IDC - triple negative

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Budding-Librarian
Budding-Librarian Member Posts: 1
edited July 2020 in Just Diagnosed

I am 48 years old. I was given my diagnosis by my breast surgeon on 7/16. I knew I was positive for cancer and E- and PR- going in, but she had the HER2- result - 8mm on u/s, 5mm core biopsy. Grade is currently regarded as 2.

I am scheduled for a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy on 8/12. Before then I have an MRI and an appointment with genetics. I will meet the medical oncologist next week.

I found out last night that a maternal aunt was positive DCIS last year, triple negative. She was 4 mm and had a lumpectomy and radiation. She was 68 years old at diagnosis.

Anyone else on here with similarities? I would like to learn more from other IDC triple negatives

Thank you!


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  • MountainMia
    MountainMia Member Posts: 1,307
    edited July 2020

    Hi BL. Sorry you are here with us. There are a lot of us here with IDC TNBC (triple negative breast cancer -- SO MANY acronyms!) Your age and your aunt's diagnosis are good reasons to have the genetics testing. If it were me, I wouldn't have surgery until after the results from that, in case it changes your surgical decisions at all. It might not! But it could. One thing to remember is a small proportion of breast cancers are genetically linked, so being referred for testing does not imply that you have a genetic link for yours. They just want to check your status.

    It will be good for you to see the MO (medical oncologist.) That person will speak with you about probability of using chemo for treatment. Your aunt's diagnosis probably didn't call for chemo because of the size being very small. I have read that the standard of care is for tumors larger than 5mm to be treated with chemo. OTOH, my doctor (who I respect greatly) was wishy washy about treating me with chemo, and my mass was 15mm (1.5cm.) Generally tumors in that size range are removed surgically first. Larger tumors (I don't know the cut-off) are often treated with chemo prior to surgery (neoadjuvant chemo) to reduce the size first.

    There is a lot to learn. For most of us it is all new terminology. It would be SO interesting if only it were happening to someone else. We are here for you when you have questions. Best of luck.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited July 2020

    Hi Budding-Librarian. We're sorry you've had to join us, but welcome to a wonderful support system. You may also want to check out this forum, moving forward: Triple Negative. Great advice from MountainMia. Your medical oncologist will help you sort through the options. Please let us know how we can help.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited July 2020

    Welcome, Budding-Librarian! We're so sorry you find yourself here, but you've definitely come to the right place for support and guidance. We hope your upcoming appointments go well, please keep us posted on what you learn!

    The Mods

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  • MountainMia
    MountainMia Member Posts: 1,307
    edited July 2020

    Here is a link to Calling All TNs, a thread of comments for those diagnosed with triple negative. The members there will be very welcoming. Stop by any time, ask any questions, vent or worry when you need to.

    https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/72/topics/752075?page=1181#idx_35404

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