Calling all TNs

rdeesides, thanks

cccmc2 - from what I've been told, there is never a 'for sure'.

It's always a balance of probabilities. The odds are that it the sentinel is clear, the other nodes are not affected. But there is no guarantee and I read a report which reminded surgeons to do a visual inspection of the area as in this case study the sentinel was clean but something further on was not. We also have lymph nodes in the center of our chest, in the cleavage. Nobody tests those but if you have a tumor in the lower inner quadrant (LIQ), apparently that can be a route of potential spread.

I'll be discussing with my RO whether there is an benefit to doing rads to the internal mammary nodes as I had a LIQ tumor.

valstim52

Thanks, it appears we same type and stage. Did your tumor shrink after chemo

cccmc2, I'm not having radiation either. My lymph nodes were clear, and I had a BMX. The tumor board met and agreed that radiation wasn't necessary. I also had a pCR and was declared NED. With limited treatment options for TNBC, I worry about not using every tool in the toolbox, so to speak. But I have to trust my team of doctors.

My understanding is that radiation is determined by lymph node status, size of tumor & surgery. My lymph nodes were clear but I had radiation b/c of size of my tumor. I had a bilateral mastectomy.

My RO said three factors determined if needed when having a BMX.

(1) Tumor was 5 cm or larger (2) Any evidence of cancer in lymph nodes (3) Any evidence of lymphovascular invasion

Its not recommended for me.

Hello, everyone! I just had my pre-op visit. Pre-op mammogram shows not much change in the calcifications. Surgeon said it could be scar tissue and microcalcifications often don’t change in appearance on mammo. He said there’s still a 50% chance I got a pCR. Has anyone else had this happen? I read a study that said microcalcifications are associated with residual DCIS, which I had at diagnosis.

Report from check up mammogram 2 years post treatment was clear. No evidence of disease. I’m starting to think that maybe it won’t come back. It’s not always easy to stay positive, because fear comes more naturally than hope at times, but I’m definitely feeling more hopeful than fearful onmost days now. It’s taken me a long time to get to this state of mind. X

Hello everyone, Im still going thru chemo and finding myself confused about radiation.. Do u need it if u had biopsy that showed cancer present in lymp nodes, but its possible to be a stage 0 after chemo.

Also if radiation is a must after bmx is implants the best way to go or is it a better out come with DIEP? Lets just say Im confused...

urdrago71 - I have a pathological complete response (PCR) after chemo, meaning there were no residual cancer cells in my breast tissue or lymph nodes at the time of my BMX. However, that didn't change my original treatment plan, which included radiation. Talk to your doctor for more clarification.

Hugs,

Kathy

Lovemyyorkies, I would ask my oncologist for specific information on how much chemo would increase your risk for cardiac issues, secondary cancers, neuropathy, falls, etc., so you can balance that against the 4% benefit. If your cardiac risk is, say, 3-5% against the 4% figure, that may make your decision easier. I'm sorry that you are having to make this difficult choice.

I am currently going through treatment. I start my 4 DD taxol next week. I was having strange pains in the breast I still have (my left), and so my Dr ordered an ultrasound. Happy and beyond thankful it was clear. Not sure what the pain is, but it looks unrelated. I still find myself scared of the unknown. will I ever not be petrified of this disease coming back for me? I have days my mind will convince me it’s back. I try really hard not to go there....I hope this feeling lessens over time. So scary!

hello

Just found this site and created an account. 58 years old; diagnosed 4/30TNBC; fast tracked to First AC treatment on 5/21. Completed 4 AC. Started Taxol, completed 1 of 12.

first taxol treatment tomorow. Any advice or thoughts on what I can expect?

Thanks!!

after AC, I found taxol pretty easy. They did pump me full of antihistamines so I was super drowsy. I started bringing extra caffeine so I wouldn't sleep through it because I hated how that screwed up my sleeping patterns. I definitely needed someone to drive me home as I was too groggy.

The other thing is that for the first 3 taxols at my center they have a dedicated nurse watching you for the first 15 minutes the taxol is flowing. It's to monitor for allergic reactions and it's not a big deal but it's kind of odd to have someone literally staring at you. Once you make it through the first 3 with no problems, they just have the general nurses keeping an eye on you.

Do report any weird feelings, feeling hot, palpitations, rashes, breathing probs etc....

I didn't start icing until I began the first signs of neuropathy but some people start icing right from the start. HAve you decided?