my first post

Hi...this is my first post to the forum.  Thanks to all who contribute and educate all of us who are diagnosed with TNBC.

I was diagnosed on 8/29/13 after a routine mammogram, then an ultrasound and biopsy.  Grade 3 tumor 1.0cm and triple negative.  I had a double mastectomy on 9/12/13.   I will start my chemotherapy on 10/16/13.  Four rounds of taxotere and cytoxin, 21 day cycle.   I'm recovering pretty well from surgery, although the neuropathy is from armpit to armpit across my chest.   It helps to wear a very snug camisole....riding over speed bumps in parking lots, and rough uneven pavement is quite touchy!

I just have to say, although I'm not in denial, this seems like a total out of body experience.  I still, at times, can't believe this is really happening.   I guess because I never felt a lump, I wasn't sick, had no pain, etc. that it was just hard to believe.   Even tho I had the surgery, and have no breasts to speak of (my surgeon left flaps for later reconstruction) it still is hard to think of me....having cancer.... I still consider myself a healthy 56 year old woman.   I have so much support...a large family and lots of friends, even a few breast cancer survivors! (none with triple negative tho...they weren't even aware of what TNBC is).   Anyway.... the day I went to find a wig was my hardest day thru this entire journey.   I felt strong, had my mom and 2 sisters with me, and it was going to be a fun day of trying on wigs.    Soooo not true.  I got the first wig half way on and fell apart completely....ran out of the store sobbing, and felt so stupid.  The poor sales lady came out to the car and apologized if she had done or said anything wrong.  I had to tell her that she was fine...   Keep in mind, I have very short hair, and I never dreamed that I would have this reaction.   I guess this was my "You Have Cancer" moment!   I feel strong going into chemotherapy and have read so much that sometimes I have to pull back and allow myself some normal pre-cancer diagnosis moments!   The information is valuable, with tips to get thru just about everything, but on occasion it's too scary too.   This forum seems to be the one that calls to me the most.  Women with the same diagnosis of TNBC.   I want to thank you all again for all your wisdom and sharing.

Hi Steve.  Thank you for the welcome.   I looked at the Dose Dense article....my cancer had not spread to the lymph nodes (Thank God!), but the article was informative.    I will go to a Genetic Counselor appointment next Tuesday to see about being tested for the BRCA mutation.   Two of my sisters (who live in the same city I do) will come along with me, as they are very interested in this also.  There is a lot of cancer on my mothers side of the family, many kinds, but only one sister with breast cancer.   My two sisters have major medical problems of their own...one has MS and the other Liver Disease (needs a transplant very soon), and this cancer scare is very real and concerning to them.  

Hi Jmarie,

jmarie,

Hi Natalie.   I know what you mean about hot flashes as I have been having them for a number of years already...they are not pleasant!  I know the wig won't be worn much but I wanted to have one just for the times I felt I "needed" hair.   I also purchased some bangs....what a great idea that was.  Velcro them into any head covering!   I took all of it to my hairdresser this morning to have her cut them to be as close to my style as possible.   I got a few hats and some caps to wear and they will be fine with the bangs.   Too funny!   The American Cancer Society was wonderful and provided the wig, wrap, and a hat...at no cost.   I was fully prepared to pay but they said it's free for all cancer patients.   A pleasant surprise to say the least.  

Thanks Lisa.   You know, I feel you can only prepare so much for chemo.   I've never had a queasy stomach so I think that maybe my nausea won't be as bad as someone with a touchy one.   Mouth sores are something that I'm really kind of afraid of....I already have a propensity for canker sores....multiple ones at the same time, and I fear that my mouth will be a battlefield of sores.  Ugh.....  Here's to hoping that the Magic Mouthwash really does work!!!  Again, a small price to pay for living a longer life.    This too shall pass.  You're right about my being fortunate for my support group.  My husband and son (32 years old - we only have one child) have really been by my side every step of the way.   My son drives 1-1/2 hours to all of my appointments and has called me daily since my diagnosis.  I also have 2 sisters here and my parents, not to mention my sisters-in-law - one of whom is a RN and has worked in Oncology for 18+ years.   My friends are all chomping at the bit to help me in any way too.   I'm overwhelmed by the love and support of all these people and also from complete strangers.   Cancer certainly gets peoples attention!I count myself as a lucky lady in so many ways, and this cancer will not win!