeBC Member Posts: 3,881 Member
    camul said:

    Welcome
    Welcome, I have only been on this site for about 3 months, but the pink sisters have been such a support and wealth of information.

    Prayers are with you as you begin your journey.
    Carol

    Praying for you and I am
    Praying for you and I am glad you found this site of pink sisters!


    Hugs, Diane
  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598

    With all these replies....I
    With all these replies....I have no doubt I have come to the right place! Thank you all for the warm Welcome and Support!

    I look forward to talking and getting to know you better! I hope that I will be able to help you too!

    You are at the right place
    You are at the right place for support Janelle! We are a friendly group, as, I think you noticed. LOL


    Hugs, Lex
  • beetle25
    beetle25 Member Posts: 150 Member

    TNBC too
    I was diagnosed last summer with Stage IIB. I turned 44 the day before my first chemo treatment. I've had a lumpectomy and then a partial mastectomy since the surgeon didn't get clear margins. No node involvement. I did 2 rounds of Taxotere/Cytoxen before I stopped chemo. I did not do radiation b/c of other medical concerns. I have been considering a double mastectomy as suggested by my surgeon but believe I will hold off on the surgery. I also got BRCA tested for my daughter. Fortunately the test was negative.

    There is life after treatment. I am happy to report that my once stick-straight jet black hair is coming in medium brown and curly!

    Hang in there because you WILL get through this.

    Michele

    TNBC also
    Glad you posted so sorry that you have to be here. I was also 45 at diagnosis. I finished chemo in June, then had surgery followed by radiation which I finished in October. Just had my port removed and am doing very well. I had 6 treatments of TAC had some difficutly with the first two treatments, as a result they had to reduce the chemo by 25% for two of the drugs and left the one drug at the same dosage. Not that the rest of the treatments were a breese but they were better. My hair started to return following the last treatment came in fast and then quite growing for the most part. Unfortunetly mine came in white. My Onco keeps telling me how good I look with the white hair. Bad part is that sometimes I get asked if I get the senior discount. The treatments are not necessarly easy but they are very doable and you will get through it all.

    Hang in there

    (((( hugs)_)))
    Beetle
  • LauraCarter
    LauraCarter Member Posts: 5

    TNBC too
    I was diagnosed last summer with Stage IIB. I turned 44 the day before my first chemo treatment. I've had a lumpectomy and then a partial mastectomy since the surgeon didn't get clear margins. No node involvement. I did 2 rounds of Taxotere/Cytoxen before I stopped chemo. I did not do radiation b/c of other medical concerns. I have been considering a double mastectomy as suggested by my surgeon but believe I will hold off on the surgery. I also got BRCA tested for my daughter. Fortunately the test was negative.

    There is life after treatment. I am happy to report that my once stick-straight jet black hair is coming in medium brown and curly!

    Hang in there because you WILL get through this.

    Michele

    Hi, also new to this site...
    Just found this site . I was diagnosed a yr ago this month with BC at age 49. The tumor was in rt. breast and 2cm , no node involvement, her2 neg., estrogen fed. My BRCA was also negative. So that means I got this cancer environmentally not genetically. Had lumpectomy and radiation & taking FEMARA for five years. Anyway, a little confused why your bc was stage 11B if no node involvement and also why the rounds of Taxotere/Cytoxen? My breast surgeon was also suggesting a double mastectomy for me but my oncologist thought it was not necessary ("over kill")and a second opinion confirmed that. Therefore, did not have the mastectomy -thank goodness.
    Guess I sometimes wonder why no chemo, when I read about others with similar bc types and stages who did have some.
    I have sort of made peace with my cancer and stopped investing so much of my time and energy into the fear of it. Still scary if I think about it too much, so I don't. Try to concentrate on getting healthier, stronger and wiser, which is a lot to think about :-)
    Hope you are doing well. Here's to remission forever!
    Laura
  • janelle2011
    janelle2011 Member Posts: 21

