Just diagnosed with TNBC....Update

janelle2011

I was looking for something about TNBC and found this forum. I'm so glad I did because I was feeling the end was closer than the beginning of my treatment.

I started my treatment last week. I really didn't have any side effects, except for the steriods. I will do 4 treatments, every other week of A/C, then 4 treatments, every other week of Taxol. Then I will have a bilateral and radiation.

I donated my hair to Locks of Love....shaved the rest and will go to work with my new wig. I haven't told a lot of people at work, but I'm sure they'll know soon enough! Especially, since I was a long curly blonde and now I'm a very short straight auburn! LOL

I hate that I have to go through his, but it is what it is....I was just glad to see that the outlook wasn't so gloomed for me afterall.

I look forward to getting to go through this with such a great support group! )

linpsu

Welcome
Welcome Janelle, to the club we'd never want to be a part of. But you have found a wonderful place to ask questions, vent, and get tons of support from the lovely ladies who have been through all of this (or are going through it now). I too am TN and my course of treatment was exactly like yours. I am now 8 months out from chemo, 4 months since my last rads, and am currently feeling and doing fine. I was also DX at Stage 3C, grade 3. I am older than you, though, 59. I got so much support and information from everyone here whenever I had questions or concerns, or side effects that my oncologist had never heard of. I always knew that someone here would have experienced the very same thing and would be able to ease my mind, which they did on many, many occasions. This site was (and continues to be) so important to me.
Hugs, Linda

carkris

Janelle welcome to this
Janelle welcome to this site. You will find there are many triple negative women here. I am sure they will post. You seem to have a great attitude. ask any questions, someone usually has an answer. The people here are a lovely and kind sisterhood.

pokrydi

Welcome I am tnbc stage 2
Welcome I am tnbc stage 2 had lumpectomy and 21 lymph nods taken out 2 positive on 1/14/11 and more tissue taken 2/8/11 and port put in. Had 1st chemo this past thurs was rough but getter better. In the short time joining I have learned so much and you will feel the benefits of the positive people on this site. Sounds like we are following the same pattern I have 4 of the a/c every other week then 4 of the taxol then radiation. I will be 50 in august. Welcome hope I can help you thru this. Diane

CR1954

Janelle...
My BC was different than yours, but I had mastectomy, lymph nodes, then A/C chemo. Then Abraxane (Taxol cousin) and then Herceptin infusions for a year because I was HER-2+. Also had rads.
I know that others here have been treated for your particular type of BC, so I'm sure you will hear from them.

Just want to welcome you and to reiterate that we all support and encourage each other here. I think you have come to the right place.

Hugs,
CR

janelle2011

linpsu said:

Welcome
Welcome Janelle, to the club we'd never want to be a part of. But you have found a wonderful place to ask questions, vent, and get tons of support from the lovely ladies who have been through all of this (or are going through it now). I too am TN and my course of treatment was exactly like yours. I am now 8 months out from chemo, 4 months since my last rads, and am currently feeling and doing fine. I was also DX at Stage 3C, grade 3. I am older than you, though, 59. I got so much support and information from everyone here whenever I had questions or concerns, or side effects that my oncologist had never heard of. I always knew that someone here would have experienced the very same thing and would be able to ease my mind, which they did on many, many occasions. This site was (and continues to be) so important to me.
Hugs, Linda

Thank You
Thank you for responding so quickly! I've been reading the post all afternoon and finally decided to write. I'm still new to this and go back and forth with the emotions of survival. I really believe that this isn't a death sentence, but it's so hard to believe that it isn't too.

I don't really know what I need or want right now, but am glad I took the first step. I was really looking forward to any input someone was willing to share!

Thanks again! )

janelle2011

pokrydi said:

Welcome I am tnbc stage 2
Welcome I am tnbc stage 2 had lumpectomy and 21 lymph nods taken out 2 positive on 1/14/11 and more tissue taken 2/8/11 and port put in. Had 1st chemo this past thurs was rough but getter better. In the short time joining I have learned so much and you will feel the benefits of the positive people on this site. Sounds like we are following the same pattern I have 4 of the a/c every other week then 4 of the taxol then radiation. I will be 50 in august. Welcome hope I can help you thru this. Diane

I started my chemo last
I started my chemo last Wednesday....I'm really excited to meet someone on the same schedule! I hear that the side effects hit more so later, but I hope not! I would like to keep in touch, if you don't mind....

I'm really excited about all the "Welcome"s....I need all of you! :0)

MAJW

Triple, also...
Welcome Janelle...I am so sorry about the reason you found us...but glad you did....this discussion board helped me maintain what little sanity I had left when diagnosed! I am triple negative, Stage II.... I went from stage I to II during the lumpectomy, due to the size...bigger than they anticipated..
2.2 cm. Clean margins and no lymph node involvement. I then had 4 chemo infusions of Taxotere/Cytoxan, then 6 1/2 weeks of radiation..I was dx. In April,2009. I am 17 months out of all treatment, my energy has returned almost 100% have had 4 haircuts and back to enjoying life.

Please keep us posted on your progress..we're a wealth of information, WE GET IT, we understand and we care!
Wishing you peace and comfort as your journey continues...
Nancy

janelle2011

CR1954 said:

Janelle...
My BC was different than yours, but I had mastectomy, lymph nodes, then A/C chemo. Then Abraxane (Taxol cousin) and then Herceptin infusions for a year because I was HER-2+. Also had rads.
I know that others here have been treated for your particular type of BC, so I'm sure you will hear from them.

