TNB survival by stage -- any data?

Options
ellenkc
ellenkc Member Posts: 173
edited June 2014 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

I learned on Tuesday that my new breast cancer (previous bc, other breast, highly hormone sensitive, 2006) is triple negative. I've found info that the 5 year survival rate for TNB is 75% TO 77% -- but that seems to lump (no pun intended) all stages together. Anyone have a source that looks at TN survival based on stage when treated?

As background, my tumor is 13 mm, and ultrasound of lymph nodes suggests that it has not spread. No family history, but because of second occurance, I am awaiting results of genetic testing to determine mastectomy vs. lumpectomy, but docs are betting genetics will be negative. Chemo to follow in either case, radiation after that if lumpectomy.

Thanks for any info!

Ellen

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • graceforme
    graceforme Member Posts: 70
    edited September 2013

    Hi Ellen, I'm sorry your going through this again. In Patricia Prijatel's book Surviving tnbc, she cites a study done at MDA between 1985-2001 that included 2838 tnbc women. Stage 1-92.9% no recurrence within 5 years, Stage 2-89%, Stage 3-87%.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • graceforme
    graceforme Member Posts: 70
    edited September 2013

    Also, there was no info on stage 4 noted.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jcolford
    jcolford Member Posts: 120
    edited September 2013

    Ellenkc I too have been searching for stats. My Onc told me I had a 50% chance of reoccurance and she wouldn't even discuss survival rates (I don't know where she got here statistics).  All of the research I find talks about early cancer having a much better chance of survival then goes on to talk about worse prognosis if you have lymph node involvement, etc. 

    I think we have to tell our selves that we are not statistics and we are going to beat this horrible disease and at the same time be vigilant by being aware of our bodies and be proactive in our health care.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • graceforme
    graceforme Member Posts: 70
    edited September 2013

    Hi jcolford. I'm also braca1 positive and wondering how often you see your MO, RO, and BS? Did you have any scans after treatment?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • placid44
    placid44 Member Posts: 497
    edited September 2013

    Ellen I had a 3.1 cm. tumor and a small amount in one lymph node and they said 85 percent survival for me. I had a partial response to chemo. If you havena complete reaponse the odds are better.



    After five years a recurrence of TN would be rare (much more rare than for or one-positive) and after 7 years recurrence is extremely rare.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ellenkc
    ellenkc Member Posts: 173
    edited September 2013

    Wow! Thanks for all the responses so soon!

    Thanks, Graceforme, I have downloaded the book and will give it a read. And thanks, Jcolford, I know I tend to be a numbers jock (analytic jobs). I've lived with 90+% odds for the last 7 years, which seems reasonable compared to things like car accidents, etc.

    I guess I am kind of numb at this point. I spent the summer caring for my husband in home-hospice care for prostate cancer. He passed on 8/13/13. I don't even want to ask what else could happen this year!

    Ellen

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jcolford
    jcolford Member Posts: 120
    edited September 2013

    Graceforme I have had a bone scan, x-ray of my ribs and shoulder (these were done because I was experiencing pain) and I am going for a bone density test tomorrow morning. I also have a mamogram and mri alternating every 6 months as well as the CA-125 blood test alternating with pelvic and abdominal ultrasounds.  I see my surgeon every 6 months, my onc once a year and my gp when ever necessary.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • graceforme
    graceforme Member Posts: 70
    edited September 2013

    Ellen, I'm so sorry for the loss of your husband.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • graceforme
    graceforme Member Posts: 70
    edited September 2013

    Thanks jcolford. I see my MO tomorrow and you've helped come up with questions to add to my list.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • latoya81
    latoya81 Member Posts: 24
    edited September 2013

    I thought reocurrence of TNBC was rare after 5 years, but it seems so many women here on the message boards are having reoccurances even after reaching the 5 year mark. I am very sorry ellenkc that you are having to deal with this again for the 2nd time.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ellenkc
    ellenkc Member Posts: 173
    edited September 2013

    Layota81: There is key distinction, at least in my case. This current cancer is considered a NEW cancer, not a recurrance. Previous cancer was quite different: different breast, and 90%+ estrogen sensitive, so I did hormone treatments for 4.5 years. Interestingly, the doctor this time said that the previous hormone treatment may have contributed to this one being triple negative.

    Ellen

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories