TNBC Diagnosis

FormerMember over 4 years ago

2 replies
477 subscribers
693 views

Hello ladies,

I am 43 + have just been diagnosed with TNBC :( I have 2 enlarged lymph nodes which have been biopsied - 1 is benign + the larger 1 has a large blood vessel running through it so results were inconclusive so I've had another needle test this morning + desperately praying that that too is negative. Another week to wait for results!

My husband + I were just about to go through a round of IVF after dealing with recurrent miscarriage (6 losses) for the last 4 years + now we've been hit with this. I already have a 5-year-old little boy but hoped to add to our family. The conundrum is this.....the oncologist has said that he can give me 6 weeks for a round or two of IVF which won't affect cancer or my health + operate first (lumpectomy) + then have chemo. The downside is that if they remove the tumour first, they won't be able to tell how effective the chemotherapy has been for future prognosis. Has anyone else been told this or had experience with this? I just feel it was a bit vague + I now have to base my IVF treatment on this. As this is an aggressive type of cancer by all accounts with a high chance of recurrence, it seems that being able to ascertain the effectiveness of the treatment is of utmost importance! Any thoughts greatly welcomed + appreciated.

I am absolutely petrified + am really struggling to find any positivity in the situation at the moment so any help with that would be amazing as well!

Thanks so much!
Px

Lacomtekp over 4 years ago

In 2015 I had a TNBC tumour removed. Last week I had my 5th year mammogram.....everything is still clear. I hope that gives you some encouragement. I have a friend....also TNBC who has just passed the four year mark too.

I am so sorry you have found yourself here and that you have all these difficult decisions to make regarding IVF but you will find all the support and help you need among the members of this group.

You will find threads where you can ask questions and others where you can express your feelings. There will always be someone who can share them, offer practical advice or just be there to listen. Most of us have experienced much of the same. I think we would almost all agree that waiting for results is one of the worst times. Somehow once a plan is in place, you feel more in control. As your treatment progresses threads like the monthly chemo thread or radiotherapy will link with others who are at the same stage of treatment and who are sharing the same experiences. Always remember that treatment of BC today is often very sucessful. Even since my own treatment there have been many improvements.

I hope the node test you are waiting for is negative but keep in touch. If you just feel like a chat or something a little more lighthearted to distract your thoughts ..try the Awake thread where people post on a chat line day and night.

Take care. Love Karen

FormerMember over 4 years ago in reply to Lacomtekp

Hi Karen,

Thanks so much for your reply + congratulations on the 5-year mark. I believe the 5-year mark is a real milestone with TNBC so I do hope you celebrate with a glass of something delicious

Yes, waiting for results is the WORST - your mind always takes you to the worst possible place - only human nature I guess! And you are right, I am sure I will feel much better when there is a treatment plan in place - it's like I have the battle at the moment but no battle plan! Just need to make the decision on the order of the treatment + whether I forfeit a potential 2nd child.

Can I ask....did you have chemo before the surgery? If so, did it enable a better prognosis in your opinion?

I will definitely have a look at the Awake thread - thanks for the recommendation

Love Pip x

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TNBC Diagnosis