Triple negative - newly diagnosed and looking for your experiences

@dolphina3
Hi,
I am 68. Tnbc. Got diagnosed in Dec last year. Your case is almost the same as mine. After all the treatments now I will be put on capecitabine.
Would you mind telling me the side effects you faced with xeloda.

Thanks

Hi Jan56,
I hope you will have an easier time on it, some people do. They can also reduce doses if needed.
I was told by the pharmacist when I picked up my first dose that diarrhea was common. Mine was bad enough that they reduced the dose. People can have hand or foot problems, in my case the bottom of my feet peeled , at that time they wanted me to stop, but I asked if I could take a lower dose. I did okay with that. Since our TNBC is not hormone driven this is a drug they use for us. Even with those reactions it was worth taking it since our cancer is a rarer form and they don't know alot about it, although I think that is changing now, more studies are being done.
Sending you hugs and hoping the best for you.

@dolphina3
Thanks a ton for your reply. It was helpful. How many cycles of xeloda you did take? My oncologist suggested 6-8 .

Did xeloda change the skin color on your face? I mean kinda hyperpigmentation? I heard it’s one of the side effect too. And also what about the hair fall? My hair has started to grow back after having lost all during chemo infusion.

Regards and 🫶🏻

You are welcome.
Glad your hair is growing back, I didn't lose any hair, I do have 2 spots by my eyebrows not sure what from. Tho. They are a light tan color, but no where else.
I was on for about 8months, I had to stop and restart for a short time because of diarrhea also because of peeling feet.
I used creams with urea for my hands and feet.
Just as with the first chemo routine use a soft toothbrush as well.
Some people can get mouth sores but I didn't

I haven’t started any treatments yet. I have to have another MRI guided
biopsy that is scheduled on 11/13. On 11/3 the port will be placed. Did you
do the cold cap?
On Wed, Oct 29, 2025 at 4:14 PM Mayo Clinic Connect < nf+a398e505+81545954@n1.hubapplication.com> wrote:

> ## reply above this line ##
>
>
> Mayo Clinic Connect
> *Comment* posted by @dolphina3
> < https://connect.mayoclinic.org/member/00-e1c1addce16f2c6e314357/;
> on discussion "Triple negative - newly diagnosed and looking for your
> experiences".
>
> You are welcome.
> Glad your hair is growing back, I didn't lose any hair, I do have 2 spots
> by my eyebrows not sure what from. Tho. They are a light tan color, but no
> where else.
> I was on for about 8months, I had to stop and restart for a short time
> because of diarrhea also because of peeling feet.
> I used creams with urea for my hands and feet.
> Just as with the first chemo routine use a soft toothbrush as well.
> Some people can get mouth sores but I didn't
>
>
>
>
>
> VIEW & REPLY
> < https://connect.mayoclinic.org/notification/81545954/;
> ------------------------------
> Unsubscribe
> < https://connect.mayoclinic.org/email/unsubscribe/discussion/67364/;
> from this content and see links to review my email settings.
>

@roxy66
They didn't have cold caps 4 years ago , but I did use the cold mitts.

@dolphina3
Thinking of you in November.
The ports help make giving the chemo so much easier.

Hugs

@dolphina3
Sorry that posts were for jan56
I typed in wrong spot

@colleenyoung i dont know my treatment yet. I have two more biopsies this week. So i suspect i will have a plan next week. Port was placed this week. Thanks for the resources i will check it out! I really appreciate any credible info i can get. I dont know alot about triple negative.

Hi @roxy66 ,

Right now, you’re standing at the starting point of a journey you never asked for , the moment when everything feels surreal, when you keep thinking, “What just happened?” You probably wish you could wake up and realize it was all a bad dream. I’ve been there, and I know how terrifying it feels. Hearing the word cancer shakes your entire world.

But please hold on to this truth: breast cancer, while frightening, has very good survival rates. You are not alone in this. In this group, you’ll meet extraordinary women, warriors filled with wisdom, compassion, and hope. Their stories will remind you, again and again, that healing is possible and that life after this can be beautiful.

If I could give you just one piece of advice, it would be this: don’t try to carry it all alone. Lean on your support network : your family, your friends, and the women here. Speak openly about what you feel. Cry if you need to. Let the emotions out; none of them make you weak. Your mental and emotional health are just as important as your treatment. And if you can, reach out to a therapist ( it was one of the best decisions I ever made for myself).

Cancer is not just a physical illness , it’s something that touches every layer of who you are. That’s why healing has to come from every direction: food, movement, emotional care, mental balance, and spiritual peace. Meditation, prayer, or simply quiet moments of gratitude can help you stay grounded in the present. Try not to let your mind wander too far into fear , come back to the facts you know today, and take things one step at a time.

With time, you’ll begin to see that even in this painful season, there are lessons, light, and unexpected strength. If you believe in God, ask Him to walk beside you and help you understand what this experience is here to teach you. You will come out of this stronger, wiser, and more alive than ever before.

Sending you all my love, courage, and prayers for this journey ahead.