Hi,
Just got diagnosed on Tuesday. Still in shock and very teary. Due to see oncologist next Tuesday and they want me to start chemo the following week before having surgery as it’s in my lymph nodes. The thought of chemo terrifies me more than the word cancer.
I would have preferred to have surgery and avoid chemo but that doesn’t seem to be an option.
Has anyone tried any holistic treatments alongside conventional treatment such as kerogenic diet or supplements that you’ve found helpful?
Hi Chrissy
I’m also triple negative , I did however have surgery first as her2 result wasn’t back
I have had one cycle of chemo
I did look into supplements but then was advised not to take them whilst having chemo
I also wanted to try and stick to healthy diet but the steroids have given me some odd cravings for things I didn’t really eat before like crisps so that isn’t so good
Us triple negative don’t tend to avoid chemo at all as it’s the only treatment available to us along with radiotherapy
There are monthly chemo threads on this forum and they will truly help you along the way
Weather you just need a rant or some useful tips the lady’s are wonderful
Also if your on face book there is a triple negative warrior page and agin full of such lovely lady’s with plenty of hands on advice or support x
Hi Chrissy, I’m also TN & like Kateday said, you’re not advised to take any supplements whilst having chemo. And yes, the steroids do make you crave things like crisps or white toast!! I totally get what you mean about the chemo being more scary than the cancer. Once you start it does become more bearable & it’s good to tick them off as they’re done. Like kateday says, join the monthly chemo thread, it’s very comforting & reassuring to have other lovely ladies going through the same issues as you & to share helpful tips etc. It’s not nice but it’s doable. Try & drink plenty as it does help. Good luck xx
Hello there
I am also TNBC and second that Chemo is usually the option provided for us. Everyone responds differently to the treatement however I have had overwhelming great support from the medical team in conjuction with support from a Maggie’s centre.
Maggies has been wonderful in being able to provide emotional support and time and I would recomend popping if you are able to. No appointment is needed and they really helped me clarify things in my head and work out how to appraoch the next step of this journey we find ourselves on. Also very informally I was able to meet in person other indivduals going through treatment. One thing I would say is that as TNBC is less common than other forms of Breast Cancer to factor that in as everyones journey will be very specific to them.
In addition my local Maggies run a nutrition course and there is good advice on the World Cancer Research Site regarding diet and receipies that may also help you while going through Chemo as many people find their tastebuds, mouth sensitivty and appetite can be affected.
wcrf-uk.org/uk/recipes/recipes-home
Hope this helps a little, x
Hi Chrissy I’m new on here just joined tonight actually! I just spotted your post as I’m in the same situation just been diagnosed with triple negative, I have a large lump and it’s in my lymph nodes also so they want to start chemo as soon as possible. Just wondered how you are doing and have you started your chemo? X
Hi Catlady37
I’m doing ok. Had my first FEC chemo almost 3 weeks ago. Was extremely anxious but the nurse was awesome and explained each step. Was pretty tired the week after and needed a nap every afternoon. I didn’t sleep well due to the steroids but realised I was taking second dose too late in the day so in future I will take it at 12pm at the latest. I had nausea often that week too especially if I was on my feet for too long. Apart from that it wasn’t as bad as I was expecting.
Due my 2nd FEC this Friday. My hair has started coming out since yesterday. No bald spots yet as far as I’m aware. Got bandanas at the ready and still waiting on a wig arriving at the hairdressers. I’ve been struggling with losing my hair. I know it’s pure vanity but I loved my long hair!
Started with the cold too so not sure how that will pan out with having a reduced immune system. Will soon find out!
How are you managing to get your head round all this? It’s a massive shock to the system.
I’m happy to answer any questions you have along the way 
Sending you lots of positive thoughts
Hi, just received my diagnosis of Triple Negative stage 3 today, an unwanted early Christmas gift, with a possible start to chemo on Christmas eve.
For those who have commenced chemo, how quickly did you start to get side effects? Hoping Christmas can be relatively normal for my wee beastie
Hi fluffy,
So sorry to hear you’ve been diagnosed.
Side effects are different depending on the chemo regime that you are on.
Have you been told what you’re having?
I had fec-t
FEC - I felt nauseous within a couple of hours, which lasted about 10 days.
T - no nausea at all ? and felt fine for the first few days but lost my sense of taste within hours by day 5 I had bone pain, felt like I’d been in a car crash.
Macmillan’s website have a good section on all the different chemo regimes and associated side effects - my oncologist told me to look it up on Macmillan site when he couldn’t find a leaflet to give me.
Sorry probably not what you wanted to hear x
Hi fluffy
I have now had three cycles of EC and I will be honest it wasn’t easy but speaking with the nurses helped as they can add and swap medication to help you
I ended up with having my dose reduced as I was getting s bit of toxicity but it worked wonders
I have one more EC to go then I change to T for four cycles
I was so scared of the unknown but now I keep thinking I’m nearly half way
Also join the chemo monthly threads
Everyone is so supportive and just helping keep each other going x
Hi cat lady
And merry Christmas
Well
Where do I start
I had lawful nausea for two weeks , my skin hurt , my bones hurt , numb feet and hands
However reduced third dose and only took me a week to feel ok which was amazing
We are on similar routines I have my last EC on New Year’s Eve
Which I’m dreading as my dad passed away New Year’s Day this year and well as you can imagine I’m missing him so very much
But also I can say I’m half way though the chemo ?
I’m
Having a PICC line fitted on Friday as my poor arm has been so sore
The first two cycles I didn’t suffer with constipation but this time I did luckily senna eventually worked
Also I have still been having periods which is rare
How are you holding up xx
Catlady
I’m glad you felt ok for Christmas
EC hasn’t been very kind to me but only one more to go ? then I can say I’m half way , it feels like such a long journey but we will all get though it xx