I was diagnosed with TNBC on 19 December 25. It was a massive shock and has taken some time to really process it. Went for all the extra tests, CT, MRI, mammogram etc. Now waiting to see the oncology team for chemo planning. Amidst all this I am at work. I am struggling to make sense of this life changing news and also the everyday responsibilities and banality of many things. This diagnosis has changed my perspective on a lot of things, so I am finding it hard to still be motivated to come and do seemingly unimportant things, while I feel sick and am waiting for chemo. I’ll be off work when I start treatment but for now am still having to come in.
Just wanted to put this out there and see if others feel the same.
Just wanted to say how amazing it is that you have worked through all this! Through all the tests, all the time spent waiting for results! You are an absolute trooper!
I worked up until my lumpectomy. My cancer was hormone positive but HER2 negative so my plan is different to yours. I am now waiting for more results whilst waiting for a 2nd op but I have been off work since my first op haha. I genuinely struggle to concentrate on much else some days so I think it is really great you’ve worked. I wonder if I would have coped better had I gone back to work.
Can you send me some of your strength?
Big hugs
Welcome to the forum nobody wants to join but when you’re here you will feel so supported.
I was ER+ and HER2+ so had chemo with Herceptin. I worked in a primary school and my headteacher suggested I needed the time after being diagnosed to get my headteacher around it all. I had said I wanted to work until my surgery, which I had before chemo/Herceptin but with hindsight my headteacher was right. I needed the time to come to terms with everything as well as having the flexibility to go to all the appointments I had scheduled. It would have been more problematic for the school to arrange so much cover and sometimes at short notice. Being signed off meant they had a ‘permanent’ replacement.
This thread might be helpful as it’s for TNBC
Also when you start chemo, there is a monthly thread to help you be supported and support others starting chemo in the same months. This is a link for the February 2026 thread.
Being diagnosed at any age can be stressful, for me I think it was like stepping on a rollercoaster or ferris wheel that I was on until my active treatment ended. Which was about 14 months from diagnosis. The little things didn’t matter anymore. It can be quite hard to articulate exactly what is going through your mind and equally it can be hard for others to get how you are feeling..
This forum is so supportive, so please keep sharing.
Hi! I’m so sorry your waiting has been so long! I truly hope they prioritise your needs now that there is a diagnosis. I think mine is the same, grade 3 ductal carcinoma, not sure what stage probably 1 or 2. I also plan to work until I start treatment, it’s not easy - well done for being so proactive as well, hopefully the treatment doesn’t give you as long a wait time as before! Sending lots of strength and positivity!
Thank you so much for these links, I was going to look for the February 2026, but you’ve helped so much by sending it. And yes, you can’t really articulate the feeling that things are just really different in so many ways. I guess it’s easy to take things for granted and get caught up in life, this has made me appreciate all the people I have in a much deeper way. I am so glad your journey has has a positive outcome and I pray it stays that way! Thank you for making me feel welcome and supported! Xx
Ah sending you all the strength! Thank you for your message, it’s been a boost! I guess staying at work has been both a good distraction and also a strain with everything going on. But I think if I was already just at home I might get stuck in my thoughts and spin out. I’m planning to do a lot of art when Im on my extended sick leave. Thank you for sharing your story, I am wishing you all the best for the remainder of your treatment!
