Newly Diagnosed IDC Triple Negative

Slothster

Hi. Where to start? I found a lump two weeks ago and have been on a fast-speed roller coaster ever since. I really appreciate this website but I think it's virtually impossible to have enough mental energy to get through all the information I feel like I need to know.

I met with two different teams who both recommended for me to have chemo first and then surgery. I'm still waiting on BRCA tests to find out the fate of keeping my breasts or not. One worry I have is that the doctors are saying I am clinically Stage 2B but without the surgery first and biopsies of my lymph nodes I can't really know with certainty that this hasn't spread. Is this standard practice? I have Kaiser and they do not recommend a PET Scan. I am getting a breast MRI on Sunday but I think this is a baseline MRI prior to starting chemo.

I worry because of the Triple Negative and knowing that it is harder to treat and more aggressive. Hearing that it's more aggressive and has a higher recurrence rate is makes this all so scary. I am trying to stay focused on one day at a time because everything is so overwhelming to think about at once.

I meet with an oncologist next week to find out my chemo plan.

I appreciate having this place where we can all share and cheer each other on through all of this.

smc123

slothster, I was triple negative and had chemo first, then surgery and radiation last. It was in my lymph nodes but I responded really well to chemo. I had a complete pathological response. The next year is going to be whirlwind for you but my advice is to take it one day at a time. Good luck

Slothster

Smc,

It is wonderful to hear that you had a complete pathological response to the chemo. I appreciate you sharing with me and thank you for the advice. I am trying to get in the right head space to take this all on. All the best to you!