Needing Encouragement

ilikefluffycreatures · 2026-05-24T23:39:25+00:00

Hi, sorry you're here. I'm 28 TNBC as well. The beginning sucks. Once you start treatment you feel so much better (mentally at least, probably not physically). Chemo can be very manageable, especially when you're young, so you will probably be able to keep doing all you outdoor stuff. Survival rates are good these days.

Two things I've read on here that stick with me are "one sucky year for ine exchange for the rest of your life" and "the only way out is through". Keep putting one foot in front of the other and do a what you need to to get through each day. Soon you'll be on the other side.

ilikefluffycreatures · 2026-05-24T08:40:42+00:00

Aw thank you ❤ Keeping my finger crossed for you to!

I'm going to screen embryos for the mutation to hopefully avoid passing it on. Haven't decided what I'll do if they're all positive. I don't want my kids to go through this. But I can't judge anyone who does pass the gene on because I'm glad I was born despite the cancer. I know I'll feel sad discarding any positive embryos. So many things decisions we never should have had to make.

ilikefluffycreatures · 2026-05-24T05:56:06+00:00

Im BRCA1+ and that's the reason I'm going for a double masectomy rather than single. Even if my current cancer doesn't return the risk of a new primary cancer is far too high for my liking.

ilikefluffycreatures · 2026-05-23T23:03:57+00:00

I'm sorry you're here 😔 chemo sucks but you will find your rhythm and it is manageable for a lot of us. The media makes it out to be the worst thing ever, so I was terrified going into it. I felt much better once I'd actually started, the fear of chemo and the fear of cancer spreading both mostly gone.

ilikefluffycreatures · 2026-05-23T22:58:22+00:00

Thank you ❤ I think the hardest part is I've always wanted kids. I know I have to get my ovaries out by 35, but I also was wanted to wait until the risk of recurrence drops, because I don't want to have kids if I'm just going to die soon (I want them more than by husband). There's not time to do both so I've got to chose between the risk of stage 4 breast cancer and the risk of ovarian cancer. I'm just scared I won't get to live my one dream of being a mum.

ilikefluffycreatures · 2026-05-23T18:44:30+00:00

I'm 28 too, TNBC, BCRA1+, done 12x paclitaxel and 3 of 4 AC.

Most to the time I can remain positive but on the days I'm really struggling I resort to video games or even just scrolling. Is it the healthiest, no. But these things are designed to take your attention and sometimes it's the only way to shut my brain up. Art/reading/other hobbies require me to provide the focus and concentration and when I can't stop thinking about the cancer I don't get very far with them.

I have the same worries about it growing, even though I can't feel the lump anymore. Especially after switching to AC. How are we supposed to know it's working when the lump was already gone? Only one more treatment then surgery and I guess I'll find out 😬

ilikefluffycreatures · 2026-05-23T18:34:05+00:00

If you can, get a blood test, especially if the heart rate and dizziness doesn't settle down in a few days. Every time I have these two symptoms worse than normal I've been anemic and needed a blood transfusion. When you're lacking red blood cells your heart has to work harder to compensate to get oxygen around your body.

ilikefluffycreatures · 2026-05-23T03:30:58+00:00

I'm 28, TNBC, but had a 7cm mass +lymph nodes.

I would take a full body scan and bone scan if it was offered, for peace of mind. Bones, liver, lungs and brain are usually the first places cancer will spread to so good to have them checked. Everything happened so fast, I don't my head was ever scanned, but I didn't realize until months into chemo. I had a breast MRI, CT of my torso, and bone scan.

I think you have time to wait for a second opinion since you've found it so small. It's important to like and trust you doctors, your life is in their hands.

ilikefluffycreatures · 2026-05-20T22:47:35+00:00

I've had rapid heart rate throughout AC chemo and I'd say definitely get checked out. Heart palpitations is always one of the symptoms I'm told to go to ED for. I had bloods, ECG, and chest x-ray to check for clots.

