triple neg ? what treatment??

debk55

Hi,

I am having a mastectomy on thrus 10-2. I meet with Onc Dr on 10-8-08 and just wondered what questions I should ask about the different chemo tx.  I do not know much and am wondering what all you girls have had and or wish you would have had. Having been thru it or going thru it now.  I am almost 3cm and grade 3 triple neg, do not know about the lymphs yet they are doing a SNB with the mastectomy.  Any insight would be great. I am still trying to deal with the DX and feel lost with the chemo research.  I know I am going to a great hospital and great Drs but I know it is best to be proactive in treatment.  Thanks a bunch for any info. And my prayers are with you all as we get thru this together this website has been WONDERFUL!!!   Debk55

cmb35

Deb - I had my chemo in 2005, and at the time, "dose dense AC/T" was the standard chemo for my dx (triple neg w/positive nodes.) I am not great about keeping up with the research, but many women here are, and I'm sure someone will come along and offer you insight about current chemo plans. It is great that you are being proactive and educating yourself, during what is most likely the most overwhelming time in your life (I know it was for me!) I won't sugarcoat chemo, some women do better than others on it, but it's certainly no picnic. That being said, it is definitely doable, and the best option for triple negative cancers (so far!)

Hugs and prayers your way

cmb

pinoideae

Your chemo options will depend on your pathology report.  AC seems to be the standard for node negative/triple negative breast cancer (IDC).  I was given the option of CMF or AC, not sure if CMF is still being offered. 

VickiG

I think the best advice ANY of us can give throughout your tx is to be your own advocate ~ nobody will care as much about your tx as yourself.  Keep your list of questions handy & never feel bad about asking your docs as much as you want.

I am a little concerned that your are having surgery w/o having met w/ your oncologist yet.  Are your bs & onc in agreement about surgery first & then chemo?  2nd opinion?

As for chemo, I was dx 6/08 and had 6 rounds of TAC (then bilat. mast & 28 rads).  I know it is overwhelming getting started, but hang in there!

Roya

I had surgery before meeting an oncologist too. The surgeon met with me and gave me a choice between lumpectomy and mastectomy. The surgeon went by my path report. I think that if it had been indicated, I would have been sent to the oncologist first.

I chose lumpectomy. After healing for 1 month, I met with the oncologist and was placed on chemo A/C ( 4 rounds ) which I just completed. I will begin Taxol on Friday and will receive 4 rounds of that too. After one month off from chemo, I will begin radiation.

debk55

Yes, they said I could do chemo first then lumpectomy & rad or mastectomy & chemo & maybe rad. THe Surgeon sent my path slides to the Onc and they said I could met with them after sx.  

Roya did you have 2wks between chemo tx??  I just have been on this job for 3 months and am trying to firgue out how long I might be off.  They have been great and saying take the time you need but Just another thing to think about.  I am trying not to but I like this job it is close to home and 4 days a week. It has been wonderful having 3 day weekends every weekend.  Deb55

KPolasek

I had a tumor that was just over 2 cm, G3, negative nodes, triple negative.  They did a MUGA test on me which showed that my heart's infraction rate was just a bit too low to do the Adrimycin/Cytoxan.  So my onc chose Cytoxan/Taxotere, 4 doses.  I was very hard on me.  But I have a friend who had the EXACT same tumor size, treatment, etc.  She did very well and did not miss much work at all.  So, it is hard to predict how you will react.  I had no problem with the radiation, until the end where I started to get more fatigued - but it was doable.  Best of wishes to you!

 Blessings,

Kay

FloridaLady

Debk55,

I'm also three years out.  I did dose dense ACT for four tx.  I think now days they still use this as a combo of choice for TN's but, now they separate Adrimin. from the other two, in hopes to lessen the side effects.  With no nodes involvement they may chose to do just TC.  I would do chemo first, than surgery, followed by rads if needed.  Than you can truly see how your tumor will respond to chemo.

If they do spread your chemo out, you maybe able to work.  I worked through my chemo's.  They key will be fitting it into your schedule right. I got chemo of Thursday and felt Ok of Friday and went to work.  Saturday would be a bad day and by Sunday afternoon I was OK. Monday I went back to work. Some days I left early and worked at home after a little nap.

Best wishes to you. 

Flalady

debk55

Thanks for your posts. It is good to know what some of you have done.  I guess I will have to wait and see. I work in a Family Practice Drs office so I will be off for the whole time I am doing chemo. Because in the winter all the germs in the world are in a Family Practice Drs office. I am still praying that  I have no nodes involved as we all do but if all nodes are negative hopefully I can get back to work ASAP. Surgery is thrus 10-2 so now I am just getting anxious about that.  Thanks for your support. BLESSING to all of you. Debk55