TNBC

Hi Looby85 

I was diagnosed with Stage 1 Grade 3 TNBC 3 years ago. The tumour was small enough for me to have a lumpectomy but, unfortunately, a microscopic amount of cancer cells were found in one of the two sentinel lymph nodes removed during the operation. Because of this I was offered chemotherapy, which I took, followed by radiotherapy.

Do you know if you're having a lumpectomy or mastectomy? I didn't have any trouble getting mobility back after my lumpectomy and was also fortunate that, apart from hair loss, I didn't really struggle with chemo.

There has been no evidence of disease (NED) since my treatment finished and I'm enjoying life. So I definitely count myself as having a 'happy story'.

Anne

They haven’t said yet. They said chemo first and when that has finished they will then see if it’s lumpectomy or mastectomy. I’m happy to do whatever will give me the best options in life for me and my young family. 

Hi I was diagnosed with TNBC in October with a low hormone count  3/8 

I have BRca 2 diagnosed last year 

I had nothing in lymph nodes, the surgeon said was 50/50 weather to have chemo first but after a meeting with oncologist they decided to do op first 

that was 3 weeks ago just had lumpectomy and they found nothing in the lymph nodes or in the margins 

I start 6 months of chemo on 8 January 

this is just preventing any cancer returning 

it’s a awful time and I’m trying to stay off the internet as as you said lots of different opinions 

good luck with your surgery 

It’s just awful isn’t it. 2 days after I turned 40 I was told it’s TNBC. Happy 40th. I’m trying to remain positive and in a way am looking forward to starting treatment. I’ve told to stop my pill and have my first oncology appointment Monday. I wish there were more success stories written about on the internet but I suppose once it’s disappeared you don’t tend to think about it as much or post x

Try and stay off the internet as you can easily spiral down with too much negativity 

I was like you just wanted to get started my care has been amazing x 

I’ve struggled over Christmas putting on a brave face, because “ I’m so strong  and positive “ or so everyone is saying

Hi, I was  diagnosed with TNBC 29 May, was offered chemo, lumpectomy then radiotherapy, I asked about alternative and was offered lumpectomy and radiotherapy which I opted for ( after discussing survival stats with her)

had all scans CT etc and no spread found also had genetic test due to family history but was clear.

had lumpectomy 4 July, no spread to lymph nodes, found the op ok and no ill effects after, I did all the exercises and used loads of moisturiser. Radiotherapy, 5 sessions full breast 1-5 September, 4 targeted tumour site 8-11 September again was really lucky, no ill effects apart from swelling and a very hot boob, which has calmed down now. Still have some swelling which is uncomfortable at times rather than sore. Still get fatigued now and again but nothing too bad.

i know I can’t say I’m cancer free, but in my mind, had lumpectomy they took it out , it’s now gone, my way of dealing and not letting it take over my life. Next appointment May 26 unless I have any issues. Onwards and upwards.

Like you I found not a lot of happy stories, hope mine makes you feel a bit better. Take care x

Thanks for that  I just keep stressing the spread is what I don’t want so I’m going to just get on with the chemo for 6 months x 

hopefully it will be tolerable x  the care and team at all the hospitals I have been to are amazing  

I was diagnosed with stage 3 TNBC when I had just turned 36. I frightened myself so much searching online until my oncologist finally urged me to stop googling. Mine had spread to one lymph node so they removed the lump in my breast and then all the lymph nodes under my arm as a precaution. I had 6 months of chemo and 20 cycles of radiotherapy. That was 6 1/2 years ago and thankfully I’ve been cancer free since then. Trust your medical team and stay away from Google. 

Thanks for your message 

that’s fantastic, what a great outcome, so awful at such a young age 

it’s worrying how many young women are being diagnosed 

I only found out I had the BRCA2 gene last year and at 62 I thought I had dodged the bullet 

then my 2nd MRI  a lump so feel luck I’m on the screening program as even the surgeon couldn’t feel anything 

I know the chemo isn’t going to be easy but have to do it for the future. 
i know it sounds shallow but I do love my hair and make-up and thats going to be the thing that upsets me most 

I will try the cold cap to preserve

Hi Looby, 

I was diagnosed with stage 2a tnbc in 2021 aged 35 with 2 lymph nodes also containing cancerous cells. You can see my experience on my profile, but in a nutshell, I had 5 months of chemo and 1,5 months of radiotherapy. I had a double mastectomy in 2023 because it was found that I have a brca1 mutation.

Anyway, to share positive news, I have been in remission and feeling great since. I just turned 40 last year and think I am the fittest and healthiest of my life. It's true that there are less positive stories out there, not because they don't exist, but because people carry on with life afterwards. Since 2021, I think the treatment protocol has changed a bit, so it's good it is advancing all the time. Wishing you the best of luck with your journey x