Hi well I've been through it all and I'm still standing lol,had chemo then had EC,then had the op then radiotherapy and now I'm back on chemo tablets,just stay strong and think positive,sometimes it is a struggle and you think how am I going to carry on with it all,but it's all worth it x

Hi, 

I am also 46, with two kids boy(15) girl(11), I was diagnosed in Sept so not very far along just yet, I have my date for lumpectomy and snb on the 11 th nov, then chemo to follow after this.

Have they offered you genetic testing?  They have with me but no appointment until Dec.

I was having yearly mammograms as I have a family history, still a massive shock though when I got recalled, still trying to get my head around everything.

how are you coping? 
 

Sarah xx

Hi There!

Nice to hear from someone on the other side of it all...I keep thinking exactly that - how can I manage this lot for the next 9 months!? But Im looking forward to the future... and maybe a cruise!! lol

Thank you for your words of encouragement xx

Hi Sarah,

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis - its rubbish isn't it?? :(

I already had the blood test for the gene but results will be weeks away. Its a weird one that because in a way if it was positive you would think, ah thats why and have an answer for it all but then you absolutely DO NOT want it to be positive because of the implications for family. My daughter is 15 and the thought that I could have passed anything to her is beyond awful...

I've just had second lot of EC chemo. I've got to have chemo first before op to try and shrink the thing. Got to admit, I thought I'd be a bit braver but that first session was a lot more overwhelming than I expected to be honest. Side effects of this EC and accompanying medication are a bit poo. Its the sickiness really - I love my food but can't find anything I like to eat! lol

I hope the kids are coping with it all. My mum has cancer too although not related to mine as far as we know but its such a lot for the kids to have to deal with isn't it?

Sending you all good and positive thoughts!! Reach out whenever...

Hugs xx

Kerry

Hi Kerry, 

yes you are right it is rubbish, then the added triple negative thing was a blow knowing that chemo is the only treatment,  I haven't seen the oncologist yet so don't know what I'll be on and how long for,  how long is you chemo for? 
the kids seem to have taken it ok I've tried to explain what will happen the best I can, the eldest is doing exams at the minute as no doubt your daughter is too, I'm afraid my illness will impact his grades.  The youngest has asked me not to pick her up from school with no hair ‍ charming lol.

I'm sorry to hear your chemo is making you feel pants it must be hard knowing that you have to go for more,  it also must be hard coping with your mums cancer along side your own too.

the whole thing really is rubbish, but if you ever need to chat I'm right here, still working at the minute f8nishing on the 5th November until godvknows when.

take care

sarah xx

Hi Sarah I did have the genetic testing as I have a family history of cancer,thank goodness I didn't have the gene it was just one of those things for me,I kept strong and told myself I will and can get through it all and you will also,I had all the treatments thrown at me,now I'm on the tablet form of chemo,had the op as well and radiotherapy and they managed to rid of cancer,so all the treatments are well worth it and how ever much you feel like rubbish you are one step nearer  from getting rid of it all x

Good for you,get that cruise booked they are amazing did one cruise it was great,and food 24 hours a day x

Hi fifa,

you are right it could just be one of those things, I'm very thankful I was getting my yearly mammograms because of the history, as I can't feel the lump myself.  Are you having the tablet chemo after having iv chemo?  I'm willing to take anything they throw at me to be honest, I'm sure I will get through I fortunately have a very supportive husband and family and work are being fab, not allowed in once chemo starts as I'm a dinner lady in a primary school so I'm gearing up for lots of tv watching :wink:.

you sound like all is going really well for you, it's nice to hear the positive side of things.

take care 

Sarah xx

Hi Sarah,

Hope you're doing ok. Actually at the moment I'm feeling fine. First 10 days after chemo are a bit yuk but the last 10 before chemo again are fine. So nice to feel normal for a bit! I've got 4 lots of this EC every three weeks then a scan I suppose to check and then weekly Taxol for 12 weeks with Carboplatin every 3. This is the plan but I suppose thats subject to change...After that they *** what surgery I need then after that radiotherapy I suppose... Just got to take a day at a time. At the minute enjoying a cup of tea while its drinkable! lol. In 10 days it'll taste rotten again!

Hair coming out in chunks when I'm in the shower but although it feels a bit thinner to me its not really noticeable to anyone else. I had to laugh when I read what your youngest said about picking her up from school - was just like something mine would say!!

As I didn't know anything at all about breast cancer when I was diagnosed, when they said its triple negative I thought, Ooo - that sounds good then... negative for three things! lol. Only when I was alone with doctor Google did I realsie what that meant. mmm. But it is very responsive to chemo so thats what I'm pinning my hopes on and lots of whats on the internet is outdated so Im trying to stay positive about it all :) Oh, and I've stopped Googling!

Just had a text today to say results of gene test on Monday....Thats come through quite quickly actually! Is that good or bad I wonder....????

One fo the first things I thought was about the kids exams too. My youngest has her GCSEs and eldest has his A levels. I think they'll be fine though. Once the shock has worn off then it all becomes a bit normalised. I've told them its just a case of going through this process and we just have to try not to worry, one day at a time etc etc. I know its on their mind but I try to keep as upbeat for them as possible. I also told the school, with my daughters agreement. They don't speak to her directly about it but are aware of the situation just in case she gets upset at school or anything. 

Take care,

Kerry x

Morning Kerry,

lovely to hear you are doing well,  it's great your gene test results are ready but also nerve wracking too, have you decided what you are doing if they are positive?  I'm thinking I would opt for a double mastectomy the consultant has already agreed to this, although I don't always see the same one living on a small island they seem to just fly in each week!  Thank goodness for MDT meetings.

I had my pre op assessment last Friday ready for the 11th so I'm all set apart from COVID test. 
 

yes Dr Google is nightmare mainly doom and gloom I've also stopped looking. 
My hair is really thick and curly it's going to be all over the blooming house once it starts coming out, are you going for a wig?  I don't think I will I'm going down the hat route I think I would look totally odd with a wig, the dog would probably savage me thinking I'm an intruder :laugh: ( mini sausage dog issues) 

I too contacted the kids schools the high school tutor got back to me straight away, she is lovely and reassured me she would let me know if any issues flag up, luckily he has just done his maths, English and now half way through his science exams.

yes one day at a time is the best way or it can become too much. So far so good though.

I'll be thinking of you next Monday getting your results, hope all goes well.

take care lovely.

sarah xx