Just diagnosed with Triple Negative

HelpingMom1015

My mom found a lump two weeks ago today and had a lumpectomy and AN dissection Thursday. The surgeon's "plan" was a sentinal node biopsy and lumpectomy, with mom being released same day. Went in Stage 1 thinking tumor was 1.5cm (US) or up to 2.3 (palp), nodes showed on mammo and palp w/ doc but couldn't be biopsied (unable to find...within 2 hours of surgeon's palp). Came out with AN dissection and 5-6 cm tumor (moved her to Stage 2B) via lumpectomy. Awaiting pathology on margins and remaining nodes (2 found in surgery with cancer, took all and was told there were "more than 12-15 nodes, they were enlarged and sticky, had to be carefully scraped off nerves"). Since researching BC and now JUST LEARNING about TN (which our surgeon never even mentioned), I'm very concerned that mom's not being told everything. This is our first dealing with BC, so mom's been very trusting of surgeon (no 2nd opinion). Any input on what to ask, what mom may be "in for", etc. is appreciated. BTW...mom is 65, her aunt had BC (not sure what kind, she passed at 93) and doc recommended no genetic testing due to mom's "age". I'm struggling to find any information on "older" women with TNC, so all input is much appreciated.

MelissaDallas

Helping, i can't help with the TN questions, but as to genetic testing, I believe what the surgeon is saying is that being diagnosed at 65 with no first degree relative with breast or ovarian cancer makes it very highly unlikely that this is a genetic cancer. Most breast cancer isn't genetic, at least so far as we know now with the genes that are identified.

lostinmo

Helping, sorry that your Mom is having to go through this but it's sweet to see you trying to help and gather information for her. I am TN, I did chemo and rads along with a mx. TN means that there is no hormone blocker to take after treatment is over like the other women have. Your Mom's surgeon will probably send her to an oncologist to decide if chemo is required and it usually is for TN and since nodes are involved radiation will aslo be done. Hope this helps some. 

Anonymous

http://www.tnbcfoundation.org/  Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation

This site will be an excellent source of information on Triple Negative Breast Cancer.

HelpingMom1015

Thank you, ladies, for your support and guidance. I'm going to dig into the TNBC site now.  We'll be meeting with oncology and radiology once mom's incision heals (1-2 weeks). Surgeon advised a PET scan also once healing is complete. I'm learning alot about the "hurry up and wait" that comes with a cancer diagnosis. God is once again reaffirming that I need to grow my patience!!  

HelpingMom1015

Results of pathology were a 7cm tumor with no clean margins and an axillary dissection resulting in the removal of 42 lymph nodes...all with cancer. Tomorrow mom goes in for a single mastectomy (she wanted a double, but once she understood the seriousness of what she's dealing with it helped her make a clear decision to take the quickest route to chemo). Early last week she found a hard, pea-size lump in her clavicle to which her doctor stated that this doesn't surprise her. The plan following tomorrow's surgery is a PET scan in 2-3 weeks, with chemo starting 1-2 weeks after that. I only hope this was caught in time. I ask for your prayers for my mom and everyone on the team who will be part of her surgery and care. Thank you.

Luah

Helping, sorry to hear about the pathology results, but it sounds like her docs are right on top of things. Good to move on to chemo as soon as she is able. 

If it's any consolation, I have a friend, 40 at diagnosis, who had a 10 cm tumour and 21/23 nodes positive. She is four years out from treatment and doing well.

Sending positive vibes that the your mom's cancer can be contained with the chemo. 

tibet

helping Mom ' How old was your mom s aunt at diagnosis? Is she dad or mom side of aunt? The gene can be from male side . I have no family history on either side still brca 1 positive and its important to know that So that my kids and My relatives get checked out and take any preventive Steps.

HelpingMom1015

Thank you so much to everyone for your support, input and guidance. Mom is 65, her aunt was in her 80's and I don't believe there was cancer on either side of her family (other than the aunt). UPDATE: Mom had her single mastectomy two weeks ago tody and yesterday was her PET. It came back with cancer in her bones in NUMEROUS places (right neck, bones in neck, L4&L5, T12, sacral bone, left & right pelvis, right clavicle, chest wall, metapectal muscle, ribs-both sides). Has anyone heard of a metapectal muscle? I'm trying to find it online and am coming up empty. I didn't talk with the doc, so am getting the name second hand and they didn't ask for a spelling. She first sees the Oncologist next Wed., met with Radiologist yesterday who gave PET results and is most concerned about the metapectal (sp?) muscle...which is why I'm trying to learn more about it. Any help is MUCH appreciated.