How do I cope after a triple negative breast cancer diagnosis?

The overwhelming feelings after receiving this diagnosis are completely natural, and reaching out to this community shows real strength during such a difficult time. While waiting for the oncology appointment can feel endless, focusing on one small step at a time—like writing down questions for the doctor or connecting with others here who understand—can help manage the anxiety that comes with uncertainty. This community is here to support you through each phase of this journey.

Do you have a number for the oncology department? Try calling them to at least make sure they have you on their radar. I am always amazed at how staff often drop the ball. Plus you might feel less overwhelmed if you do something, even a simple step. I did not have the same diagnosis but i had to look at only one step at a time in order to control my panic.

I was diagnosed with TNBC in January. There is a certain protocol for this type of cancer which includes chemo surgery radiation. I had 12 weekly infusions without much to complain about. Appetite loss and fatigue. The not knowing part is the hardest. Being diagnosed in January and not starting chemo until early March was a long wait I thought. If you haven't used chat gpt you can put your info on there. It's helpful

Lisa, One day at a time. I also have TNBC BRCA2 and required immediate surgery. This cell type is more aggressive than most but there are great treatment options but mainly focused on chemo if in nodes, surgery, and immunotherapy. Immediate meant 6 to 8 weeks till all appointments and testing needs. I had double mastectomies as advised, and saline skin-nipple sparing implants done at same time, as my cancer tumor was tiny and clean margins and nodes in surgery, not requiring chemo. My mammogram was negative, but the breast MRI that I had routinely detected it. I was stage 1 but grade 3 and Ki 67 was 95%. About 9 months later I regionally metastasized to one axillary node, CT was negative, but the Ultrasound found it and Oncology felt the small tumor. That is when I qualified for PET scans. That is when I started the full aggressive chemo journey of weekly Carbo/Taxol x 12, Adriamycin/Cytoxan x 8, scans again clean post, but surgery to clean up nodes, radiation 3 weeks hi dosed, 3 months of oral Xeloda chemo, and a year of Lynparza PARP inhibitor for BRCA needs, as I have autoimmune diseases x5 and was not a candidate for immunotherapy. I just finished all treatments in March, and the journey is still not over as my bone marrow is either tired or diseased. My point is that everyone has a different journey depending on cell type, stage, previous health status… and choices… I wish you the very best. I was able to stay active and walk 12 to 15 miles daily and took myself to chemo. Prayers and support and strength is a must. 🙏❤️🙏 You will do well.

I’ve been where you are. Do you know what Stage TNB you have? Do you know the Grade which tells you how aggressive you TNB cancer is growing? Can your referring physician request a sooner appointment? Or perhaps you can get on a waiting list for cancellation appointments. I have had to advocate for myself many times, and I’ve still waited too long for appointments related to my TNB cancer, Stage 2, Grade 3 with ki67 of 90%…extremely aggressive.

I don't know all that info but will definitely find out. My tumor is no longer visible from the chemo treatment W 12 paxel/carbo and 4 red devil with cyclosporine and Keytruda. Pet scan tomorrow and lumpectomy Tuesday. I should be more educated

Do not go to the internet. There is information but there is a lot of junk out there too. Lean into your medical community. Cancers are not all the same. I totally understand how tempting the internet is, but if you can please avoid it. And panicking is totally normal but try to hold it together. Pray for peace within. I have been there with a different type of BC and I got through it praise God. You can too….praying for you.

One lesson I have learned is Try not to worry about things you cannot control. Not easy but worrying does not help the process. Ask your oncologist about what all you can do to ease side effects. Advocate strongly for yourself. I’m going on chemo #11 in my first phase of treatment for TNB cancer, Stage II, Grade 3 with ki67 of 90%. I’ve been able to take care of myself pretty well but with having groceries delivered the past couple of weeks. If you have a support person, take them to your oncologist appointments. Write a list of questions before you go.

Absolutely agree with taking a support person with you to appts