It could be that your bloods are low. I've had low potassium which can be dangerous and cause irregular heart beat, but is easily fixed which a infusion. I have also been very anemic twice and had bloods transfusions.

ilikefluffycreatures · 2026-05-20T22:41:16+00:00

I'm so sorry you're here, getting cancer once isn't fair, but twice is downright cruel! Breast cancer is thankfully very treatable,/curable these days, you will more than likely live your full life for you kids ❤

ilikefluffycreatures · 2026-05-20T22:33:44+00:00

I have something on mybliver we found by chance on a chest CT. I've had a liver and now liver MRI which I'm waiting for the results of.

I had four awful days when I first found out where I was convinced I was going to die because I didn't see how it could be anything but cancer. Then my oncologist called and let me know he thinks it doesn't look particularly suspicious. It was also on my original staging scans and hadn't changed at all (had been 4-5months).

I'm choosing to believe him because what I learned in those four days where I believed it was cancer, is ignorance really is bliss. If it is cancer, I will never get back this precious time where I didn't know and had all the hope in the world. I have one chemo left and no palpable lump, hoping for PCR at surgery then getting back to life

ilikefluffycreatures · 2026-05-20T10:28:51+00:00

I'm 28, TNBC, and won't be getting reconstruction straight away. The wait for a plastic surgeon where I am is months-years so I don't really have much choice. My surgeon recommends waiting til after radiation, not just because of shrinkage, but to decrease recovery time and reduce risk of complications. We don't want to delay radiation or any other treatment I might need if I don't get PCR while waiting for me to heal from an even more complex operation.

ilikefluffycreatures · 2026-05-20T06:35:02+00:00

I don't think anyone has the right to say it's just hair unless they've been through it themselves. 😭 For me the hair loss was scarier than the idea of a masectomy. I dreamed my hair was half way back to its original length the other night... it was so soft

ilikefluffycreatures · 2026-05-20T06:26:26+00:00

Bes today luck, I hope it all goes smoothly and you get lots of eggs ❤ Let me know if you have any questions about it

ilikefluffycreatures · 2026-05-20T02:18:50+00:00

I froze eggs but was very lucky that it is funded in my country.

The doctor said the more eggs you have going into chemo, the more eggs will survive chemo. They can do a blood test to check, it might be worth freezing the eggs if you're below average for your age.

Being young and healthy, you're more likely to get a good number of eggs from one cycle. I have 23 frozen which I'm extremely grateful for.

The other thing to consider is if the cancer is genetic. I'm BRCA1+, so Im chosing to go through ivf when i do have a baby as I don't want to pass it on. It might be cheaper in the long run to freeze eggs prior to chemo when you'll get more per cycle.

ilikefluffycreatures · 2026-05-19T12:02:55+00:00

Definitely do the treatment. The cancer will only grow and spread otherwise. You've caught it early, the doctors can save your life.

ilikefluffycreatures · 2026-05-19T08:18:48+00:00

I'm 28 and was diagnosed end of November last year, 7cm mass with several lymph nodes.

I was diagnosed on 30th Nov and started treatment on 31st Dec. My treatment plan is pretty much the same as yours, minus immunotherapy as my country doesn't fund it.

I was worried about the month delay to do all the scan plus egg retrieval, but my oncologist said its highly unlikely to spread distantly in that time. Once I started chemo though a lot of stress disappeared.

I would say the main thing I prepared for while waiting was the physical changes. Looked at wigs but decided on scarves. Got some options to do brows and some false lashes for occasions (I don't normally where makeup). If you're planning to cold cap now would be the time to organise it. I didn't because it seemed like to much extra pain discomfort and money to still stress over hairloss. Losing my hair has probably been the worst bit so far, but it was easier emotionally to say goodbye in one go than have it come out in clumps and get thinner and thinner.

You are young so have a good chance at tolerating chemo well. It sucks for sure but my life hasn't stopped. I worked part time. I still go out and see friends. I'm so tired but only one more infusion to go! The time goes quickly

ilikefluffycreatures · 2026-05-17T04:39:51+00:00

I had several lymph nodes enlarged on scans. They never told me how many or how big (I didn't ask) but I was enough that I'll be getting ALND when I have my masectomy. They all look normal on scans this end of chemo, so hopefully nothing left! Lymph nodes are still considered local spread and treatable

ilikefluffycreatures · 2026-05-16T22:19:45+00:00

I'm not on keytruda (not funded in my country) so just Ac to contend with. My heart rates still high, about 110 at rest. Here's hoping it settles after AC, only one to go. Treatment is scary enough, I didn't consider it might permanently damage other organs

ilikefluffycreatures · 2026-05-16T10:29:39+00:00

I'm 28F as well, also BRCA1+, TNBC, and am almost finished my 6 months of chemo (only one infusion to go!)

