BRAC1 Triple Negative

I'm BRCA2+   First BC was TN. I had lumpectomy (chemo & rads) and then had my ovaries removed. No HRT as I was at high risk for a second bc. Sure enough 3 years later, a second bc and this time 100% ES+    The problem is that for those of us with a BRCA mutation, the risk of a second cancer is very, very high and even if the first is a TN, it doesn't mean the second one will be. I did the bmx following the second dx as I didn't feel I had a choice. I had to do chemo and rads all over again. No one should have to do it two times.

Just to chip in here - I was diagnosed as triple negative last September (just after my 46th birthday) and the gene testing showed I had a 'variant of unknown significance' in the BRCA1 test too. I had neoadjuvant chemo but my chemo was withdrawn half way through treatment as MRI scans showed the cancer was resistant to chemotherapy (a situation also found in BRCA mutations). Tabatha00 - you are the first person I have come across who had the same result from their gene test. I too have a strong family history. Mum was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer when she was 49 and her sister was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Mum's brother died of Pancreatic Cancer at the age of 62 last year. The members of my family who have been affected by cancer have been asked to give a blood sample and we are part of ongoing research in the UK to find the BRAC3 gene. I am not really in a position to answer your question sueps except to say that my Oncologist did say that if the cancer comes back - it may be ER / PR +. Just because you were triple neg this time does not mean you are immune to a cancer sensitive to these hormones. With this in mind, I would think HRT should be avoided. But, I am sure there are more knowledgeable people on here who can comment.

Karen XXX

I am BRCA 1.  I have had BC twice (2000 and 2006), both times TN.  In 2008, I opted for a bilat mx with TRAM reconstruction.  This evening, I noticed a bump through my tshirt.  I thought maybe lint or something was in there.  I have a lump a little left of where my nipple would be.  I am freaking out.  Of course, I find it on a holiday weekend, so I won't be able to talk to anyone until Tuesday.  I am sick just thinking that I might have BC again.  What else could it be...it seems to be in an odd place, but who knows?  Anyone have any thoughts?  thanks

I am in a very similar situation.  I was diagnosed with triple Neg BC 5 years ago.  I did a Bilat Mast. and chemo and I am BRCA1+.  I have my Prophylactic oophrectomy scheduled for November.  I have spoken to a bunch of different doctors about the possibility of using HRT and the mostly the answer I get is- Theoretically I should be fine. I have no more breast tissue and the cancer I did have was hormone neg.  But studies have not been done to prove this yet. My oncologist wants me to wait and see if I am symptomatic but for me it is about more than just hot flashes.  I am worried about Heart disease, osteoporosis, cognitive impairment and overall morality. I am only 39.  I is such a hard decision. 

I would think that since you are BRCA1+, you should stay away from HRT, even if your cancer wasn't triple negative. (I had triple negative and ER+ tumors simultaneously.) I'm considering having my ovaries out also, and I have to admit, the side effects don't sound appealing.

Tabitha00 and Karen3 -- I also have a 'variant of uncertain significance' in BRCA1. I don't have enough females in my family to know if ovarian cancer runs in the family or not (no sisters or aunts, one grandmother died young of other causes). So it's hard to decide if I should remove my ovaries or not. My radiologist suggested it, but I have yet to talk to my oncologist abou it.

I am BRCA 1+ also TN. We have a very strong history of cancer. My paternal grandmother had bc at 50 then ovarian cancer at 70. Pretty much according to the sad schedule of what can happen to a BRCA1+ person. A cousin on the same side also had bc at 50. My father had pancreatice cancer, which is usually attributed to BRCA 2+, maybe he had both BRCA mutations. And then comes me, sigh. BC AND melanoma at 50 within a month of each other. For me this is a no brainer. Cancer wants in to my family in a big way! So, had a bilateral mx and in Dec. had the prophylactic hysterectomy. Thankfully, I am older with grown children, so that aspect didn't affect my decision. It is very personal, but in my case, it seemed I was heading down a well worn path. And yes, cancer can come back after a mastectomy, we see alot of women on here who have had that experience, however, the numbers are low. 

Chinadollmom

Read in your dad's family, you had female relatives had OC and they have the same ethnical background. May I ask that kind ethnical background? Are they Jewish? I read Jewish had high mutation carrier %.