Found out Im TNBC.

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win-chimed
win-chimed Member Posts: 35
edited December 2016 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Hello all!

Hopefully I can get some guidance. I just found out that I am Triple Negative it is in one lymph node. The oncologist I talked to said that there is was only 1 way and 1 way only of doing this. She wants me to do treatment now before surgery.

Here's my question, are there any alternatives to treating the the lump in that lymph node besides chemo? Because I have no support, and I am in a "catch 22"...meaning if I don't work, I don't have insurance. Her bedside manner was awful stating that I can get on medicaid and so forth but I asked for a second opinion. But where do I began or start research to find out?

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited November 2016

    Hi Win-chimed,

    We're so sorry for the experience you had. There's no excuse for a doctor to behave without compassion when dealing with someone who's dealing with cancer! TNC is tricky, because it doesn't respond to other treatments, such as hormonal therapies like Tamoxifen or Arimidex . The typical plan of action is chemotherapy and/or radiation, and surgery. Luckily, many advances have been made in chemo, and for a lot of women, it's not the difficult treatment it once was; many people undergoing chemo continue to work and live relatively normally during their treatment. You can find out more about TNC and how it can be treated here: http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/diagnosis/tri....

    Because of the changes and advances being made all the time in treating TNC, we absolutely suggest getting a second, or even third, opinion. You may find doctors vary in their treatment recommendations.

    We hope this was helpful!

    The Mods

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  • LovesLoons
    LovesLoons Member Posts: 68
    edited December 2016

    There is a research trial that you may want to ask about. It is one that I am in right now, called I-Spy2. You may want a second opinion also just because of the behavior of that doctor; even if they are really good, if you don't feel comfortable with them, try another.

    The ISPY-2 trial has its own website you can check. 80% of the patients get the trial drug; the other 20% get the standard treatment. No placebos. It's for chemo before surgery though so some may not want to do that.

    I am not sure if there is one in your area, but what I have found really quickly is that there is so much help for breast cancer patients out there including places to stay, free rides to appointments... And I have come across many at the hospital who say how NICE it is for people to be in research trials. 0__0 Really? I feel selfish sometimes because it really has been a benefit for me. :)

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  • KSteve
    KSteve Member Posts: 486
    edited December 2016

    win-chimed - I'm so sorry you find yourself here. I will tell you that I worked throughout my chemo without a problem. Before you rule it out, please remember that this is the most effective treatment against TNBC. TNBC also responds really well to chemo. By the time I had surgery, the tumor was completely gone (pathological complete response, PCR). I know it's scary, especially if you're on your own, but you can do it! There is a great thread on this site, "Calling all TNs" and it is a wonderful, supportive group of ladies who all have TNBC. Don't hesitate to ask me questions either.

    Hugs,

    Kathy

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