triple negative just diagnosed

Hey Marieof3, feeling shocked is something most of us can identify with!  It sure rocks your world.  I thought I was very healthy (and I was, otherwise.)

How old are you? Are the doctors suggesting genetic testing to see if you are BRACA 1 or 2 positive? Many of us, including me, had lumpectomies rather than masectomies and unless there is a clear reason for a masectomy, the survival rates on lumpectomy + radiation are just as good as masectomy and the recovery is much easier. That said, there may be definite reasons for a masectomy but be sure you have had the conversation with your doctor.  Assuming you have had that conversation and made your plan accordingly, you will find help from women on this board who have gone through masectomies.

Your next step will be to get a treatment plan with your oncologist, and you will find many people here to advise and  support you through the treatment. Keep posting, we want to hear from you. 

marieof3: Sorry you had to join the club no one wants to join, but there is lots of great information on these boards. Although many/most of us did surgery first, followed by chemo and (sometimes) rads, there are also quite a number of women here who did chemo first, then surgery. This can be a good option for TNs, as chemo is the only systemic treatment available to us (as our tumours are not sensitive to hormone therapies) and it enables the docs to see if the particular chemo regimen is working (shrinking the tumour) and to make adjustments if not. Also, by shrinking larger tumours, neoadjuvent chemo can make a Lx a more feasible option in some cases. It would be worth at least having a conversation with your oncologist about the best timing for chemo in your situation. I wish you well.   

Hi Marieof3 - So sorry you're here. I remember what I terrible shock it was to receive my diagnosis.  It took me quite a while to wrap my head around it.  Try to take a deep breath, if you can, and know that you're not alone.  We are all here for you.  Hang in there!

Hang in there Marieof3! I just had my lumpectomy last week, so I'm at the beginning of my journey, not too much further than you. It really does get easier. I do have days that I am not consumed by it all day. 

Hi Marie,

How are you feeling?  Hope your day today is better than yesterday.  It is exhausting and overwhelming, to say the least, so try to take it easy on yourself and lean on your friends (but take their coffee advice with a HUGE grain of salt, LOL!)

Do you have lots of help with your kids, or are they older?  Through all my treatment, my biggest source of fear, frustration, anger, sadness, and of course joy and hope, was my children.  It really meant the world to me that so many people stepped forward to help my kids through it all, although it was sometimes hard on me to feel so dependent on others, so don't hesitate to accept offers to help.  

Hang in there!