What is the likelihood that I am TN?

ForMyBoys

My head is still spinning from how fast this has all happened. Found lump 10-12, diagnosed 10-21, a truckload of scans  & biopsies and I have just finished my second  neo-adj DD A/C. On original biopsy of 10 sections, ER was neg, HER was neg, but PR was weakly positive and the report said it needed to be re-evaled at time of surgery.

 My onco is great, but he has never mentioned TN to me at all. I just figured out through these boards that if the PR is neg, then I am TN.

 This is still all so new to me my head is reeling.

vickilynn

So sorry that you have had to join the club.  It is all overwhelming, especially the first few months.  I had my surgery before starting chemo.  I'm trying to remember when I was given the TN diagnosis, but it may have been after surgery when I met my onc for the first time.  Even though TN is not a great dx, it means you don't have 5 years of hormone chemo! 

Dec. 1 2009 was my last chemo treatment.  My advice to you is look for a group going through chemo at the same time as you.  I have a group here that was so supportive and encouraging... it makes the journey at least, tolerable.  We continue with our support and friendship and that's been wonderful. 

Whatever your diagnosis, you have found sisters here. 

Vickilynn

TiffanyF4

ForMyBoys - I was Dx with TN.  I would wait until after your surgery. The pathologist will have all the tissue they need to make a final report and your Onc can go over that with you. you can be ER- PR- and Her2+ even if it's weak to the best of my knowledge. I know the waiting is hard but until the final report after surgery just concentrate on your current treatment and staying well. Just remember TN is not a death sentence. Lots of us TN ladies on here on doing great!

ForMyBoys

Thanks everyone. If my PR is positive, will they give me additional meds? They already told me I would need a healthy dose of rads even with a mx.

vickilynn

I had my mast. first then chemo of A/C, neulasta shots after each, and then started on Taxol.  (I had a severe reaction - and they switched me to Taxotere - and had more reactions so they stopped early).  They said I would not have rads though they discussed it. 

 As far as the chemo, they told me they would give me all they could - the problem being that without the hormone receptors, they cannot really target the TN cancer.  So they give you what they give everyone else and hope that it works.  Not very encouraging I'm afraid!   I go for blood tests every  6 months for 5 years as a follow-up, but have no continuing chemo txs

I am finally feeling better, though there are SEs that hang on for a year or more.

99Sporty

ForMyBoys - I'm waiting too to find out if I'm TN or not.. I'm ER and PR negative, guess I won't know about the HER2 part till after surgery.  I haven't met with my Onco yet, not scheduled till 12/14 which is making me crazy.. I found the lump on 11/1 and till the Gyn visit, mammo, ultrasound, biopsy and results was diagnosed 11/19 (grade3, 4cm..) met with my surgeon once so far, she needle biopsied a lymph node that looked suspicious- which just came back clear yesterday (YAY!!!) so I'm hoping we can move ahead now with surgery.  If the lymph was funky I guess we'd be heading towards chemo and I'd be several weeks out from that since the Onco is so booked up.  I'm not sure though till I talk to the surgeon and hoping to hear from her 'any minute now'. 

 My head is spinning too and I'm learning way too much - but still don't know nearly enough.. 

I have boys too, ages 3 and 5.  I'm very new to this board - hope to see you around here some more.

Amy

ForMyBoys

Amy, I'm glad your node was neg. I hope it is smooth sailing for you as much as possible.

I am getting ready for dose 3 of DD AC and my tumor is melting fast.If the tumor dissolves before surgery...how can they re-assess the PR status?