Triple Negative Breast Cancer Support

Hi there. I was diagnosed with triple neg in April of 2009. I have had bilateral mastectomy, chemo and radiation. How are you doing after your surgery? What is your next step. What is your state of mind? I remember how terrified I was in the beginning and it seemed like each piece of news I got about my cancer was worse. I was really bummed out when I found out that it had spread to my lymph nodes! I am doing much much better now. Be sure to rest and take advantage of any help offers that you may get. I don't know if you are a religious person, but I found extreme comfort through prayer and knowing that others were praying for me. I know I am rambling. If you have any questions, let me know. I'd like to help and I will certainly keep you in my prayers.
Sue

I too was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer two weeks ago. I had a lumpectomy and just had two portals put in, I start chemo on Thurs.
I have been working with an amazing woman who is a RN and certified hypnotist. I went to her for my surgery, don't do well under anethesia. It worked like a charm, she also prepared a session on a CD to help me with the chemo.
Have you gone through the chemo yet? My doctor said it was a different group of meds than regular hormone breast cancer.
Let me know if you have any advice.

The chemo I got was 4 rounds of A/C and then 12 of Taxol. I like that you have a hypnosis tape to listen to during chemo. I did that too. Also works good to go to sleep to at night. Be really sure to keep your teeth clean. I got some mouth sores from chemo and it really hurt to brush. Actually I couldn't brush for a while cause that hurt too much. I took gauze and wiped my teeth clean. There are some little "toothpicks with bristles on" called Go Betweens made by Butler or GUM that are good for cleaning in between your teeth when flossing won't work. I had a prescription for Magic Mouthwash that kinda numbs your mouth too that helps some for mouth sores. With the A/C I really lost my appetite and energy about 2-3 days after the infusion. Just plan for a lot of rest if that happens to you. Its quite common for those drugs. I was on medical leave so I didn't have to worry about whether I felt well enough to work or not. Drink lots of water. I had a hard time with that one too. Just couldn't eat or drink anything for a few days. I felt much better when I was on Taxol, but I still have neuropathy in my fingers and toes from that and it was 10 months ago that I finished it. I guess all in all fatigue was my major symptom during chemo. I never had nausea, just a lack of appetite. The A/C was hard on my heart and caused heart function to diminish. They should watch that for you. They check what is called the ejection fraction. Mine dropped down into the 40's. I was part of a study using the drug Avastin. Because of the study, they really kept a good eye on my heart. I think that it was decided that it was the Adriamycin that caused the heart problem. It improved considerably after the A/C was completed.

Why did they put in two ports? I have one called a port-a-cath in my chest that they delivered the chemo through and also did the blood tests from it too. Nice-easier on the veins. They told me that they would leave it in for at least a year after chemo. I pray that I don't need it again.

Good luck to both of you in your cancer journey. Be sure to keep a journal. Include in it three things that you are thankful for each day. And believe me, you will always have something, even on the worst days of treatment. I was so surprised how many people told me they were praying for me each day. Surprised how many cards I got too. It makes me really want to help others who are struggling in some way. I guess we all have our struggles in this earthly life. Oh yes, if you are interested in keeping your friends and relatives informed of your progress start a site at Caringbridge.org. That really works well for me.

Sue

Thank you so much Ladies for replying and keeping me in your prayers. I finished my chemo and doing Radiation. Its been one Big ride.. I have been reading about the new drug for Iniparb. That brings some hope for us guys.
Does the Doctor prescribe any medicines after the chemo and radiation are over for Triple Negatives?

I had surgery for my left breast and have been keeping a close eye on the other breast. Lately I have been having some pain in my right breast. Do you think it is because of the radiation?

Thanks again for replying and please let me know if you need any information.