Any triple negatives in Montreal,Ottawa Toronto?????

Hi Debbie: There are lots of us in Canada. In fact, here in Toronto, we have a little group that meets informally from time to time. I connected to it through a local bco.org member... so this is a great forum!

In Canada, I understand the typical chemo regimes for aggressive BCs such as TN are FEC-D and, with some oncs, dose dense AC-T. Depending on size of tumour and other risk factors, TC is also used. Radiation is usually done following chemo.

At this stage, it's naturral for your sister to be stressed. She has many questions and concerns, and no answers yet. However, once she has her pathology report - which her surgeon should go over with her - her onc will plan out treatment... and with a treatment plan in place, she will feel much better as she'll see a path to recovery.     

Debbie: I believe the Canadian Cancer Society has a peer-support program that connects newly diagnosed women with volunteers who have been through it. You might want to make inquiries http://www.cancer.ca/Quebec/Support Services/QC-Cancer Jecoute.aspx?sc_lang=eN  and see if your sister can be linked up with a fellow TN survivor.   

Here is another site that be useful: http://www.tnbcfoundation.org/

Debsie1...so sorry to hear about your sister. I too am TN altho I have 2% ER+ and have been taking Anasrozole for over a year now. I have my doubts if it will do any good in my case.

I also had a lumpectomy and chemo...4..DD AC (could only take the first 3) and 12 weekly taxols. I also had 16 rads.

I just realized I am basically TN this last month only because I didn't ask the right questions at the time. Since I last saw my MO last month, I have learned even more about TN so I have many unaswered questions.

I wish your sister well...perhaps she might like to join us here.

debsie1....I couldn't take the 4th DD AC because I developed blood clots in my lungs. I couldn't even have a shower or brush my teeth without sitting down. My MO ordered a CT scan of my lungs and sure enough due to the AC, I had blood clots. He put me on 12 weekly Taxols and I had no problems. I had to give myself daily blood thinner shots for 6 months. I am still short of breath sometimes but he also told me my lungs are damaged somewhat. I was the exception rather than the rule. Was just my lousy luck.

Other than that, I am fine....I am also 69 so no spring chicken! Your sister should do just fine!

I wonder why some surgeons take ie: in your case Luah, 14 nodes while in my case, just 4? Curious. As I recall you had no lymphedema either...

Well that is a helpful explanation...thanks..have never heard that before!

I live north of Toronto, was diagnosed in Jan. did high dose FEC D, lumpectomy and am doing rads now. I had PCR (pathological complete response) from chemo-there was no cancer left after lumpectomy! Treatment wasnt easy, but I got through it and feel very lucky with such a great team on my side. Nobody wants to go through this, but it is very doable. My advice would be to make a list of all the questions, have someone with your sister to remember answers and to be kind to yourself, don't overdo things and be positive!

I was dx with TN in October 2004. HD lumpectomy, chemo (FEC), and rads. Will be 9 years this fall.

I was diagnosed with triple negatives, but I don't think I'll be of much help as at 70 years of age I made the decision to do nothing  more than have a lumpectomy. That took place on July 17, 2012. Both my surgeon and my oncologist recommended 4 sessions of chemo and 7 weeks of radiation. I knew at the outset that there was no way I'd survive the treatment as I have a couple of auto immune diseases as well.

A couple of weeks ago, I had a routine mammography with no irregularities. It's a little strange, I think, but I wasn't nervous at all. I will presume that I'm clear until the next symptom shows up. Maybe never??