Double Mastectomy/Neg. Nodes But Multiple Inv. Sites

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ladyjennifer
ladyjennifer Member Posts: 9
edited June 2014 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Hi there...I am 40 years old and had a doube mastectomy on Nov.16th.  I am physically doing amazing.  I just rec'd word from my surgeon that my nodes are negative but they found little invasive sites throughout my right breast(on top of the 1.2 cm tumor they knew was alreadythere).  She is sending me to an oncologist once they re-check that I am triple negative. (They are testing a few of the other new found sites to confirm as my tumor was triple negative.)  My surgeon originally thought chemo may not be necesaary but now is not so sure.  Anyone gone through this?  If chemo is in the cards, I cannot understand how they would know if it was effective if there are no known areas outside my breast in which to compare? (Also, I am BRCA1+)

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  • ChrissieD
    ChrissieD Member Posts: 36
    edited November 2009

    Hi Ladyjennifer,

    With TN they tend to always recommend chemo even for early stage now.  The hope is to get any cells that may be lingering.  The tumor I had was stage 1 no nodes, no vascular invasion, and nothing else but the 1.5cm tumor.  I had 8 dose dense treatments (4AC, 4 T).  TN tends to send cells even when there appears to be no evidence of it so the chemo is the "big guns".

    Sorry you are having to go through this!

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  • ladyjennifer
    ladyjennifer Member Posts: 9
    edited November 2009

    Thank you for your response.....the waiting is overwhelming.  How difficult was the chemo for you?

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  • ChrissieD
    ChrissieD Member Posts: 36
    edited November 2009

    I know it is hard to put your head around but right now is the most difficult and anxiety provoking time.  All the times leading up to stuff are the worst...waiting to find out about chemo, getting the first chemo, etc.  If you are TN and do need chemo you will definately feel less anxious once everything gets started.  Chemo is tough there is no getting around that, however, all in all it is doable.  I was lucky enough that I did not have to work during chemo.  I got my treatments on Mondays so I felt lousy during the week and then recovered a bit on the weekends to spend with my kids and hubby.  The fatigue is a bit overwhelming at first because it sneaks up on you but once you figure out how to manage it is okay.  I also had chemo induced anemia so my fatigue was relentless.  Walking everyday (even when you don't feel like it) helps with the fatigue.  i also saw a naturopath and took a lot of supplements and went on the anti-cancer diet during treatment.  I think this made a HUGE difference.  I had minimal side effects from the chemo outside of the fatigue.  Also, take help from anyone and everyone that offers.  Come up with a list of things you would need help with and if someone asks what they can do to help - tell them. 

    This time last year I had just started my treatments.  It seems so long ago now.  I have new boobs, new hair, and feel really healthy.  You too will get through it if you need to.  It's amazing how strong you will be - even though you didn't know you had it in you!

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