Stage 3 Triple Negative Breast Cancer

Hello @kevachanel38 I am sure you are just a mess right now with emotions running high. I remember what it was like when I was diagnosed in my 30’s, although I am not triple negative. 💕
Since you are starting chemo, I wanted to speak to that. It is so frightening because we don’t know what to expect, I was terrified. Truthfully, it was awful but not painful and really the worst was only 3-5 days at a time, and with all of the stuff that went with it for me, it wasn’t half as bad as I feared. My biggest fear is always uncontrollable pain, and there was very little pain involved.
I took Taxol , Adriamycin, and Cytoxin so there was some nausea, a fair amount of fatigue and I was as bald as the day I was born. I am not vain, quite the opposite so the bald meant nothing to me. I can say the nausea meds have improved considerably since I took chemo.
All the chemo drugs are different, and they affect every patient differently but some things are really expected.
Do you know what drugs you will be on and what your regimen will be yet?

It is the right treatment for triple neg.First chemo then surgery/radiation if needed.

Yes it is scary at first. Once you start treatment you will no more what to expect. I brought a lap blanket with me, slippers to be cozy, and I brought a a book to read. I also brought water or gator ade with me. In my case 4 years ago they give you meds before that keep you from being sick. To deliver the meds I had a pic line inserted by a surgeon no need to be put to sleep for that. Some people have a port put in. Check to see if they are doing that for you it makes chemo easier. It wasn't painful and I never got sick. As for hair loss Amazon has cute chemo caps, also some clinics people donate caps. Before my first chemo they took me to the oncology pharmacist and he told me what to expect and how to take care of myself and then he led me to the treatment room. The first treatment I was so tired from worry that I fell asleep. Sending you hugs

Thank you so much for this information I really needed to hear this because I’m so scared and right now I have no idea what drugs I will be on I just know it will be once a week for 12 weeks

Thank you for this information i appreciate it

Thank you for sharing your story with me I appreciate it so much , now I have glimpse of what to expect and how to prepare, yes they are putting a port in me tomorrow, thank you for the hugs I really need them and I’m praying I can be a warrior like you

Hi @kevachanel38 - I’m sorry you are going through this. Getting the diagnoses and sorting through options (sometimes quickly) can seem so surreal.

This site is really helpful. The women here are generous to share their experiences, and the moderators are smart, compassionate, and experienced.

From my own experience which started with a diagnoses in sept 2024 and led to a bilateral mastectomy in Oct 2024, I learned quickly how important a support community is… whether it’s a partner, family and friends or some combination.

My next surgery is March 5, next week, for my reconstruction. And, honestly, I still think “I can’t believe this is all happening.”

You’re not alone. This platform is supportive. Also, you may want to see if there is a Gilda’s Club in your area. I attended zoom meetings after my diagnoses and those were helpful.

I am 59, btw. I did not need chemo or radiation. I have a subtype of triple negative.

I talked to a friend yesterday whose wife had been stage 4 triple negative when diagnosed originally in her 40s. That was 13 years ago and she is today cancer free, living a full life.

We are all rooting for you. 🫶

I agree with @dolphina3 when she says the fear goes away after your first treatment and you know what to expect. Each drug regimen is different and you may find that it is pretty easy. I don’t know where you live but here in Oregon it is hot in the summer and I kind of embraced my baldness.
The port is awesome, it keeps them from having to find a vein every time and helps protect your veins from damage too.
I agree with everything @dolphina3 said above, and I would add that this is 12 weeks. Three months of hardship and I pray it buys you at least the 21 years my treatments have bought me. My initial regimen was a year (the bad old days, lol) and I am still here, still doing most of the things I love. I was almost the same age as you when I started.
If you scroll up to the left and click breast cancer, then use the search engine for triple negative breast cancer it will pull up many discussions to connect with others.
Will you please come back here and share with us how you are doing?

I’m a tnbc warrior also. Stay aware and do your own research. It sounds like your treatment plan is chemo 1st then surgery……? Whatever happens for treatment is bound to be aggressive and is giving you the best shot at living.

Know your fighting foods… soy milk and walnuts are always part of my diet.

Be thankful you’ve on top of being proactive for yourself and not curling up in a corner. It’s not a battle we signed up for, but one where we’ll find a needed treasure of new friends.

I forgot to mention I had TNBC too.
You will get thru this. Ask questions of the nurses in the chemo area any time, they are very helpful.
Please let us know how you are doing. We are here for you.

Hugs