Hi, I am 45 years old and found a lump in June. I’m now 11 days post op, lumpectomy and all my nodes removed. Future treatment will be chemo/radiotherapy. Yesterday I went to the Genetics clinic and was shocked to be told that I was triple negative but I don’t really understand what all this means. I’m due to see my consultant on Thursday for removal of dressings and discuss pathologist report. From what I understand being TN means that there is a higher risk of breast cancer returning and also ovarian cancer (for which there is no screening)? Genetics also talked about mastectomy/removal.of ovaries depending on what results come back with. Still reeling from all this latest news and what the future holds for me. Thanks for reading xx
Hi TartanTottie
Welcome to the BCC Forum. While you are waiting for some replies to your post, I’ve attached a link to one of our publications “Understanding your pathology report”
I’ve also attached a link to a section of the website which explains a bit about triple negative breast cancer:
I hope this helps.
Very best wishes
Janet
BCC Moderator
Hi there. I had a mastectomy and lymph nodes taken out 16 July. I am 71 years old and like you I am in shock. I was told Her2 negative ER negative but biopsies being retested. I asked why and was told it’s something we do. I have done a lot of research and think I will be triple negative so like you it’s looking like chemo/rads which I was told op and rads originally. I see my oncologist on Tuesday and am dreading the news I really do not want chemo due to other illnesses I have.
I feel well ATM recovered from op quite quickly and arm movement is improving my BCN says I am very healthy for my age little does she know I go down hill very quickly in the winter months. We just have to look forward and be strong. I am in West Torkshire where are you.
Hi Tartan Tottie, ( great name)
Sorry that you have joined the club no one wants to be in but thought I would share my experience and info on TN. These negative results mean that the growth of the cancer is not supported by the hormones estrogen and progesterone, nor by the presence of too many HER2 receptors. Therefore, triple-negative breast cancer does not respond to hormonal therapy (such as tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors) or therapies that target HER2 receptors, such as Herceptin (chemical name: trastuzumab). The only available treatments are chemo,radiotherapy and surgery.
I was DX with triple neg in Nov 2013 and started chemo in dec 3 fec and 3 tax prior to surgery in April 2014 for a lumpectomy,I then had 20 radiotherapy sessions. It was no walk in the park but it was do-able. I also attended genetics clinic due to family history of BC and was convinced I had the bcra gene but it came back negative. My treatment ended last july and I have been gradually improving and now I attend oncology follow up and breast clinic and everything seems good so far,
I wish you well in your treatment and btw I am also from bonnie wee scotland lol
Take care
Wyn
Hi Tarton Tottie
well interesting afternoon saw oncologist told me I was triple negTive but one result not received. The discussion continued then a phone rang I was ER positive. So I am still having the works. Cold cap not recommended due to my COPD which I have had for a while although I have never been a smoker.
Because of this the cold weather plays havoc with my health. This year I will not be haunting off to warmer climes instead I will be having my chemo and radiography. I have to say I am not looking forward to this winter.
Sorry predictive te t I typed jaunting
Wyn … Thank you!!! Your post has helped. My bloods have been sent away today for testing for BRCA1 and 2. I do hope it comes back negative like yours but have already decided that if it’s positive and I should think about preventative measures then so be it, double mastectomy and removal of ovaries. Follow up appointment with consultant tomorrow so hopefully he’s happy with everything and pathologist report is"good", can be then move on to chemo. I’ve been told that I’ll be hammered pretty hard with chemo, trying to prepare myself but it’s not easy is it. I’m still recovering from op and so ridiculously tired, I need to get into a better place strength wise physically for chemo. Ah another Scottie, im way up North in Highland, where are you? Glad you are having good aftercare and continue to recover well xx
Hi Tartan Tottie,
I am from the west coast ( the wild west lol). Hope your follow up appointment went well and you got good news. Before you know it treatment will be over, I can’t believe its been over a year since my last treatment.
take all the help offered, be good to yourself and rest when you feel like it.
Take care
Wyn