TNBC in women over 60

SJSmith52

I was diagnosed one year ago with TNBC at the age of 64. I was treated with a lumpectomy and radiation only. Next week I will go in for my first yearly mammogram. I know MUCH more now about TNBC than I did a year ago which is probably not always a good thing. I now know that this type cancer is aggressive and difficult to treat. Ignorance is bliss sometimes. I am terrified that this is going to return rapidly. I haven't seen any comments from people over 60. Does survival rate decrease with age? My surgeon said I had an excellent prognosis however I have learned not to put too much weight into that prediction.

wrenn

I have heard that TNBC has a better prognosis for older people than younger. I found one article right now suggesting this is accurate.

I was diagnosed almost 5 years ago and was cut off chemo after first dose and i am doing fine.

https://academic.oup.com/annonc/article/23/suppl_6...

Edited by Mods to make link hot.

SJSmith52

I have seen a few recent studies that suggest that is a possibility. I do not understand the reasoning from a medical standpoint and that is ok. I thought I had done fairly well dealing with the cancer diagnosis and treatment. However, as this one year marker comes closer, I feel myself becoming very anxious and reliving the stress that surgery and treatment brought. I am feeling so alone - thinking that "if" it comes back...I just don't think I could go through it all again so soon. I know this is negative thinking but I guess it helps to see others feel the same way at times. Hoping I will feel better tomorrow. My mammogram is Thursday.

wrenn

Negative thinking is pretty common when negative things are happening to you. This is scary stuff and many of us feel the same way. Maybe you can fill out your profile and stick around for support. It has really helped me to deal with this. You aren't alone here. Glad you found the forum.

Moderators

SJSmith52, wrenn says it well. It is very difficult to feel positive when you are feeling out of control. You are not alone with this, at all. Please do stick around - it's a very supportive community here, who can help get you through some of those more negative times. And yes, please take the time to fill in your profile so that we can know a bit more about you.

Sending you hugs from us Mods !

VL22

SJS - my one year mammo is approaching and my anxiety is also intensifying. I think it is completely normal. I find the less I google the better off I am. I am a stat of one, regardless of studies. I threw everything I could at it. I didn’t cause it. I hope, pray it never comes back And I hope and pray the same for all the women I meet on here.

I’ll be thinking of you Thursday!

Hugs.

SJSmith52

Thanks to each of you for your responses! I will put some info on my profile tonight. I know I should stay off the internet to an extent but I feel so isolated because of my age. Of course we all know people who have been diagnosed with BC, but until my diagnosis I had never heard of DCIS much less triple negative. Actually when my dr said "triple negative" I thought that sounded pretty good. Negative, right? I am hoping to find someone on here who has had a similar diagnosis who is in my age range but I appreciate anyone who will communicate with me. It has been almost a year and I have not had any online communication. This is awesome. My thanks to you!

Moderators

SJSmith52, we are glad you found us!

Ultra1949

Hi everyone: I’m 68 and was diagnosed in February this year with my second primary breast cancer after 21 years. 21 years ago the breast cancer in my left breast was 1.9cm, node negative and ER-, PR-. No test for HR. So. I did a lumpectomy with a clinical trial of higher dose AC with 33 rounds of radiation. After 21 years, I was beginning to feel like I was finally home free. My second primary in the opposite breast was 1 cm/nodes negative/onca type DX of 51/triple negative. A month ago I had a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. Apparently, only 10-11% of women in our age group choose this route. On May 3, I will begin TC x 4. Dread is the word that comes most quickly to mind. There was no internet available 21 years ago, so information on breast cancer was scanty and medical personnel were far less likely to be supportive beyond the bare basics. So. At least things are definitely more positive in many ways today when it comes to cancer treatment, but bottom line, wish I’d taken both breasts off 21 years ago. Best wishes and luck to all of us. Sending positive energy to everyone. 💪

GLENINE

62 here...NED since 2001!

Work fulltime.I am an RN...

Stay strong. 60 is the new 40!

GLENINE

forgot to say I was Stage 4 with met to lung at diagnosis....xo

SJSmith52

Thanks again for all of the encouragement. I spent 4 hours on the phone this morning trying to complete insurance paperwork for a supplemental policy I have had since 1984. I have to file before 365 days and that is coming up soon. Looking at all of my notes, forms, pathology reports, etc literally made me feel ill. As I said earlier I have my first yearly mammogram Thursday and am hoping for good news but it was difficult to be reminded of all of the "stuff" that happened a year ago...I will post and let everyone know the results on Thursday. Trying to keep a positive attitude and think about positive things only.

Connie1230

I was diagnosed at 66. I am 68 now. I recently had a wedge resection for lung cancer which was originally thought to be metastasizes from the TNBC. I had a PET scan just today to be sure it's not in the lymph nodes or anyplace else but don’t have results yet. As difficult as it was for me to believe, having lung cancer is better than having metastasized breast cancer according to the multitude of drs I am seeing now although I do understand their reasoning. Thank goodness I am going to Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville so all drs are excellent and under the same roof so communicate well with each other. Quite honestly, when I read stories of all the young mothers with this horrid disease, I just say a prayer of thanks that my family is grown and regardless of what happens, I don’t have to worry about small children

SJSmith52

I just got the report from my bilateral mammogram and no suspicious findings were seen in either breast! I am so thankful. I feel that I am very realistic about the reality of cancer recurrence but it was certainly pleasant to hear that at this moment my breasts are cancer free. TNBC remains a scary diagnosis but as Connie posted, I am so glad that I don't have small children. My children are grown, married and I have been blessed with grandchildren. So I am going to cherish this happy moment.