Help! Mom just diagnosed with TNBC.

Lilbee929

Hi everyone,

I'm totally new here and completely in the dark re: my moms recent diagnosis of breast cancer and was hoping to get a better grasp on what to expect. I went with my mom to the breast surgeon this past Tuesday who reviewed the biopsy with us. She has what is informally called "busy breasts" wih microcalcifications, cysts, and of course, this cancerous mass (invasive ducal carcinoma) which, was given a range of being 1.something and 2. Something mm (or cm? I can't recall) clinically staging her as eother stage I or II. The dr. Did not see clinical signs of lymph nodeS being effected at the time) but will be doing a sentinel node dissection to make sure. We were also informed that the mass is "triple negative" which, from what I have researched, is not great. The recommendation is for a mastectomy of the L breast (the one with the mass) as well as mastectomy of the R as well as the breast has some questionable calcification in it as well. It sounds like chemo will be necessary. I feel so lost. She has already had a consult with plastic surgeon and has decided to go with reconstruction. Everyone keeps telling me to "stay positive" and "stay strong" and that attitude is everything, and I keep a positive front in front of my mom, but I can't help but feel sad and scared and completely overwhelmed. Some days I feel like I have a grip, other days I feel like I'm drowning.I'm not really even sure what I'm asking here, I guess anything from anyone who is/has been there? Thanks in advance.

Moderators

Oh Lilbee929, we really do understand the whole roller-coaster of emotions. You are not alone! If you are going with her to her appointments, you may find these questions helpful:

Questions to Ask Your Surgeon About Mastectomy

Questions to Ask Your Surgeon About Breast Reconstruction

Your Diagnosis: Questions to Ask Your Doctor

One day at a time. We're all here for you!

msphil

sweetie most of us what ur mom is gion thru but coming here we will give support because family love us they to get overwhelmed but once treatment plan in effect things will ease up some u and mom are in my prayers daily as are we all. msphil(idc stage2 0\3nodes Lmast chemo rads 5 yrs on tamoxifen)

Peabrain

Hello,

It sounds like your mom found everything early, which is great. While she will have some hard times and surgery and chemo are not fun, this will eventually be something she can put behind her. When I was diagnosed, I found this info and it has helped me focus on getting well and taken some of the scary away.

http://www.healthline.com/health/triple-negative-b...

Hugs to you and your mom.

Kicks

Has your Mom seen a MO (Medical Oncologist/Chemo Dr) or RO (Radiological Oncologist/Rads Dr) yet? Surgery is only part of the entire treaent plan - it is a multi stage plan and is becoming more common for neoadjuvant (pre-surgery) Chemo for more types of BC. Reconstriction can also be effected by IF radiation is needed.

Has she had a a second opinion on TX plans? Not all BC is the same or has the same prognosis. Not all Drs will use the same treatment plan either.

When she (you) go to here appts take a smart phone (or tape recorder) and record what the Dr says so it can be reviewed later (if needed) in the exact words and he Dr uses - not 'remembered' words.