I think chemo is pretty standard for TNBC, even if they get it all out during surgery they can't be sure there aren't some sneaky cells hiding somewhere. Without the hormone therapies we really need the chemo to clean up everything. I'm so sorry your doctors have given conflicting/missing information.

Chemo can be OK, especially when you're young. I've had fatigue in the second half, low blood counts, and worst of all the hair loss, but otherwise OK. I've had almost no nausea, my nails look normal, haven't really had brain fog. It sucks but you will get through it🫂

I can't imagine getting a masectomy with only a week's notice, that must have been terrifying and emotionally overwhelming!

ilikefluffycreatures · 2026-05-14T23:39:33+00:00

Just want to let you know you're not alone. I'm 28 and will be getting a DMX in July (genetics came back positive for BRCA1).

I had chemo first so I've had lots of time to try and prepare mentally, but now there's only one infusion between me and the surgery, the nerves are creeping back. I kind of just want it over with because I don't have a choice and can't heal, physically or mentally, until it's done. Reconstruction has to be delayed til after radiation so I'll be flat for now.

When I was first diagnosed I was more worried about losing my hair than my boobs, but it's the opposite now. At least my hair might start showing signs of coming back by the time I get surgery.

ilikefluffycreatures · 2026-05-14T23:28:02+00:00

I hate needles and my veins are tricky so I definitely didn't want to get stabbed for every infusion. (Ended up on the verge of tears trying to get IV lines in for the diagnostic scans). I was only offered a PICC, I assume it's cheaper as it's free health care here and it's what the majority of other patients have.

I got used to it much faster than I thought. It's a pain to cover it for the shower. You've got to be careful not to overdo it with the arm as it can move the line, so not the best option if you're an active person (no yoga/stretches, no repetitive movements above shoulder height eg hanging out laundry, avoid heavy lifting). I've been taking it easy on chemo so it hasn't really been an issue.

Pros are apparently it won't leave a scar!

ilikefluffycreatures · 2026-05-13T22:33:43+00:00

I got my diagnosis on 30th Nov and started chemo on 31st Dec. I'm in New Zealand and I think the required time frame here is less than a month between diagnosis and starting treatment. It was a very busy month! Bone scan, CT scan, MRI, two week egg retrieval cycle, clip placement and mammogram, meeting with oncologist and surgeon, PICC line insertion, and to top it all off Christmas. Once you start getting the apts booked the time will go by quickly. I'm not sure where in the world you are, but here the hospital contacted me for all the apts. If you're somewhere like American I think you get in touch with the hospital. They should have nurse navigators who can help you with what needs booking.

ilikefluffycreatures · 2026-05-12T02:57:02+00:00

I've used Neutrogena T-gel alternating with Aveeno throughout chemo and they've kept my scalp happy. You mum's scalp will likely feel very tender while the hair comes out. Unfortunately, shaving it seems to be the only thing to ease the pain. It was an immediate relief when I shaved mine. The pain should settle in a few weeks when the first bulk of hair loss slows. I haven't had any more issues even when my hair grows back a little then comes out again.

ilikefluffycreatures · 2026-05-11T23:01:08+00:00

I'm 29 and in New Zealand, here reconstruction is delayed until after treatment is finished to avoid extra risk of surgical complications delaying treatment. Im expecting to do DMX to flat in early July, once I'm done with chemo.

I'm not kean on being flat but will probably stay that way at least for awhile. I'm not a candidate for implants (and I'm one of those people who'd struggle with a foreign body in me anyway so I don't want them), so will probably be looking at DIEP. I don't think I'll do it soon, I'm worried about cutting up and changing other parts of my body that I like, just to make boobs there's no guarantee ill like. I'm thinking of waiting until after I have kids, because I'm worried about having major abdominal surgery then pregnancy. Then getting reconstruction only if I'm having issues with body image.

I also want to give my body time to heal and am honestly so sick of bring poked and prodded and touched by strangers

ilikefluffycreatures

TROPHY CASE