Just Dx last Fri, got triple neg results today

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slcst12
slcst12 Member Posts: 161
edited June 2014 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Hi Everyone:
Just trying to learn all I can about this.
I'm 37, found a lump after stopping breastfeeding my younger son, and turns out it was cancer.

IDC grade 3. I have surgery scheduled for Dec 20 (lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy).
Just trying to learn all about this triple negative status. I had bloods pulled for the BRCA testing as well.

Thanks ladies!!

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  • jenn3
    jenn3 Member Posts: 3,316
    edited November 2010

    I responded on the other thread, but wanted to send respond here as well.  I know that your mind is racing and you're probably thinking the worst.  We've all been there, if you can stop, breathe and take it one day at a time.  You will get through this.

    TNBC means that your cancer is not fueled by estrogen, progestrogen or the HER2 (human epidermal growth factor).  This means that the drugs that are used in addition to chemo and radiation for people with positive ER/PR or HER2 do not work for TNBC.  However, TNBC is more responsive to chemo and is generally treated aggressively. After surgery you will be staged and it will be then that the onc can map out a plan for your treatment.  Most TN's are treated with chemo and radiation, but sometimes if there is no lymph involvement one or the other is skipped.  The surgery will give more information.  Also, there is another website TNBC Foundation that has a lot of good information, if you haven't found it yet, give it a try.

    I know it's hard to think clearly and this is the last thing you thought you'd be dealing with at this point in life, but know that it's okay to have all of the crazy feelings you're having and know that we're all here to help you get through this.  This is a great place to ask questions, rant, vent or just ramble when you can't sleep.  (((hugs)))

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  • Letlet
    Letlet Member Posts: 1,053
    edited November 2010

    Hello, I know this is down the road but I see that you live in PA. When you decide to have chemo just to let you know that I have heard Dr. Tiffany Traina who is a medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan-Kettering is doing a study on patients with triple negative and is specifically seeing ladies who have that. (in addition to those who are not). It may not hurt to give her office a call when the time comes.

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  • ravdeb
    ravdeb Member Posts: 3,116
    edited November 2010

    I'm 5 years out of TNBC, if that will give you a bit of a boost.

    I had a lumpectomy and SN.

     I recommend a second opinion when you begin talking about the next step after surgery. You will know more after the sentinel node biopsy.

    the one thing that seems to be a constant with TNBC is hitting it hard the first time with chemo and radiation.. tough chemo but it's doable and good.

    Good luck. It's not easy. But you can do this!

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  • slcst12
    slcst12 Member Posts: 161
    edited November 2010

    Jenn3
    Thanks for the intro to this Dx, I am still reading so much about everything.

    Letlet:
    I am about 1.5-2 hrs outside NYC (closer to Philly), but I appreciate the doc's name and I'm writing it down in my book now. Thank you!

    Ravdeb:
    Thank you also, for the information. I am so encouraged by your story, and feel slightly better.

     It's just very tough to be at the bottom of the fight, just starting out and knowing that it's a ferocious uphill battle. Sometimes I'm literally paralyzed with fear, and can't even get up from my chair.
    But I so much value this board and all the info on it! Thank you ladies!

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  • jenn3
    jenn3 Member Posts: 3,316
    edited November 2010

    slcst12 - It is hard to be at the starting gate.......and fear of the unknown is tough.  All of what you're facing isn't fun, but it is doable.  I wish I could say the magic words and make this all go away for you.  Because you are taking a crash course in BC and TNBC, make notes and write down your questions for the onc and surgeon because you will more than likely forget.  I also had my DH come with me to appointments and it seemed that we each heard what the other missed.  It really helped having another set of ears during these appointments.  I also had a notebook that I wrote notes and questions in and I brought it with me to every appointment and went through all of my questions no matter how ridiculous it may have seemed.

    (((HUGS)))

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