TNBC … what is it supposed to feel like?

Ask our Nurses your questions
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Hi there
I was diagnosed with Stage 1, Grade 3 TNBC following biopsy etc in early December- at the time I was feeling an “ache” in the affected breast and extreme fatigue.

When I asked the Consultant he said he didn’t know why I was feeling like that, but perhaps it was due to bruising from the biopsy. Tumour was measuring 1.8cm. Nothing detected in the armpit.

2 weeks later I had my first consultation with the Oncologist - once again I asked if it was normal to feel this ache, with fatigue. He said not to worry about it. Tumour was measuring 2cm. And he said it was Stage 2, Grade 3 !

In other words it had advanced from a Stage 1 to a Stage 2 in two weeks.

First MRI scan will be 7th Jan. and chemo will start on 31st Jan.
16 week course, followed by surgery.

For the past 2 days I have been feeling a very sharp stabbing/pricking sensation in that breast, and the armpit … the pain comes and goes several times day and night. It is sharp enough to stop me in my tracks …

Is this normal?

My fear is that the tumour is growing fast and spreading into my lymph nodes already and I still have a 5 week wait until Chemo starts!

Please advise or give reassurance

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I know this question was for the nurses but just thought I’d quickly reply as they won’t respond until Monday. I have also been diagnosed with TNBC. I found it because of a sharp stabbing pain in my breast, so I don’t think it is an unusual symptom tbh as it is quite fast growing. Mine was 1cm when I found it and was 2.7cm when I had it biopsied 4 weeks later. Just to reassure you though, despite growing quite quickly, it didn’t spread to my lymph nodes. I went straight to chemo and the tumour shrank a fair bit and by the time of my surgery, there was just a small piece left. A TNBC diagnosis is scary but there is a lot of treatment available now, including immunotherapy. If you have any more questions at all, I’m happy to help if I can, Emma x

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First of all, don’t worry about whether it’s described as stage 1 or stage 2, the difference is likely to be a millimetre or so in their estimate of tumour size (less than 2cm or 2cm). Measurements are likely to vary anyway depending on the technology used. In terms of do you feel anything, I don’t know, but I have metastatic TNBC and have never felt a thing from the cancer itself. I think our minds play tricks with us when we get a diagnosis. It will become easier once you start treatment.

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It is best to discuss with the doctor but just wanted to drop you a quick note to support you from the other side. I was diagnosed with TNBC in January and I also had sharp pain in my breast where the tumour was growing. Although it is an unusual symptom for BC in general, it seems to be common for TNBC, as tumours often grow rapidly, pushing the tissue. I didn’t have the fatigue at the time but it is a general symptom of any cancer as far as I know. My pain was quite confusing for the GP, as their initial reaction was that it may be related to my period or muscle pain and “definitely not something sinister, as there is no pain in case of cancer”. Alas, as I said, it’s quite common in case of TNBC.

I’ve now had chemo and immunotherapy and it worked wonders for me, so I’m now cancer-free. I’m grateful to my body that because of the pain we caught it early.

I also had to delay my chemo by 5 weeks because I did an IVF procedure beforehand and the pain was driving me crazy sometimes. My doctor has however reassured me that we had enough time, as the tumour doesn’t grow that fast. She was right, my lymph nodes were clear and the tumour hasn’t really grown in these 5 weeks.

Actually, the pain has become much less intense, once I’ve started chemo! So, something to look forward to haha

TNBC may sound scary but much progress has been made recently and don’t worry too much when reading statistics, as they often haven’t been updated yet to account for the effect of new drugs.

I assume that your doctor has also mentioned to you that it is possible that you’ve got a genetic mutation and you can be tested for it to make an informed decision about your surgery options.

Let me know if you have any further questions!

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Thank you SO much for this - I cannot begin to describe the weight that has been lifted off my shoulders. Everything that you say makes perfect sense. As odd as it may sound, I am actually looking forward to starting Chemo and to start shrinking the tumour. Thank you so so much for your reassurance - now whenever I get that stabbing pain, I can ride it out, knowing that it’s okay and only temporary. x

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I really appreciate your reply Coddfish - It’s so good to know there are so many people going through similar worries. Yes an overthinking mind can suggest all manner of things :face_with_diagonal_mouth: I must remember to be patient and go through all the processes as they become available and not to give in to my inner screeching chimpanzee. We are lucky to have so many treatment options available to us. All the very best to you and thanks again for your reassurance x

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Thank you tinatin … goodness you had a lot on your plate last year, no? I am grateful for your reassuring reply. I shall trust in the process and go with the flow. Five weeks did sound an awfully long time away - but of course the specialists know what they are doing. That makes sense that the sharp pricking pain is the tumour pushing against tissue or some such thing - it really does feel like that. I am trying to sleep on my back at night, rather than on my side, squashing it! Thank you again for your reply and all the very best to you x

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Thank you dear! Do you know what is driving the starting date for your chemo? You may ask for it to start sooner, just for your own mental health benefit (at least I was much less worried during chemo, as I could feel the tumour shrinking haha)

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Once I knew I was going to have chemo I was definitely keen for it to start. You really feel as though you are poisoning the tumour and I began to feel it getting smaller quite quickly. I remember asking my surgeon if there was a chance it could spread before my chemo started and he said no - and that chemo would kill off any stray cells anyway!

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I presume that my Chemo start date was driven by availability - and also I am having my MRI at a different hospital - whatever the reason I am much happier now that I do have a date and that I am in the system. I’m so grateful for your reassurance :slight_smile:

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Hi december24

Thanks for your post. It’s understandable that you’re asking for advice and reassurance with your symptoms of pain and fatigue following your diagnosis of triple negative breast cancer…

There’s a lot to take in when you’re newly diagnosed with breast cancer and many people feel overwhelmed and frightened. It may be that the pain you’re experiencing is due to the biopsy you had taken.

It looks as though you’ve had some good support from the forum already and as @Coddfish says, you’re likely to feel better when treatment is underway. At times like these, you may find it helpful to call our helpline, as we often find we can help people more by speaking to them on the phone. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.

Treatment is tailored to your individual situation, and what you are offered will depend on a number of factors including the grade, size and stage of your cancer. As @tinatin and @ivy-cat say, the wait for your chemotherapy to start is unlikely to make a difference to the stage and grade of your cancer.

Experiencing fatigue (extreme tiredness) after receiving a diagnosis of breast cancer is common. It doesn’t always go away with rest or sleep and may affect you physically and emotionally.

Factors that may contribute to fatigue, such as: the emotional impact of a breast cancer diagnosis and altered sleep patterns. Trying to stay physically active can help. Eating a healthy well balanced diet is also important. There are a few situations where fatigue can be due to other conditions such as anaemia, (too few red blood cells in the body) or thyroid problems so it’s important these are ruled out.

Talking to someone who has had a similar experience can often be helpful. Our Someone Like Me service can match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. You can be in touch with your volunteer by phone or email and they can share their personal experiences to answer your questions, offer support or simply listen to how you are feeling.

You can ring the Someone Like Me team on 0800 138 6551 or email them at someone.likeme@breastcancernow.org, so they can then match you to your volunteer.

We also offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.

Do also discuss how you are feeling with your breast care nurse or GP. They may be able to refer you for some talking therapies to help you through this difficult time.

As I said, do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary.The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK -prefix 18001).

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Best wishes

Addie

Breast Care Nurse

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