Diagnosed with IDC triple negative

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Anonymous
Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
edited November 2017 in Just Diagnosed
Diagnosed with IDC triple negative

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  • Kell81
    Kell81 Member Posts: 2
    edited November 2017

    On 11/8/2017 I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma triple negative. I had a mammogram and ultrasound first but they couldn't tell, so I had a biopsy which ruled it out as cancerous. I was told by feeling I'm a stage 2b, 2.4 cm and that my lymph node that they tested under my arm wasn't involved but they really won't know until I have surgery to get either lumpectomy or mastectomy. I'm terrified of chemo but my oncologist said that there's no way around chemo. Her plan is to do chemo first, mastectomy, And radiation last. I'm also terrified of getting a port which I get it placed next week. I've already signed papers to have the chemo but now I'm leaning towards just Having a double mastectomy and radiation no chemo. Is there anyone who has triple negative that didn't do chemo and are doing fine

  • KSteve
    KSteve Member Posts: 486
    edited November 2017

    Kell81 - I don't blame you for being scared at all, we've all been there. As a fellow triple negative SURVIVOR, most will say chemo is necessary, regardless of stage. While triple negative is aggressive, it also reacts very well to chemo. By the time I had my bilateral mastectomy, there was no evidence of cancer at all (called a pathological complete response). While it is scary, it is very doable. The port is a great thing. It makes the treatments so much easier. Again, I totally understand the fear. This is the scariest part. Once you get started with the treatment, you will begin to feel better mentally. Just take it one day a time. Don't hesitate to ask any questions. We're all here for you. Also, find the the "Calling all TNs" thread on this site. It's very active and filled with lots of triple negative girls, from newly diagnosed to us "old timers". It's a very supportive group of women. You can do this!!

    Hugs,

    Kathy

  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited November 2017

    Hugs to you, Kell81! You may also want to check out the forum on Triple Negative as well (https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/72)

    . It's alot to have to navigate.

    We're all here for you!

  • OCDAmy
    OCDAmy Member Posts: 873
    edited November 2017

    Kell81, I'm not triple negative but did have chemo with a port and was scared to death before I started. It wasn't as bad as I had imagined and the port made it so much easier. The unknown is the hardest part. Best of luck to you

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