Triple negative disappointed

Hi Everyone,

Just wondering if anyone has experienced anything similar...

My mum was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer last July. MRI and CT scan showed that the tumour was 50mm and 2 lymph nodes affected.

She had 3 cycles of Paclitaxel and Carboplatin and after 9 weeks, she had another MRI scan to see how the tumour was responding. The tumour had shrunk by 7mm and now measured 43mm.

Next came 3 cycles of EC chemo, followed by mastectomy and axillary clearance.

My mum got the results on Tuesday and the tumour actually measured 60mm when removed and 4/18 lymph nodes positive.

It looks as though the tumour has grown from 43mm to 60mm during EC chemo, and spread to further lymph nodes. My mum was stage 2 before chemo and now after chemo and surgery, she seems to be in a worse position, of stage 3.

A lot of people have told us that MRI scans only offer estimates on size...so if it hasn’t grown and been 60mm all along....then we have been told incorrect measurements twice!

We are very doubtful now that the chemo has worked and although we understand why chemo was given first, it hasn’t downstaged the cancer and even at 60mm and not 50mm we still got the clear margins. I know no one can predict how well chemo will work, but I feel a bit upset because in hindsight, it looks like it would have been a better to have done surgery first and be stage 2, than to have the chemo first, allow it to grow and spread and end up being stage 3.

Feeling a bit disappointed in my mums treatment and care to be honest. I have read that for triple negative lots of people are given Capecitabine for residual cancer and positive nodes, but we aren’t even being offered that. You put your trust in these people, but I’m beginning to lose a little bit of hope.

My mum is really fed up with the whole thing and it’s becoming increasing difficult to try and keep her spirits up and to remain positive, when I’m struggling to stay positive myself.
It just seems all we get is bad news.

thanks for reading x