Triple Negative Surgery Options

I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Grade 3 TNBC in August 2018. I had a lumpectomy first, then the same chemo as you and then radiation. My surgeon also advised there is no benefit in having a mastectomy over lumpectomy + radiation. I’ve since seen a few studies in my Dr Google research which support this and I’m happy with my decision. So far so good!

Hi there, I also have Stage 2 Grade 3 TNBC. Have just finished chemo (4 x dose dense AC, 4 x dose dense Pac) tumour has responded well; now I'm moving on to surgery. No faulty genes. Both my surgeon and oncologist are supportive of a lumpectomy, then radiation. I'm just worried about recurrence and whether I should get a preventative double mastectomy. @Teenytiny - what did you decide to do? @Mantis - are you still going OK? 

Welcome to the group you never thought you'd join, @Teenytiny and @JudeDude. We've all been there, so we 'get it'. xx

I hope you both have lots of support on the family & friend 'front' .... all the best for your treatment & surgery.

Check out this post about different bits available to you on the forum - whack up some pics of your furkids, garden or your art & crafts ..... we even manage to have some fun, too ;) 

https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-our-new-members#latest

Take care xx

@JudeDude yes, all good here. I had my three year mammogram and ultrasound a couple of weeks ago and see my surgeon on Monday for results and regular check. I would have been called in earlier if there were any issues so all good 😊

@JudeDude thanks for your response. I ended up getting a lumpectomy followed by 15 radiation treatments. My treatment is finished for now until I have my annual check in November. I’m happy with the decision. One thing I didn’t know was that you can still get reoccurrence even if you have a mastectomy. As they can’t clear everything it can reappear in the chest wall. I have joined a group on Facebook for Triple Negative BC and whilst most are in the US, I found comfort in being in a forum of people with our type of cancer and learning more in a safe environment (cause google just scares you!). From what my surgeon said the options are very similar in terms of long term outcomes and with Triple Negative, if it wants to come back it will find a way unfortunately. 

Thanks so much for your responses. I know - nothing can really 'future proof' you, can it? My surgery is in less than a fortnight. Fingers crossed for clear margins and no active cancer cells! 

@JudeDude I got complete pathological response from chemo and surgery. Clear margins. Found some pre cancer cells but radiation should look after those. Radiation is also a bit of a challenge. If you end up down that path be sure to moisturise regularly! I used Cetaphil and came out of it with no burns. Wishing you all the best. You have made it through the toughest part! 

Here is a link to Facebook group for TNBC https://www.facebook.com/groups/1166665270079659

Hi my name is Deb, I have recently been diagnosed with TNBC and have to start chemo asap, not sure if im still in shock or not but still feels unreal, except for the pain and breast changes which i'm noticing daily. I am seeing the oncologist tomorrow so hoping to have a clearer path forward

Good luck with the appointment @Deb2904. I’d say you are still in shock and might be for a while yet. Check in anytime you want to vent or need support. It will be a ride but you can do it ♥️