Just want to welcome you and to reiterate that we all support and encourage each other here. I think you have come to the right place.

Hugs,
CR

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!

PinkPearl

Welcome!
I am so glad you found this site because everyone really does care and there is usually someone who can help with any question or frustration you have through this journey. I have a different diagnosis and treatment right now, but I too have problems with the steriods. Hope yours are resolved. You have a great attitude and that will carry you a long way!

janelle2011

MAJW said:

Triple, also...
Welcome Janelle...I am so sorry about the reason you found us...but glad you did....this discussion board helped me maintain what little sanity I had left when diagnosed! I am triple negative, Stage II.... I went from stage I to II during the lumpectomy, due to the size...bigger than they anticipated..
2.2 cm. Clean margins and no lymph node involvement. I then had 4 chemo infusions of Taxotere/Cytoxan, then 6 1/2 weeks of radiation..I was dx. In April,2009. I am 17 months out of all treatment, my energy has returned almost 100% have had 4 haircuts and back to enjoying life.

Please keep us posted on your progress..we're a wealth of information, WE GET IT, we understand and we care!
Wishing you peace and comfort as your journey continues...
Nancy

I love the "4 haircuts"!!!
I
I love the "4 haircuts"!!!

I actually have 1 lymph node that was swollen and tested postive, but I don't know about any of the others....I guess it really doesn't matter at this point. They said treatment was the same for Stage II or III....I just happened to get bumped!!

I feel blessed already...

GayleMc

PinkPearl said:

Welcome!
I am so glad you found this site because everyone really does care and there is usually someone who can help with any question or frustration you have through this journey. I have a different diagnosis and treatment right now, but I too have problems with the steriods. Hope yours are resolved. You have a great attitude and that will carry you a long way!

I have a different diagnosis
I have a different diagnosis and am older than you, but wanted to welcome you. You will find so much support and information here. By the way, if your photo is with your wig, it looks great!!!

Clementine_P

janelle2011 said:

I love the "4 haircuts"!!!
I
I love the "4 haircuts"!!!

I actually have 1 lymph node that was swollen and tested postive, but I don't know about any of the others....I guess it really doesn't matter at this point. They said treatment was the same for Stage II or III....I just happened to get bumped!!

I feel blessed already...

Hi Janelle
So sorry you got this life changing diagnosis. I didn't have TNBC but had the exact same chemo as you on the same schedule - and I am 40. I finished up in September with chemo and also had a bilateral mastectomy (but had the mastectomies first before chemo). If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I want you to know that you can do this. You already have one treatment under your belt. You will be okay.

Stay Strong!

Clementine

janelle2011

Clementine_P said:

Hi Janelle
So sorry you got this life changing diagnosis. I didn't have TNBC but had the exact same chemo as you on the same schedule - and I am 40. I finished up in September with chemo and also had a bilateral mastectomy (but had the mastectomies first before chemo). If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I want you to know that you can do this. You already have one treatment under your belt. You will be okay.

Stay Strong!

Clementine

Thank you....your story is
Thank you....your story is definitely encouraging! I'm just amazed at how many people are affected and yetso supportive!

I'm looking forward to seeing the majic of the chemo....not sure how long until there are signs that the cancer is dying, but I hope it's sooner than later!

Seems like when you're first diagnosed, everything just keeps coming back bad. The only good news I've recevied was that I was BRAC NEG...I have one daughter and that was the best news I could've asked for...next to being cured! :0)

I know where to go if I need anything!!

Wow!

aysemari

Welcome Janelle
And can I say, how impressed I am by your wonderful attitude.
You got it going on (:

This is an amazing group of women and men, who will give you
advice, support and a chuckle or two here and there.

You figured it out from the get go, it is what it is!

Hugs,
Ayse

Miss Murphy

Welcome
I didn't have Triple Neg - mine is estrogen positive and I'm a three year vet. But in spite of our differences, we're still in the same boat. This board is great- always someone to answer any question you may have. I'm sorry you had to find us but glad you did! I did have a masectomy so if you have any questions about that I'll be happy to help.
I only wish the best for you as you go thru your treatment.

Hugs, Sally

fauxma

Miss Murphy said:

Welcome
I didn't have Triple Neg - mine is estrogen positive and I'm a three year vet. But in spite of our differences, we're still in the same boat. This board is great- always someone to answer any question you may have. I'm sorry you had to find us but glad you did! I did have a masectomy so if you have any questions about that I'll be happy to help.
I only wish the best for you as you go thru your treatment.

Hugs, Sally

Welcome to the best site
Welcome to the best site that you never wanted to have to come to. We are here for you whenever you need us. And it won't be long before you are reaching out and helping others cause that's how it is with us. My prayers are that your treatments cause as little discomfort as possible.
Stef

ladyg

Just want to welcome you.
My dx is different than yours but we are all still here together. You will be glad you found this site. I know I am. There is a lot of informantion and support to be had here. And if you just want to vent you will find we are good listeners too. Just remember You Can Do This!

Hugs,
Georgia

Lighthouse_7

ladyg said:

Just want to welcome you.
My dx is different than yours but we are all still here together. You will be glad you found this site. I know I am. There is a lot of informantion and support to be had here. And if you just want to vent you will find we are good listeners too. Just remember You Can Do This!

Hugs,
Georgia

Just wanted to welcome
Just wanted to welcome you!
Hugs,
Wanda

midnight10

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!

mom62

stay strong
Hi,

You will make it through no worries. Be strong and you will get through this and some day even feel normal again. It will change your life but in a good way. We are here for you always.

Terry