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Chemo for Triple Negative Breast Cancer, what to expect?

astralsphynx
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Yesterday, my mum was diagnosed with (what we think is Stage II) Triple Negative breast cancer. She has one 22mm tumor and they dont think there is any lymph node involvement, but shes having a CT scan tomorrow to check whether the cancer is anywhere else.

They want her to start chemo in 2 weeks, for 3 months. We dont really have much more info than that at the moment but we will have a meeting on Wednesday about her treatment plan. 

I'm a mess, I'm only 23 years old and my mothers only 47. They have said the treatment plan has an 80% chance of being successful which I know is good odds. But I've also read about the liklihood of recurrence with TNBC and that's already freaking me out.

She has also said she wants me to be the primary caregiver. She wants me to move back home with her to support her whilst she has chemo. I really want to be there for her in every way imaginable but I don't know if my mental health can withstand being basically her only carer - especially if she has a particularly bad reaction to chemo.

We dont really have any other family, and the family we do have are isolating because of covid, so I dont know how much they'll be able to help either. Its just so scary, I have PTSD and I struggle to get myself dressed, fed, and sleeping at a regular time even before this we received this diagnosis, so I'm worried I wont be able to keep up with her care and will end up having a mental breakdown, and wont be any to help her at all. 

I dont know if I'm just totally overthinking it though. But I know that its important to acknowledge these boundaries before treatment starts because itll be no good to admit I need help when it's already too much for me to cope with.

Does anyone have any experience of chemo for this type of breast cancer? Or any advice of what to expect when caring for someone having chemo in general? I'd honestly appreciate any advice or info at all. My apologies for the long post, I think I needed to get it out a bit! Thank you in advance for taking the time to read. Xx

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    Hi 

    Im 46 & was diagnosed TNBC im Jan, Iam just coming to the end of chemo & honestly it wasnt as bad as I thought it would be.  I havent had amy pain or side effects apart from tiredness the week after treatment.  I had a PIC line its easier to take blood and receive chemo.  I used the cold cap and this has helped me keep all my hair.  I drink a bit of pure cramberry every morning and use mouth wash to avoid mouth ulcers.  I now avoid dairy and meat which are pumped full of hormones and have been linked with cancer.  I try and eat only organic now and have matcha green tea every day. I alsoake green veg juices and drink these.  I now use all organic skincare and non toxic cleaning products.  Iv had some ultrasounds and my tumour has shrunk by more than half.  It will be surgery for me next Im not sure what yet .   I was dreading chemo but it may not be too bad, they say everyone is different bit I think it helps to have a good diet.  

  • Offline in reply to vikingwarrior

    Hi I'm going through the same as your mum, on my 6th chemo and it hasn't been as bad as I expected mostly tiredness just be nice for you to be there for emotional support, good luck to you both on your journey xxx 

  • Offline in reply to vikingwarrior

    Hi, thanks so much for your reply

    How did you find the cold cap? My mum is quite against it initially but I think if it works, it would greatly improve her mood throughout chemo. Though i know it doesn't always work.

    The diet stuff is very helpful! My mum hasn't always been the healthiest but I think shes quiet excited about eating healthily to help combat side effects.

     

    Did you have someone living with you throughout your chemo? Were you able to do things around then house, like make tour own meals? Concerned about my mum living alone but with coronavirus it would be hard to move in or be there all the time. And I dont think I could sustainably cope with that either. Do you think, based on your experiences, that is something she can accept?

    I hope you find out about your surgery soon and it all gets sorted out quickly,  and that you make a quick recovery! Are you having a mastectomy? Thanks again.

  • Offline in reply to Rose2020

    Hi Rose,

    Thanks so much for your reply. 

    Did you feel you needed someone living with you throughout your chemo? This is one of my biggest concerns.

    Thanks again and I'm happy to hear you haven't found it too bad! Good look to you too xxx

  • Offline in reply to astralsphynx

    Hi sorry  haven't been on for a while, I'm married with 2 kids 11 21, don't really help to be fair  but hubby has stepped up  but very frustrating when I can't do thinks and last week my bloods were low and I was exhausted so yeah needed someone then but if I lived alone when it started nor sure tbf, definitely someone popping in regularly though x 

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