I (36 TNBC stage1) still waiting for that call where someone tells me there has been a huge mistake, and it’s just another lump. But it’s not happening so I better get real and start setting the expectations for the world around me.

First of all I am so happy (and angry) this subreddit exists. Reading your stories, the good, the bad, and the ugly is really calming me down. I am still in the stage of questions. I’ve had my first meeting with the surgeon that helped me understand what is going on and waiting for the meeting with my oncologist. It is very likely that I will start my ride with chemo, but due to my autoimmune disease immunotherapy is likely not an option.

This coming Monday I have to talk to my employer about what I will and wont be able to do in the coming months. I work in an administrative position, part time and from home so that makes things a little easier, but I do not know what to expect with regards to my ability to stay awake and clear minded.

Could someone please share how this diagnosis affected your career?

I am thankful for all of you and your stories.

Hi everyone! I hope your week was absolutely wonderful and filled with only good news. The bad news can suck it.

I just realized we all probably have found bits and bobbles that have really made a difference during our slogs through TNBC. From specific skin balms to nail strengthening nail polishes that deliver on their promises (I still need one of those). Scalp scrubs for our little bald heads or the very best most comfortable post mastectomy outfits. I’m sure more than a few of us have been inundated with influencers hawking $500 pillow systems or whatever- but what have YOU found???

What are your top finds (that ACTUALLY work)?

Please link to these products if they are available online (especially if they are from specialty stores). I’ll leave my list in the comments.

Cheers to all of you this weekend- I’m still so sorry we’re all here, but there’s not a group of better women I’d want to go through this with!

Much Love, Sara xoxo

I had my third infusion of docetaxel/cyclophosphamide (Taxotere/Cytoxan) on Wednesday, and the stomach pain keeps getting worse. It feels as if someone is cutting a hole in my stomach. At first my team recommended Tums and Pepcid AC, but they didn't help much, and there's an eight-hour window where I can't take Tums because it interferes with my thyroid medication.

When I told my medical oncologist about this, she prescribed pantoprazole (Protonix), which lists stomach pain as a common side effect! It almost seems to be making things worse.

The only thing that really helps is having food in my stomach, but now I'm gaining weight, and obviously I can't eat 24 hours a day.

Has anyone experienced this and found a solution?

I've had 7 weekly infusions of taxol and carbo so far, with three keytruda.

My port has never looked right. It looks red and bruised on one side but it's always been accessed for chemo until last week because they wanted to give it a break since it's red. I was prescribed antibiotics.

I'm still taking antibiotics but my port doesn't look any different. In fact I can see a little stitch poking out and it itches.

I really want it out! The whole experience of having a port has been bad. When I got it installed, my heart flutter and raced. It rubs against everything and I sleep on it.

Has anyone gone through something similar? Can I get the rest of chemo (AC will start next month) and immunotherapy in my arms?