Any stage I ladies had recurrence later?

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wendy_69
wendy_69 Member Posts: 7
edited June 2014 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

I saw many posts about 5 years out and even more for TN. I am wondering if there are any stage I patients had recurrence later? How many yearsafter diagnosis?

 I finished the last chemo today. I'm not very happy as I expected. I'll lost the protection, and all will be dependant on my luck.

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  • Sugar77
    Sugar77 Member Posts: 2,138
    edited February 2012

    Hi Wendy - I'm not five years out but I finished chemo two years ago and am doing well.  Your diagnosis looks similar to mine. It gets easier over time. Hang in there....

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  • bak94
    bak94 Member Posts: 1,846
    edited February 2012

    Finishing chemo is tough, we expect to be happy but then like you said it seems the protection is over. Although we do not know what will happen, try to focus on the positive things! Small tumor, no nodes and you do not have to worry about side effects from tamoxifen.

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  • mebmarj
    mebmarj Member Posts: 380
    edited February 2012

    At 32yo IDC less than 2 cm, lumpectomy with re-excision for margins, stage 1, SNB 0/2 nodes, ER-/PR-/Her2-, 6 rounds CEF, rads.

    Then at 39yo IDC less than 2 cm, stage 1, NEW PRIMARY slightly er+/pr-/her2-, BRCA-, BMX, Hyst, Carbo/Taxotere.  

    You'll find your new normal.  Don't live in fear, just get the checkups done and do what you can to live a good life :)

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  • epgnyc
    epgnyc Member Posts: 101
    edited March 2012

    Hi, Wendy.

    When I finished treatment in August, 2011, I too had a big emotional let-down.  It seems the opposite of what one would expect upon finishing chemo, but I understand it's extremely common.  I went to speak with someone and bounced back emotionally in a matter of weeks. If you don't, don't hesitate to join a group or speak to someone who is used to dealing with cancer patients.  But I know what you mean about feeling like you're now living without a net -- not having the protection of the hormonals that ER+ women get.  Hang in there....it does get easier with time.

    As to your question about recurrence, I was first diagnosed with TNBC in 2002 (1.7 cm., lumpectomy, 8x CMF and radiation).  In January of 2011 it was deja vu all over again -- I was diagnosed with a 2nd primary TNBC in the same breast.  This time the tumor was much larger at 4 cm. and I had 4xAC dose dense + 4xTaxol dose dense.  I also had a BMX.  But I'm doing well now and take every day as the gift that it is.

    Breast cancer sure is one sneaky beast.  While there are no guarantees, the best revenge is in living well and fully (all the while of course doing your check-ups).  Good luck to you. 

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  • wrsmith2x
    wrsmith2x Member Posts: 410
    edited March 2012

    I was diagnosed the first time at age 44 with Stage 1, grade 3 tri-neg tumor and did lumpectomy, chemo and rads.  Diagnosed 2nd time at age 48 with a recurrence, stage 2, grade 3 tri-neg tumor and did a BMX with DIEP reconstruction this time.  It does happen but those of us who have had recurrences are the exception and not the norm.  It is rare so take your status of NED and run with it!  There is life after cancer and most folks never have to worry about it again.  If you need help, get it.  But don't spend your life worrying.  Life is too short to do that!

    I pray that you never have to do this again.....good luck to you.  Namaste'.

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  • wendy_69
    wendy_69 Member Posts: 7
    edited March 2012

    Thank you all for your replies and kind suggestions. After debating for a long time, I decided to have BMX instead of radiotherapy.

     I am so sorry to know some of you had local recurrence. We all need to hang in there and fight hard against this disease.

     Wendy

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  • MicheleS
    MicheleS Member Posts: 937
    edited March 2012

    Hi Wendy-  I don't post much anymore but what you are feeling is normal... and it *does* get better.  I had a BMX and chemo for a Stage I tumor.  I am taking metformin + several alternative supplements. No recurrence <knock wood>.  I had delayed recon and frankly, *that's* the only thing I regret-- the recon.

    Give yourself permission to feel anxious.  And, do what makes you feel most comfortable (bmx, radiation, whatever).  

    xxoo

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  • wendy_69
    wendy_69 Member Posts: 7
    edited March 2012

    Hi Michele,

     Thanks for your information and good to know you are doing good. Did your Oncologist prescribe you metformin? I saw there are some clinical trials for metformin but don't know how to get it.

     Wendy

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  • MicheleS
    MicheleS Member Posts: 937
    edited March 2012

    he just wrote me a rx for it.  It is dirt cheap. he is very *forward thinking* and willing to go above and beyond.  He gave me Avastin off-label too.

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  • wendy_69
    wendy_69 Member Posts: 7
    edited March 2012

    Thank you, Michele. My Oncologist denied me for both medicines. Do you have any side effects while taking them?

      Wendy

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  • MicheleS
    MicheleS Member Posts: 937
    edited March 2012

    no side effects (500 mg twice daily).  but, no weight loss either!!  I take it with breakfast and dinner.

    this is the paper I gave to him to convince him to put me on it:

     http://www.landesbioscience.com/journals/cc/LiuCC8-13.pdf

    I've been on it since late 2010... There are lots more papers now, including clinical trials.

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  • wendy_69
    wendy_69 Member Posts: 7
    edited March 2012

    Michele, you mentioned that you regret the reconstruction. You regret the delayed reconstruction or reconstruction itself? Did you have any complications? I am struggling if I need to have reconstruction.

     BTW, I will get metformin from my father-in-law who is diabetic after being rejected by Onc and family physician :-)

    Wendy

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