Saw the Consultant on Wednesday and have just received the follow up letter. I have “Grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma” and “axillary lymph node metastatic breast carcinoma”. This is triple negative so no hormone treatment for me, he wants to do chemo followed by lumpectomy. As it’s triple negative and there’s no family history, we will arrange BRCA genetic testing.
I keep wavering between pragmatism and panic - it’s a smallish tumour but it’s in the lymph node as well. It’s grade 3 which is the most aggressive kind but the aggressive kinds often respond best to chemo, I believe?
The road ahead may be long but he was at pains to point out that we can be optimistic about the outcome.
My Aunty told me earlier that one of her best friends had agressive BC 30 years ago, it was removed and dealt with and she is still here alive and kicking at 72!!
The Dr told me I was at more risk of dying in a car accident than of Norman the squatter.
I know you don’t want to be here but welcome. I’d first like to start off by saying watch what you research on-line for triple negative. You can find good information but the bad information that looks like good information can really mess with your mind. Just be careful when on-line.
On another note, triple negative does respond really well to chemo. From what I understand there are also immunotherapies out with it so that’s another possible treatment. No, having it in your lymph nodes is not ideal but let’s face it, neither is breast cancer. It’s common though, so common that treatments will be tailored specifically around it. All to say that, yes this stinks, but this particular cancer is pretty well understood with a plethora of research behind it. You’ll be an excellent hands and if you have any questions, need to vent, or are just looking for support, we’ll be there. Many hugs sent your way!!
hi,
Im in the same boat as you, diagnosed today with TNBC, but doesnt look like its in my nones, have an
MRI on monday to confirm though.
Ive got to have chemo too, please feel from too pm me so we can chat if you like 
Im currently between blind panic, and acceptance of what will be will be … it would be nice to chat to someone who’s at the same stage as me in this rotten process xxx