Triple negative at 26 .. trial chemo ans fertility

Hi all,

I was diagnosed on the 4th July with triple negative breast cancer, apparently very aggressive and growing quickly. I have since had a coil inserted into the lump, blood tests, I have had an mri of my breasts with contrast, a full body bone scan with contrast and have a CT scan Friday, 20th July. On Thursday, I am having the gene tests for the BRCA genes. At present, the treatment plan is 12 weeks of chemo on a weekly basis (every friday) starting 3rd August followed by another 9 weeks of chemo on a 3 weekly basis. Then surgery (lumpectomy) IF I don’t have the gene followed by radiotherapy. However, if I do have the gene I have been advised I will be having a full mastectomy of both breasts. Has anyone had the same treatment plan?

I have also been referred to addenbrookes re fertility. I am 26 and haven’t got any children but it is very important. I am going to discuss having my eggs frozen. Has anyone had this done and been successful with pregnancy following, or know anyone that has?

Good luck to all that have treatment coming up or are currently in treatment x

Hi Kjocie,
So sorry to hear you’re going through this at such a young age, although of course, there’s never a ‘good’ time to deal with it.
There are certainly others here with a similar diagnosis & age to yourself, who will hopefully be along shortly to share experiences.
Do also have a look at the ‘going through treatment’ part of the forum where you will be able chat & share with others at a similar stage to yourself. There are the monthly chemo threads, where there are others where you are now in treatment.
Sending hugs
ann x

Thanks so much for your reply Ann. I will have a look at the recommended forum!

K x

Hi Kjocie,

Sorry to find you on here, I hope you are doing ok so far!

I just wanted to reply to let you know something that I am having done in regards to fertility. I am 27 years old, fortunately I already have a son but was offered a chat about the possibility of freezing embryos (as I am married) but opted to decline this for numerous reasons.

My oncologist found out my decision and suggested instead to have an injection called Zoladex. Apparently this will protect my ovarian function during chemo, with the hope that after the chemo is finished my ovaries should return to normal. I am not sure of the success rate of this but I have chosen to give it a go to see what happens.

I thought I would let you know so you can look into it/ask your oncologist about it if you wish to. I was also told by my breast consultant that he knew of patients who had gone on to have children after treatment so anything is possible!

I hope this helps in some way and I wish you all the best with whatever you choose to do and your future treatment! If you want to chat more, am happy to anytime!

XxX

Hi Kjocie

 

It’s Emily here from Breast Cancer Care.

 

I just wanted to let you know that we have a telephone volunteer who’s experience was fairly similar to yours. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in her 20s, had genetic testing and a double mastectomy, and has also undergone fertility treatment. 

 

If you’d like to be put in touch with her, you’re very welcome to give us a call on 0345 077 1893 and we can arrange a call.

 

Best wishes

Emily at Breast Cancer Care