Newbie with TNBC ~ question about recurrence?

Hi MaxEmily,

Welcome and thanks for posting. I too was Stage 1A with extensive DCIS, a 3mm tumor and numerous microinvasions at age 53.  The tumor was TNBC. No nodes involved. I was told I did not need to have chemo but I could do 8 CMF treatments if I wanted to.  I chose not to since no doctor I consulted said I needed it and some said flat out that I should not do it.  I have lost 50 pounds and I exercise regularly which I never did before. So I am hopeful that will help. 

But the fear of recurrence is very real.  I am coming up on two years since surgery. I find I am a little bit less obsessed as time goes by.  I will be thrilled when I reach the 5 year mark at which point I was told our recurrence risk returns to the BC risk in the general population. This is a very different risk profile from that of ER positive BC, which carries a lifetime risk of recurrence. 

I appreciate your asking the question about recurrence. I do recall reading on these boards about one TN Stage 1A who relapsed with mets but she was BRCA positive and in her early 30s. 

So, it does happen.  One if my MOs explained it this way:  I have a 3 percent chance of recurrence. That means of 100 women with my exact diagnosis, 97 will never have to deal with the beast again. But, 3 will relapse with mets. So, just based on the statistics I was given, it's clear some Stage 1As will relapse. But not many.   I will be interested to hear from others. 

I'm only a few weeks post treatment, chemo and rads, for TNBC and the thought of recurrence is always on my mind also.  It doesn't help that my MO does not do routine scans.  She also put my stats into a computer program, including my grade 2 and it came back with a 13% chance of recurrence. I do have many follow up appointments scheduled with the various docs, RO, MO, PCP and BS, so that helps a little with the anxiety, knowing they are following me pretty closely. Best of luck to all of us.

hi Ladies, I completed tx end of Aug. and just had my second follow up apt with MO. It went well and have graduated to 6 month check ups. I almost cried and felt like a fledgling being pushed out of a nest! I do not get any scans and will have my first mammogram since surgery in June. I try and live my life on a daily basis, but sometimes it's hard to do. I totally understand how hard this is, but I think it's important not to let it take over our lives. I never asked for % of recurrence and to be honest, for me, I'd rather not know. I refuse to be defined by percentages-I am unique, just like each of us! Positive thoughts for upcoming apts!

Hi All!

I am also coming up on my one year cancerversary.  I was 35 when i was diagnosed on New Year's Eve of last year and had my surgery January 14th. I am also stage 1A triple negative. My tumor was 1 cm and I had clear nodes. I had chemo and a double masectomy. I also am fearful of recurrence. I have good days and bad. Some days I stress about it and other days I feel strong. Since my diagnosis I eat a lot healthier and exercise everyday. My goal is to run a half marathon this year. My running makes me feel strong and helps me deal with my stress. I have a 3 year old and 7 year old and I will do everything to prevent this beast from returning. I also try to cut out alcohol as much as possible which sucks at times. 

Can I ask what others are doing to help lower your risk of recurrence?

Not triple neg but my friend is and was diagnosed with me w 4 positive  nodes in 2008.  She in fine today