    Hi, also new to this site...
    Just found this site . I was diagnosed a yr ago this month with BC at age 49. The tumor was in rt. breast and 2cm , no node involvement, her2 neg., estrogen fed. My BRCA was also negative. So that means I got this cancer environmentally not genetically. Had lumpectomy and radiation & taking FEMARA for five years. Anyway, a little confused why your bc was stage 11B if no node involvement and also why the rounds of Taxotere/Cytoxen? My breast surgeon was also suggesting a double mastectomy for me but my oncologist thought it was not necessary ("over kill")and a second opinion confirmed that. Therefore, did not have the mastectomy -thank goodness.
    Guess I sometimes wonder why no chemo, when I read about others with similar bc types and stages who did have some.
    I have sort of made peace with my cancer and stopped investing so much of my time and energy into the fear of it. Still scary if I think about it too much, so I don't. Try to concentrate on getting healthier, stronger and wiser, which is a lot to think about :-)
    Hope you are doing well. Here's to remission forever!
    Laura

    Thanks Beetle! I think I am
    Thanks Beetle! I think I am about ready to stop checking out my "chances" and just hang-out here with people going through what I'm going through and survivors! It's nothing but positive, even when it may be tough!

    Laura...I'm actually Stage 3 with Node positive, so they are giving my Adriamycin/Cytoxan for 4 treatments, then Taxol for another 4 treatments. My tumor is large, so they want to shrink it as much as possible before surgery. My tumor didn't show up on my mammorgram or the ultra sound, so I really don't want to chance going through this again, so I'm having the bi-lateral.

    I've started checking out all the "healthy" options in food and life and you're right...that takes a lot of time! There is soooo much info, that it occupies most of my free time now! It's nice not thinking about my new life....for now.

    I have my second treatment next week. I'm really excited because my doctor says we should be able to feel the tumor shrinking by the third treatment! I'll be one closer! :o)

    Also, I just wanted to let everyone know that I found these wonderful caps! They're 96% Cotton and 4% Lycra. They are great for around the house, sleeping and under scarfs/hats...I just love mine! I ordered them from a 25 or 30 yr survivor named Ruth Klampart. You can visit her website at www.slumbercap.com or her number is 1-888-326-1818. It was much cheaper to go directly through her than the store.
  • missingtexas
    missingtexas Member Posts: 146

    Thanks Beetle! I think I am
    Thanks Beetle! I think I am about ready to stop checking out my "chances" and just hang-out here with people going through what I'm going through and survivors! It's nothing but positive, even when it may be tough!

    Laura...I'm actually Stage 3 with Node positive, so they are giving my Adriamycin/Cytoxan for 4 treatments, then Taxol for another 4 treatments. My tumor is large, so they want to shrink it as much as possible before surgery. My tumor didn't show up on my mammorgram or the ultra sound, so I really don't want to chance going through this again, so I'm having the bi-lateral.

    I've started checking out all the "healthy" options in food and life and you're right...that takes a lot of time! There is soooo much info, that it occupies most of my free time now! It's nice not thinking about my new life....for now.

    I have my second treatment next week. I'm really excited because my doctor says we should be able to feel the tumor shrinking by the third treatment! I'll be one closer! :o)

    Also, I just wanted to let everyone know that I found these wonderful caps! They're 96% Cotton and 4% Lycra. They are great for around the house, sleeping and under scarfs/hats...I just love mine! I ordered them from a 25 or 30 yr survivor named Ruth Klampart. You can visit her website at www.slumbercap.com or her number is 1-888-326-1818. It was much cheaper to go directly through her than the store.

    Hi Janelle!! I was Estrogen
    Hi Janelle!! I was Estrogen recept + but otherwise pretty similar. I'm 39. 8.8cm tumor. Positive nodes. Stage 3 and grade 3. I received adriam, cytoxan and taxotere all together for a total of 6 treatments. Bilateral mastectomy (3 nodes positive). 33 radiation treatments. They could not even feel my tumor by the 3rd chemo treatment. :) Keep the positive attitude (and stay off the sites that give statistics!!!)!! March 15th is the one year anniversary of my diagnosis...believe it or not, this year went pretty fast. Sending hugs your way.
    Dana
  • janelle2011
    janelle2011 Member Posts: 21

