Reality just hit me...

ryjuem,

I'm so sorry you've had to look for this site, but I'm glad you found us.  This time between getting a diagnosis and getting a treatment plan is a difficult one.  You sound like you're taking it as it comes -- good for you for taking the rest of the day off from work.

I will let others who are "triple negative" speak in more detail about their treatments, including chemo, but I can share my experience with mastectomy.  It was a blow that I "let in" in stages -- I wish it hadn't had to happen, but I'm living with it, and now, a year later, I feel very "friendly" toward my silicon-implanted reconstructed left breast.

Advice?  For starters, I would say ask for and keep copies of all reports, bring a notebook with you to appointments, write down questions as you think of them and bring the written questions to appointments.  If you have some kind of tape recorder to bring, that's very good.  Bring someone with you to appointments if there's someone you feel comfortable having in that role, who can do it. (I myself am kind of a loner, so going alone to appointments felt fine to me -- but even I enlisted friends to come along when I had surgical procedures!)

I know you will be getting a lot more information and excellent suggestions from the women on this board (probably even before I click to post this!) -- and also a ton of support and empathy.

With my best wishes,

Ann

Hello to you:

Sorry you have a need to be here
but if you take it one day at a time
it will be much easier...


Sorry I can not give you as long a response

as would like but.. to start



I am er-pr .. negative.. and at 8 yrs now

v. blessed.

would say I am older maybe than some of the gals

and did take HRt.. just tossing this out



This is a very difficult time for you

and..you know, keep a diary.. of your thoughts

your visits, your phone calls



You are special and treat yourself as such

Stay near those loving and positive people



I wish you all the v. best



You will move forward

at your own speed



Don't be afraid of the medical teams,

express your concerns to them )
Take counselling if you need and anti deps if required )

be in nature a lot.. if you can

Hugs.. Sierra )

Hello Lenky,

That is good advice you are hearing.  One day at time.  That's all any of us can do.  Whether you have cancer or not.  No one knows what their tomorrow holds.  No one that is but God.  So, one day at a time, is best.

Also, don't get too wrapped up in your prognosis.  It is only a guess, backed up by statistical date.  But, it is only a prognosis.  That too, no one knows.

I also had a grade 3 tumor that was 4 cm in size.  I had 1 sentinal node positive of the 2 that were removed.  I did the chemo, radiation and year of herceptin.  I am fast approaching my 3 year NED anniversary.  I am well - and you will be too.

Love and God's protection to you as you go through treatment.

Hugs,

Mary Jo

Marejo  it's overwhelming trying to take in all the information.    I'm gong to write a list of things to ask the ongologist - like how long the treatment will last - so I can focus on planning a holiday or something nice to celebrate arriving at the other side of this particular journey.   I think the positive thing I've learned is just as you said, none of us know what tomorrow holds for us - but at least I do know who holds my tomorrows.     God Bless and thank you - it's encouraging to know you are through to life on the other side of cancer.