Anyone triple negatives that has finished all treatments

Hi! I was just diagnosed last October and it has been quite a journey ever since.  I had a double mx,hysterectomy,and 8 rounds of chemo every two weeks. 4 dose dense AC,and 4 Taxol. I'm also triple negative and BRACCA 2 positive. I'm still not done with my breast reconstruction.  I just had implants placed on Aug 1 of this year. I was declared cancer free as of June 2.  My hair is coming in thick and dark. I get compliments on how it looks all the time.  I have to see my oncologist every three months for three years.  I am petrified of recurrence.  I try to exercise at least 3 to 4 times a week and eat right.  I am also going through menopause.  My husband,family,friends, have gone above and beyoond with their support.  My children have handled tis year beautifully.

 I should be happy right?  I try to be.  I have good days and bad days.  My energy level is no where near what is used to be. I am 45 and I feel like an old lady.  I just started going to a support group. It does help to talk to someone who "get's it".  I feel like a black cloud is following me.  I just want my life back.  I know it takes time because we have been through so much but I'm sick of all of it!  I just had another three month check up on Thursday.  I get my blood test results on Tuesday. I am a wreck inside.  I know exactly how you feel.  

I just hope with time our minds and bodies will rebound from all of this and we'll be better than ever:)

Take Care,

Lisa

I'm eight and a half years out and had BMX and implant reconstruction. I still get scared sometimes but all in all, I get on with life. I come on here from time to time because it was such a kindness for people like Shirlann who posted and reassured me when I  was first diagnosed. I also was on effexor for a couple of years....it helped too.

I had my last treatment in March. and I feel great. last week I painted the out side of my house!!  At the began of summer I hated not began able to do. . I  didn't gave any  get up and go  but I push myself little bit more everyday.  I am not 100% back, but I am close.

I am almost 3 years out from diagnosis. Cancer is incredibly hard to get through emotionally. I saw a counselor during and after treatment. About a year after treatment I was still plagued with severe anxiety because of the cancer fears. I started seeing a psychiatrist who put me on anti-anxiety meds, which had helped my general state of mind somewhat.I still have issues but am able to enjoy life again. Don't let the stigma hold you back from seeking help - nobody can understand what you're going through unless it's happened to them. I know some people think I'm weak for not being able to deal with it all, but they have no idea what it's like to live every moment in fear, especially when you'rea mom to young kids.

Dahlia1966,

What you will hear again and again is that each of us is unique in our diagnosis and different in our treatment and reaction to that.  That being said, I think all Triple Negs are shocked to some extent by how fast this thing comes on us.  I think all of us take it very seriously.  I've heard that TNBC patients are the best about sticking to a treatment plan, which is something that can impact our outcomes in a very positive way.  I know everyone I know like us hits those waves of wondering if "this is it" and what we could have done differently either to prevent it or to not feel so deprived of the life we expected.  The quick answer is that most of us could not have seen this bus coming when we stepped into the crosswalk as it is generally a random thing.  We can do something about making our lives better afterwards.

Some of us lose some friends or family who are so frightened or unable to give that they can't deal with being supportive during treatment.  That can be temporary or permanent.  But you should never think you will be sent out on your own after treatment ends.  You will be watched by one or more hawks, maybe for five years from dx, and your life will get back to normal or something close long before then.

Your hair will grow back.  Your energy will return in time, maybe not the minute you finish treatment, but you will get stronger month by month, and then your stamina will return as well.  Give yourself a few months after treatment to heal before you think to call yourself lazy.  If you have anxiety that needs attention, go ahead and get some counseling.  A professional can better understand what you have had to traverse than a friend without that experience, and most health plans will allow for several sessions a year so take advantage of that if you have it available, or join a support group.

And just so you feel better about thinking ahead, I finished treatment two years ago in July and am just fine so far.  I'll be celebrating my first wedding anniversary next month.  Am I happy?  Yes.  Is life different than before?  Yes.  And I've taken some flack for my views on this, but I choose to look at the ways it has changed for the better.  I don't worry so much about the little things that don't matter much.  I try to enjoy every day, as I see them each as a gift I might not have had the opportunity to receive had I not chosen so much difficult treatment to have this now.

I try to avoid those who want to howl about how cancer ruined their life.  It ruins all of our lives for a time; the choice is whether to stay there or move beyond to the goal of living happily ever after.  I choose happily ever after.  Most of us do.  And most of us get there.  Best of luck to you!           

I finished my treatments 3 weeks ago and it's still hard going.  This is my 2nd bout with breast cancer - my TNBC recurred 9 years later.  I remember the first time it look me 7 months to feel like my old self but this time I think it will take longer (after all, I'm almost 10 years older).  Even worse than the physical stuff (neuropathy, fatigue, aches and pains, etc.) I think it's the mental part that is the hardest afterwards.  A week ago I knew I was sliding into a depression so I called and made an appointment with a counselor who specializes in treating cancer survivors.  I think it will help.  Anyway, when I'm feeling my worst I just think to myself, "I got through it the first time  and arrived at a place where I felt well and happy and I can do it again!  Good luck and do reach out for some counseling if you feel you need it.

Hi Dahlia, Sept 9 was my one year since I found out I had breast cancer, triple negative, lump in my breast and in my lymph nodes, 8 rounds of chemo, double masectomy, 33 radiation treatments and in 2 weeks I will have my DIEP FLAP reconstruction . Its been a rough year but through the grace of God and the support , love and prayers of wonderful family , friends and an awesome caring significant other ( he is my knight in shining armour ) I am stronger now than ever . The first 2 weeks I cried and felt so angry with it all ... cry, we have a good reason to ... I sure did ...  but then I said to myself I CAN BEAT THIS ... I educated myself with too much INTERNET information on Breast Cancer, started eating healthy, getting more rest and kept myself busy, gardening and just trying to take it one day at a time . You can do this ! Focus on the positive, find a hobby that you enjoy, pamper yourself and  think how fortunate we are that there are treatments and medicines for us . This journey has changed me forever , don't be hard on yourself, we have been dealt a nasty hand but the cancer card can also be tossed aside when you finish treatment and are told " the cancer is gone " what a wonderful day that was for me back in August when my pet scan came back clear !!!  I wish you all the best, take care of yourself, stay strong, get some fresh air and sunshine every day ...  talk to your oncologist about depression . The doctors are there to take care of you .  I hope these words help even if just a little bit . Keep us all posted please .

 Iris

Was your mother triple negative?

If you dont mind me asking what treatments did you have to have?

Thank you,

Roxann

Hi R-S - I assume the question about whether my mother was triple negative was for me.  Of course when she had her cancer they weren't doing genetic testing; however, she had the test a year or so ago and found out that she is too.  I only wish that I would have been tested at that time. I honestly don't know that it would have changed things though.  Telling someone to have a double mastectomy when they don't have cancer is a pretty big decision.  Plus, I had just started a new job and couldn't be out of work for a surgery that I had decided to have.

My daughter will have to be tested at some point, but my oncologist recommended we wait until I get through all of my treatment.  She's just 19.  I hope that there will be a cure by the time she reaches her early 40's!

 Take care!