Triple negative - newly diagnosed and looking for your experiences

I was diagnosed TNBC in early 2019 at age 66. Underwent chemo, lumpectomy and radiation which was completed at the end of that year.

I’ll let others chime in on the details, but I’m writing for two reasons. One, I’m still here at age 73, as are many other TNBC patients and two, please don’t read too much about this type. I’m a person who likes to know things so I was constantly reading. There are many advancements even since I was treated and everyone is different so please try to set the scary stuff aside and focus on putting one foot in front of the other.

Best wishes to you and all on this forum.

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.

@roxy66
I was diagnosed 33 years ago- 1992- at age 48- and had a mastectomy.
Obviously, treatment has changed over the years.
I had chemo for 6 months. I was able to get all treatments on time and full dose. They check your blood counts before.
They do give you drugs to counteract bad symptoms. Mine were mostly GI and worst the day after.
Try to talk to a dietitian- your appetite will change and you have many food aversions.
I did not lose all hair- it thinned out.
Get as much sleep as possible.
One of my mottos later on was : I went through chemo, I can do anything!

@roxy66, given that anxiety is running high regarding chemo, I thought you might appreciate joining these discussions:
- Preparing for Chemotherapy: What are your tips?https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/preparing-for-chemotherapy/
- How do I get mentally prepared for chemotherapy?https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/how-do-i-get-mentally-prepared-for-chemotherapy/

What type of chemotherapy will you be getting? When will you start?

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

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

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 ##
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> 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/;
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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