Triple negative breast cancer

hello

Very sorry that you find yourself here, but you will find that you are in very good, supportive company.

Here's a link to Macmillan's information on TNBC (just click the green link).  There is also a TNBC breast cancer group which you may wish to join. But, do stay part of this main breast cancer group because it is naturally much busier and many things will be the same with your journey where you can get a great deal from reading about other ladies' experiences.

The important thing to remember with breast cancer is that all the time advances are being made. Last year I was diagnosed (different type to you), but already there is a new procedure of treatment and my treatment plan is now 'out of date'.  Amazing isn't it?  Once upon a time we heard breast cancer and thought 'that's it' - not so now, so many, many ladies on her shows you that this is the case.

Just ask any questions you want and know that you will get a great deal of support here.

Kindest wishes,

Hi Lesley,

Thank you so much, wasn't expecting such a speedy reply  I'm scheduled for a mastectomy on my left breast 22nd this month. Chemotherapy will start mid January for 4 to 5 months then radiotherapy after that  Feel good knowing what the plan is. Just want to understand the difference. Anybody know.

Thaks B x

Hi

If you page down on the Macmillan link I provided earlier for Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) you will see all the links to explain the differences with TNBC to other types of breast cancer.

I'm pleased to hear that you already have your plan of treatment, it makes is so much easier knowing 'where you are going' doesn't it?  You will also see on the main breast group that there is a monthly group for chemotherapy and radiotherapy when you get to each stage.

Best wishes,

Lesley

Hi  I am also new to breast cancer, my breast swelled up after my 1st covid jab thought it was just a reaction luckily I checked with my Doctor scans and biopsies confirmed my worst fears and it is Triple Negative BC which means it does not have the receptors for hormone BC or HER2 Protein.  I wash told it is more common in younger Asian/black woman.  I am white and 63 so don't fit the profile.mine is also grade 3 and can't tell me anymore until after the lump is removed and tested. I have been told I will need chemo afterwards.  It is a minefield and very frightening when you are first told.  I have been lucky and never been ill/in hospital before so worried about the operation but just want this thing removed asap.  Stay strong there is so much help out there nowadays and don't forget to write down questions before your next appt as everything goes out of your head.  Sending hugs xx  Just seen this is 3 years ago so I hope that you are now clear ??

Hello,

I also had TNBC. I was 62 years. It was found with the mammogram and as I had them regularly every 2 years, the radiologist knew the cancer had been found relatively early. However when it was removed and analysed as triple negative,  like you I had to have chemo. The chemo is to help prevent the cancer returning.  As we are not suitable for other treatments I was also advised to reduce dairy products, parabens in toiletries and allumium in deodorants. I did that with no evidence that it helps but always thought if it came back and I hadn't,  I would wonder...' what if?.....'

Anyway, my diagnosis was in 2015. Last December I was signed off as clear because TNBC rarely returns after 5 years. However, I have to have an annual mammogram and check myself regularly as my surgeon told me that it is still possible new cancers might occur which may or may not be TNBC next time!

I hope your treatment goes well. I won't pretend that same days won't be difficult during the treatment but they will pass and hopefully you will find yourself in five years looking back as I am.

Take care. Love Karen

Thank you for your honest answer. So nice to hear someone has past the 5 year mark.  looking online it is flagged up as a death sentence so I have stopped reading everything other than Macmillan now.  Not looking forward to the Sentinel Radioactive jab but needs must to check it has not spread yet.  10th May can't come quick enough I just want to move on with my treatment.  Best of luck for the future xx

Hi I had a lumpectomy last week after being recalled from a routine mammogram.  I'm er/pr negative and still awaiting results for HER but there is a good chance I will be triple negative.  K thought I could handle the operation plus radiotherapy,  but the thought of chemo terrifies me,  I'm a single mum with 6 year old twins  

Re: the radioactive node investigation.

Like you I wasn't sure exactly what this involved. The surgeon just told me that the use of the radioactive dye means he can pinpoint the sentinel node and doesn't need to take  loads away which can cause problems with arm pain and use later. He told me if the sentinel node is cancer free he wouldn't need to investigate the others. But I hadn't realised it involved a seperate procedure. 

However, I was taken to the radioactive unit and the doctor explained I would just feel a pin prick as she marked the various areas with the dye. I know a couple went into the breast but actually I didn't even feel the prick. Having worried, I felt really stupid. Unfortunately I didn't find Macmillan until during my third chemo so I couldn't ask before hand. I chose not to google. The lumpectomy and sentinel node were removed in the same op about two hours later.  The surgeon saw me about 15 days later with the results. As the sentinel and margins were clear, I only needed one op.

I hope having a bit more info helps reassure you. I felt it all soundrd much worse than it was in reality but it is an unknown.....and we all fear that, don't we?

May 10th is nearly here. I hope all goes well and I'm sure it will. You may feel a bit stiff or numb in the arm afterwards but if you follow the instructions for movement, it should go. My surgeon said six weeks and I remember one day realising the ache had gone, counting back and finding it was exactly six weeks! I know I was lucky. My surgeon has an excellent reputation and he tried to make sure both my husband and I knew what was happening. He liked diagrams and I still have them as a momemto.

Love Karen

Hi Merlin1664

I have been diagnosed wih TNBC in Jan. I had to do chemo first and I have done 4 rounds out of 6 so far. To be honest I was really worried myself but it hasn't been as bad as I had imagined. The thought of chemo is scary but it actually is not. Hopefully, you will have mild symptoms like me.  I have to do a surgery now which I am really worried. Xx

I’m exactly the same - it’s the chemo that scares me most, originally I was diagnosed with DCIS so it was a big surprise after WLE to find that pathology report had identified a small tumour. I don’t expect the HER2 result before next week and surgery was on 6 April. The waiting is very hard. Whatever the results are our respective teams will have a treatment plan for it. Sending you a big hug xx