Welcome From TNBC Foundation

I am glad you decided to do chemo.  You can do it.  It's not easy, but if you are proactive you will avoid or ease some of the side effects.

 

I was sometimes alone following chemo.  The day of and the day after I was hyped up on steriods.  I didn't feel right, but I didn't feel too bad.  Then I slept.  I had side effects, but I also slept.  I would ask if you have a close friend or a younger family member who can help you in the few days following chemo.  Most of the time I didn't feel like I needed someone right there, but it was good to have someone who could run an errand or get me something to eat (sometimes I wanted frozen yogurt and at other times I wanted a turkey sandwich from Quiznos on white bread - I never wanted one before and haven't since), so it was good to be able to send someone to get what I needed.  For the first three treatments, my kids were home with me during the day.  Then they went back to school, and I spent the days alone.  I think you will find that people will be there to help you.  Some will come sit with you, and others will be there to run an errand to you or bring you something to eat.  Just don't be afraid to ask, and if you find that someone doesn't step up the way you thought they would, realize that you aren't alone.  Most of us have found that relationships change during treatment and those we thought we could count on disappear, while others are there in ways we never thought theyw ould be.

 

I hope all goes well.  One treatment at a time, you will get through this.

 

Lori

This is a suggestion also.  You have not mentioned whether you have a church family or friends where you worked that you can call on, or not.  Hopefully, if you have them, you will not have to call; they will be there for you. 

 

This is all to say, if help is offered, please accept.  It blesses others when they can give or be of help.  Also, ask friends for help.  Sometimes they want to help, but don't know the specific need.   

 

God bless you through this journey.  You are taking the same DD chemo that I took.  It is doeable and we are here to help also. 

 

Lillie

I just have a few suggestions also, since you can't be with your family, maybe they could space out visits one at a ti me some weeks appart or you could also use Skype or face time for some contact. 

I agree with the lady's on this site regarding getting others to help you, don't deny letting other people feeling good about being able to make a difference in your life. 

Keep a journal, it helps to get out your feelings, especially if you don't have some emotional support at home. 

If you are involved in your local chirch, you will be surprised by the amount of support you can receive. Your pastor may be a good person to reach out to to counsel you, and also would be a good person to organize members to help with meals and other things. If you are not involved in chirch, maybe now is a good time to seek out your spiritual and community support. It sounds like your home life is difficult.

As the others have said make a list of the most important things and make a manageable schedule for yourself. Space it out over the week. You are number 1 now. Do what you need to for yourself. This is your time to make yourself better!!!!

One other thing, don't forget to also keep your mind busy if you can with things you may like to try. I am doing some cross stitch, souko, crosswords, reading, and any little crafts. Some things I've never tried before. Some days I can't do them, but when I feel like thet are there.

Thinking of you 

Be well

Karen xoxo

That's great!  I think this is a great site for information about TNBC, the treatment, etc.  As far as BRAC 1 & 2, they are genetic mutations which increase the chance of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. It can be passed through the mother or the father.  Most TNBC is not BRAC 1 or 2+, but BRAC 1 & 2+ are often TNBC. As a result NAAN now recommends that all TNBC are tested for the genetic mutation.  I was tested and am negative.  Steve, who is a carrier of the mutation, and whose daughter had TNBC, is very knowledgeable about the mutation and will likely be along soon to give you much more information than I am able to.

 

Good luck with your fundraiser.  It's good to hear that your mother is doing well and is a four year survivor.

 

Lori

Did your mom test negative for the BRCA mutation? If she did and your father was to test BRCA- negative then you cannot inherit the BRCA mutation because the only way you can get the BRCA mutation is by inheriting it from one of your parents. 

The BRCA mutation predisposes women to breast/ovarian cancer and also causes BRCA+ men to be more likely to get breast, prostate cancer and pancreatic cancer. But the risks for men getting these cancers, while greater than the general population, is still small compared to the risks that BRCA+ women face.

My daughter, as a woman with the BRCA1+ mutation that I passed to her had an 85% risk of getting breast cancer and she did. My risks, at my age, of getting male breast cancer are about 12%.

Pinky there are a lot of breast cancer that seems to be familial but not necessarily BRCA. We don't know enough, yet, about many of the other genetic mutations that may cause cancer in certain families.

Lori, I think you did an excellent job explaining..just one small correction it's NCCN guidelines for women with TNBC diagnosed under the age of 60.

Glad you are trying to support our efforts.

warmly,

Steve

 

 

For learning more about brca 1/2 try   http://www.facingourrisk.org

Maybe you might find help here   http://www.patientadvocate.org/

 

I wish I could answer all of your questions, but I can't.  It sounds as though your friend Sharon has been and is facing 'the proverbial battle' that cancer causes. 

 

Sharon is very lucky to have you as a friend and advocate.  When we don't have the strength and where-with-all to stand up for ourselves at times, it is great to have a person like you in our lives.

 

I will keep Sharon and you in my prayers that some answers will be forthcoming.  Please keep posting and let us know how the situation goes.  We Understand, and We Care.

 

God Bless,

Lillie