Hello,
My very dear friend has just been diagnosed with breast cancer. After first appointment we thought she would have a mastectomy and chemo but after PET scan she was told it had spread to her lungs (in a small way) and it was grade 3 triple negative breast cancer on the left hand side and in right hand side lymph nodes.
They have given her chemo tablets and have said they can treat it but they can't cure it. She won't be having surgery (it's not an option).
I suppose I’m looking for, anyone with the same diagnosis. Advice on if getting a second opinion is a good idea, it feels like surgery has to be an option.
Not that I don’t trust them it’s just she is only 40 with children and we NEED to know we have tried EVERYTHING.
And lastly any positive stories
Thank you in advance ️
Hi Bix A Boo
Welcome to the forum and sorry to hear about your friend.
I was diagnosed with grade 3 triple negative breast cancer. The cancer was in my left breast and under my left armpit. After having chemo, surgery and radiotherapy I am now in remission.
It’s up to you both but you are entitled to get a second opinion if that what is what you want to get.
Wishing the both of you the best of luck with everything.
Best wishes
Daisy53
I think that the NHS has rules for stage 4, though it is at the discretion of the team. TNBC can respond well to chemo, so maybe she could take the drugs and request a second opinion at another hospital. If she had health insurance she could try that route, but it depends on her size and spread what they would do. Chemo and radiotherapy are the main treatments, but there are also new drugs being trialled, but that would be dependent on meeting the criteria. There is also a research project based in London looking at using repurposed drugs to manage and kill cancer run by NHS consultants from the Royal Marsden and other hospitals. Their website is careoncologyclinic.com/.../ :
Londonmumof2, Excellent website/Info at careoncologyclinic Royal Marsden. Thank you for sharing.
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007