Stage 3 triple negative breast cancer

Hi, I have tnbc I was diagnosed in December and have finished chemo (which didn’t work to shrink tumour but it hasn’t grown) my best bit of advice is to deal with the bit your going through and not worry about the next stage.  I found chemo easy I was still able to work, walk for miles and ride my horse in fact I think those things helped but also rest. 
tnbc isn’t the best one to have because they can’t give you hormone treatments after wards to recent reaccurance but they are trying other things. 
there is a tnbc group on Macmillan so you could join there 

good luck be stubborn 

Hello to both of you,

I had tnbc in 2015. I had my tumour removed first but I have a friend....also with tnbc.....who had chemo first. I know it sounds frightening because the statistics do suggest you may have more problems in the future as we cannot take the additional treatments but my specialist explained that the numbers of people not surviving with tnbc have stayed relatively constant. The change in the stats comes from the fact that positive cancers have become more treatable and therefore negative suddenly looks worse. Once you get to five years, that particular cancer is unlikely to return. It does mean you have to make sure you have your annual mammogram and check yourself regularly. And therr is one plus.....the hormone inhibitors can cause a lot of discomfort from joint pain. We don't get that!

So try not to worry....( I know!.....). I am now approaching six years and my friend five. We are both weĺl and clear of cancer for the moment.

I hope the rest of your treatment goes well. I suspect you will have radiotherapy to reduce the chance of recurrence after your operation.

Love Karen

Hi Ibroxstaff1988

I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer last September.  I had it in both my left Breast and under my arm. I had 8 cycles of Chemo, 4 of AC and 4 of Taxol.  I didn’t have too many side effects. Chemo is not always easy but it’s very doable. Don’t be afraid to seek help when you need it. The Onology staff are all very friendly and they want you to get well.

The chemo shrunk the tumour in my breast drastically and got rid of the tumour under my arm. it was 16mm when I started and was down to 3mm when I had my operation. 

Breast cancer is very treatable these days, I know of at least two people who had tnbc and they’ve been cancer free for a number of years.

Best of luck with your treatment.

Best wished

Daisy53

Thank you everyone for your kind words xx

Hi Ibroxstaff1988, I went through this exact treatment 3 years ago and I feel your pain.  Nothing ever prepares you for this type of news.  I was in denial for the first year of treatment and was diagnosed with TNBC in 2018.  Sadly it cam back during lockdown in May 2020 and the breast surgeon didn't offer me a scan when I complained of a lump coming back.  I am not going to trouble you with my painful journey but you must must consider options that may help you through integrated medicine whilst on chemo.  I've now been on chemo for three years and during lockdown my cancer had mastastized into my chest muscles before I was treated.  Your oncologist and medical team will help you with their treatment plan but you should consider other integrated medical options to help improve your health whilst on chemo,  operation and radiotherapy.  Doctors never tell you everything and be sure to read the letters your specialists provide to your GP as there is more details in those letters.  I wasn't allowed a friend or partner to join me with my consults so record your sessions and play it back to yourself and family you wish to share as it helps to understand the process you are about to under take.  I worked through all my chemo, op and radiotherapy and mostly I was in denial from the beginning.  Third time round I'm wide open to whats out there and I am hoping your team are on the right path to help you but lockdown was a mare for continued treatment with secondary BC for me. Sending you big love sister and be positive...  You will find your way forward but do consider researching alternatives to help support you through treatment. 

I am also happy to share you the complimentary therapy I am taking to help with lethargy, cellular renewal and wellbeing.  Not pushing this but it helped me in so many ways xx

Hi Ibroxstaff

Sorry to hear you’ve been diagnosed with cancer. My cancer is not TN, it is HER2+. It is at stage 3 though (locally advanced) with cancer in the local lymph nodes. My main tumour was 43mm but it has shrunk. Check out my profile (click on my name).

I am on the same treatment plan as you but with additional targeted therapy (Herceptins for HER2+).

I’ve had 4 chemos and should get my 5th out of 6 on Thursday. I’m not going to say it’s been easy but there is a lot you can do help elevate side effects. Check out the April/May chemo thread for helpful advice.

community.macmillan.org.uk/.../april-may-2021-breast-cancer-chemo

Your BC Nurse and out of hours team should be available if you need additional help. There are always other medications/interventions you can try if what you have isn’t working.

I saw my surgeon last week and she was very encouraging about my operation which is planned for July.

It can be very overwhelming emotionally. Macmillan can provide lots of help with counselling, well being coaching, financial support etc. I’ve recently received support threw a joint scheme with Macmillan and my local council. OK, it’s taken a while for all this to happen, probably not helped by Covid, but it’s getting there. Have you a Maggies centre close by? They are starting to open up now too. Breastcarenow have a buddy scheme where you can chat to someone who has been in the same position as you.

Wishing you all the best with your treatment.

Bluebell xx

Hi Chicksinthecity,

I would be keen to learn of your complimentary therapies.

thanks -

ddhh x