Newly Diagnosed Triple Neg Breast Cancer mets to lungs, Stage 4

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I just got through the longest process it seemed in the world. I just went to the doctor at the end of August with pain in my right boob. And now I have a diagnosis of triple neg breast cancer mets to lymph and lung. WHAT??? No No No. I have plans. I have things to do. I can't be bogged down with all this. 

The doctors say they can't cure me but they will give me palliative care. I don't accept that!! Anyone have any advice or other outlooks?

  • Hi, I’m very sorry to read your diagnosis. It must have been a huge shock for you. You might have already thought of this, but the Macmillan clinical advice team and healthcare professionals are excellent for advice, and for giving extra information concerning your diagnosis. I found them to be hugely supportive and knowledgeable on more than one occasion. The freephone number is 0808 808 00 00. They are open 8am- 8pm. 

  • hI  I am so sorry to read your news and diagnosis. Please continue to use this forum, and other support networks, to know you are not alone. Ask your breast care nurse to give you information about the support groips that are available. xx

  • Just fight!!! And keep fighting! You sound like a very strong and positive person which always does help. Don't be discouraged by words like "palliative". There are ladies here in situations similar to yours who are in remission now after having been almost written off (as terrible as it sounds!). I hope your medical team is as brilliant as mine is - they are throwing everything at trying to cure my cancer. My case wasn't ideal - surgeons couldn't achieve clear margins after my mastectomy and they found cancer in one of my lymph nodes so I've been through all the joys of chemotherapy and radiotherapy and now on Abemaciclib and Letrozole enjoying their side effects. I am determined to try my hardest and do whatever is humanly possible to stay alive. Yes, it's not up to our determination only, but giving up must not be an option. Sorry, I talk too much, but I so understand how you are feeling about your diagnosis. Stay strong and fight! Much love,

    Lana xx

  • Hi Jodisworld. I am so sorry to hear of your diagnosis.  It sounds like a massive shock.

    I just wanted to say that I was at a Breast Cancer Conference last week. One of the strong messages, from the medics on the panel, to patients, was to ask about clinical trials at every stage of treatment.  There was a woman speaker who had a stage 4 diagnosis in 2017. She has participated in 4 clinical trials and is still going strong in 2024. 

    Please draw on all the support around you and on here. You are not alone.

    Sending all of the hugs, Shaka 

  • This is a link to the cancer journey of a lady I truly admire. 
    https://community.macmillan.org.uk/members/coddfish 

    I wish you the very best of luck in your treatment! Like I said in my previous message, do stay strong and positive!

    Big hug,

    Lana xx

  • I am sorry you are in this situation and imagine it was a dreadful shock for you. I also have metastatic TNBC and am in remission after being treated with immunotherapy. Once the cancer has metastasised, they will always describe it as incurable, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it can’t be treated and managed. They always describe such treatment as palliative - to extend life and reduce symptoms. Not all TNBC is suitable for immunotherapy but it’s certainly given me a lifeline. (Pembrolizumab for PD-L1 positive TNBC). It does become easier once you have a plan and get started. 

  • Thanks Lana, just realised you have linked to me!