    Hi Janelle!! I was Estrogen
    Hi Janelle!! I was Estrogen recept + but otherwise pretty similar. I'm 39. 8.8cm tumor. Positive nodes. Stage 3 and grade 3. I received adriam, cytoxan and taxotere all together for a total of 6 treatments. Bilateral mastectomy (3 nodes positive). 33 radiation treatments. They could not even feel my tumor by the 3rd chemo treatment. :) Keep the positive attitude (and stay off the sites that give statistics!!!)!! March 15th is the one year anniversary of my diagnosis...believe it or not, this year went pretty fast. Sending hugs your way.
    Dana

    Hey missingtexas! I'm from
    Hey missingtexas! I'm from Texas and you missed a BEAUTIFUL day today! :o)

    Congratulations on the completion of your treatment! That is so reassuring....one year...WOW, that's pretty cool!

    33 raditation treatments?!?!?! I had no idea....they haven't really spoke to me about my radiation, but that seems like a lot! I don't really care, as long as it keeps the cancer away! :o)

    Did you opt for reconstruction? I'm not near there yet, but keep going back and forth.

    Thanks for the words of encouragement! I sometimes wonder if I'm being naive with the positive attitude, but then I really can't think of being anything else!

    Really, Congratulation again....that is so wonderful!
  • missingtexas
    missingtexas Member Posts: 146

    Hey missingtexas! I'm from
    Hey missingtexas! I'm from Texas and you missed a BEAUTIFUL day today! :o)

    Congratulations on the completion of your treatment! That is so reassuring....one year...WOW, that's pretty cool!

    33 raditation treatments?!?!?! I had no idea....they haven't really spoke to me about my radiation, but that seems like a lot! I don't really care, as long as it keeps the cancer away! :o)

    Did you opt for reconstruction? I'm not near there yet, but keep going back and forth.

    Thanks for the words of encouragement! I sometimes wonder if I'm being naive with the positive attitude, but then I really can't think of being anything else!

    Really, Congratulation again....that is so wonderful!

    I SOOOOO miss TX...we're in
    I SOOOOO miss TX...we're in Kentucky now but I think that is about to change as well. 33 treatments...yeah, I was a little shocked as well!! That part goes super fast! Definitely the easiest part you will do. I opted for a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy for a hundred different reasons. I was advised by several doctors to do delayed reconstruction so I am actually just now starting to get going with that. The doctors felt that I would have better results if I waited until the radiation was completed, however, I've read lots of posts on here about women doing immediate even though they were having radiation. I will say that following my mastectomy when I saw the end result, I told my husband that if for any reason I could not have reconstruction, I would really be ok with that.
    Don't ever lose that positive attitude! I feel the same way as you...is there really any other way to be????
  • linpsu
    linpsu Member Posts: 747
    tumor shrunk with chemo
    Just wanted to let you know that my original 8 cm. tumor shrunk to less than 1/2 cm. with the adriamycin and cytoxan every two weeks, then 4 dose-dense Taxol as well, and then I had the surgery to remove the implant and remaining breast tissue that wasn't removed 2 years ago. Then 33 rounds of chemo, which is pretty typical - I've mostly heard 29 - 42 rounds is common. It goes quickly, and I didn't have too much trouble except burning and blistering near the end. You will do great, and while it's hard to believe right now, it will be over before you know it.
  • DianeBC
    DianeBC Member Posts: 3,881 Member

    Hi Janelle!! I was Estrogen
    Hi Janelle!! I was Estrogen recept + but otherwise pretty similar. I'm 39. 8.8cm tumor. Positive nodes. Stage 3 and grade 3. I received adriam, cytoxan and taxotere all together for a total of 6 treatments. Bilateral mastectomy (3 nodes positive). 33 radiation treatments. They could not even feel my tumor by the 3rd chemo treatment. :) Keep the positive attitude (and stay off the sites that give statistics!!!)!! March 15th is the one year anniversary of my diagnosis...believe it or not, this year went pretty fast. Sending hugs your way.
    Dana

    Congrats to you Dana on your
    Congrats to you Dana on your cancerversary!
  • Noel
    Noel Member Posts: 3,095 Member
    sparkle1 said:

    Welcome. You've come to the
    Welcome. You've come to the right place for knowledge, love and support. This is a wonderful board where you can really be yourself and let your joys and fears be known. We have all been there in one way or another. I find sharing and learning will keep you positive and fighting. Again welcome.
    Sparkle

    Welcoming you to this great
    Welcoming you to this great site also and wishing you the best of luck.


