Just diagnosed with TNBC and scared

waytooanxiousmommy

I have kids. This diagnosis scares me. My lump is just under 2 cm and doctor thinks lymph nodes look ok and nothing else found in MRI. Seeing a TNBC focused oncologist tomorrow to find out more of whats ahead for me

mammadiquattro

Hi Waytooanxiousmommy, I'm so sorry to hear about your diagnosis, hearing you have any kind of cancer is devastating but then to discover you have TNBC and if you are like me and read all sorts of stuff from individuals comments, blogs and research papers it is understandable that you are scared. I was diagnosed in May 2017 having been misdiagnosed the previous year as being 'all clear' and the tumor which was palpable just below my nipple was around 3cm. My protocol was FEC-T, i.e. 3 rounds of FEC and then 3 of Docetaxel - the 'T' at 3-weekly intervals. When I was told after the 2nd 'T' that the chemo was not working, the tumor had not shrunk and therefore I was not to have the 6th chemo but go straight to op I took matters in to my own hands as much as possible and for the 3 weeks leading up to the op went on a plant based diet. I did this based on research around the amino acid methionine which basically suggests that TNBC cells are fuelled by methionine which is extremely high in most proteins such as meat, chicken, fish, all dairy and wheat produce also (but to a lesser extent). When the pathology came back once I had the mastectomy they discovered that I had two small areas of cancer, both 4mm and not the 6cm (not sure why from 3-6cm) they were expecting. My oncologist thinks they may have mistaken an area of precancerous cells as being cancerous hence the mistake in size but as some research suggests restricting methionine can cause cell apoptosis who is to say it was/was not the change in diet that caused the cancer to shrink?

Many people do not consider diet after a cancer diagnosis, you only have to look around the room during chemo sessions to see people filing up on cakes and sugary drinks to know this, and neither do most oncologists or surgeons, that is why I did my own research - like you I was terrified and even though I did not know whether the diet would work or not, taking an element of control over the situation really did help my state of mind.

Exercise also is supposed to be helpful. Have a look at what they are doing in Australia, some hospitals have attached gym rooms to their chemo rooms for people to exercise just before or after their infusion. I didn't know this when I was going through my chemo or I would have given it a go.

I hope I have given you some things to think about that may ease your mind, if diet or exercise are not for you search for other things you can do like meditation, thai chi or yoga - anything at all that makes you feel you are also helping yourself and not just at the mercy of the medical profession (as wonderful as it is and the people who treat us are). Everyone is different so you need to find what works for you, as you have most likely been told already a PMA - positive mental attitude is essential to beating this terrible disease.

I wish you the very best and can honestly say that with 2cm and no apparent lymph node involvement you are in a good position.

My very best wishes.

Jean

Jojobird

Dear waytooanxiousmommy,

Boy do I HEAR you. As the parent of a tweener, I know how this diagnosis can hit you right in the gut, especially as a mom. My heart goes out to you. My own TNBC diagnosis was devastating. I had 21 lymph nodes, packed with cancer, and a 6 cm - CM! - tumor. Here I am, almost two years later, after surgery and chemo and rads, back at work and planning the holidays with my family. I won't say life is perfect - it is not, but I have survived and am slowly getting better.

The part right after diagnosis is the hardest. Your shock, fear, grief, sadness, worry, anxiety - they are real and valid and normal. And you are not alone. If you don't have a support system - friends, family, support group - do consider cultivating one, and these boards are an incredible resource as well.

As mammidiquatro said, with no nodes involved, that is a good sign. One breath, one day at a time. Hugs to you.

waytooanxiousmommy

mammodiquatro and jojobird its really helpful to know that I am not lone. You guys are living your life through the treatment of this disease and enduring the fear and uncertainty just like i will have to as i go through this.

I am interested in changing my diet and exercise and in meditation. I am also going to be placing trust in my medical team to save my life.I do have a good support network though I am divorced and still single and have no family in the USA. I am also currently unemployed. Ironically though I'm not looking for work I am getting requests for interviews for full time jobs and project work. If those people knew I had TNBC they would run the other way I am sure I need a job but worried about how I can start a new job with chemo and the worry of being sick with cancer.

I am seeing a TNBC specialist today. Scared and sad