    Hugs, Noel
  • janelle2011
    janelle2011 Member Posts: 21
    linpsu said:

    tumor shrunk with chemo
    Just wanted to let you know that my original 8 cm. tumor shrunk to less than 1/2 cm. with the adriamycin and cytoxan every two weeks, then 4 dose-dense Taxol as well, and then I had the surgery to remove the implant and remaining breast tissue that wasn't removed 2 years ago. Then 33 rounds of chemo, which is pretty typical - I've mostly heard 29 - 42 rounds is common. It goes quickly, and I didn't have too much trouble except burning and blistering near the end. You will do great, and while it's hard to believe right now, it will be over before you know it.

    Thank you for letting me
    Thank you for letting me know about your tumor shrinking too! I think that is the one sign I'm really looking forward to....it'll give me peace of mind that the chemo IS working! :o)

    I'm sorry your cancer returned, but the good news is you KNOW you're going to be okay! I saw my surgeon last week and made a comment that "they" wouldn't be around long....he said we'll see! I thought, no way....these babies are gone! I've read too much about reoccurrence and want to slim my chances as much as possible! Especially since I'm Triple Neg! LOL

    Hugs everyone! I really love chatting with you all! :o)
  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member

    Hey missingtexas! I'm from
    Hey missingtexas! I'm from Texas and you missed a BEAUTIFUL day today! :o)

    Congratulations on the completion of your treatment! That is so reassuring....one year...WOW, that's pretty cool!

    33 raditation treatments?!?!?! I had no idea....they haven't really spoke to me about my radiation, but that seems like a lot! I don't really care, as long as it keeps the cancer away! :o)

    Did you opt for reconstruction? I'm not near there yet, but keep going back and forth.

    Thanks for the words of encouragement! I sometimes wonder if I'm being naive with the positive attitude, but then I really can't think of being anything else!

    Really, Congratulation again....that is so wonderful!

    Try not to worry about rads
    Try not to worry about rads Janelle. You just have your surgery and focus on that and on healing.


    We are here for you!

    Sue :)
  • janelle2011
    janelle2011 Member Posts: 21
    Well, I've completed two
    Well, I've completed two teatments and will have my third treatment next Wednesday. My hair has semi fallen out....looks really bad right now, but! I went to the Look Good...Feel Better class and found it very informative and fun!

    They reduced my steriods on day 2-4 and that mad a HUGE difference! I did get all loopy or red this time. I did find that I was a little more tired on Friday though. Not having any other side effects, so that's good!

    I don't think my tumor has shrunk any though. I'll find out sure next week!

    Just wanted to check in....

    Hugs everyone!!
  • Annette 11
    Annette 11 Member Posts: 380
    I am TN also
    Welcome Janelle, Sounds like you will go through this fine. I had a bilateral mastectomy followed by 4 treatments of chemo. I didn't have many side effects except being very tired for the first week. I am TN Ductual carcinoma in both breasts.
    Hope you continue to do well. We are here for you 24/7 please keep us posted as you go through this journey.
    Annette
  • DianeBC
    DianeBC Member Posts: 3,881 Member

    Well, I've completed two
    Well, I've completed two teatments and will have my third treatment next Wednesday. My hair has semi fallen out....looks really bad right now, but! I went to the Look Good...Feel Better class and found it very informative and fun!

    They reduced my steriods on day 2-4 and that mad a HUGE difference! I did get all loopy or red this time. I did find that I was a little more tired on Friday though. Not having any other side effects, so that's good!

    I don't think my tumor has shrunk any though. I'll find out sure next week!

    Just wanted to check in....

    Hugs everyone!!

    Praying your tumor has
    Praying your tumor has shrunk Janelle. Thinking positive thoughts for you.


    Hugs, Diane
  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    checking in to see how you
    checking in to see how you are doing?

    Denise