Forum Discussion

the_Foxs_lady's avatar
12 years ago

5 years is a milestone with TNBC

Right from the start I was told that if we get to 5 years NED then those of us with TNBC are not in remission......we are cured (cause for a happy dance)!!!

I was told that there was a high probability of reoccurrence within the first two to three years.

There is much debate as to when you start to count, but my understanding is that you count from the day that you last had known cancer.  In my case it was the date of the third surgery.

I had treatment after that and further surgery but I am working with the last day that I knew I had cancer...and it was removed.....

So today I have 1,238 days to go.

8 Replies

  • Lol. Just finished work and brain too tired. It's almost five years from my first TNBC diagnosis (Sept 2 2009). My recurrence was on March 31st 2011. Will get back to you later when I do the maths. Paula xxxx PS had not heard that about being cured if we get to five years, but I like it :) Paula x
  • Hi - now you have me doing maths too! Taking it from the date of surgery that means 1053 days to go until the 5 years is up - but who's counting.. meanwhile will keep up the exercise, vegetables, and positive thinking and hope my immune system does the rest.  All the best from another TNBC.  Michelle xx

  • Hi - now you have me doing maths too! Taking it from the date of surgery that means 1053 days to go until the 5 years is up - but who's counting.. meanwhile will keep up the exercise, vegetables, and positive thinking and hope my immune system does the rest.  All the best from another TNBC.  Michelle xx

  • Hi - now you have me doing maths too! Taking it from the date of surgery that means 1053 days to go until the 5 years is up - but who's counting.. meanwhile will keep up the exercise, vegetables, and positive thinking and hope my immune system does the rest.  All the best from another TNBC.  Michelle xx

  • Hi Deanne..... it is interesting. 

    Each one of us have a different journey to make. 

    Each of us have different diagnosis.  I have found it particularly isolating being a grade 3 stage 3 TNBC. 

    When I was first diagnosed, the receptionist at the oncologist's rooms turned round to her colleague and said this is the stage 3 Triple Negative.  At that stage I didn't know that I was TNBC, nor did I know what it meant.  I remember at the time thinking that I had to be "different" because she didn't call me by name, she called me by diagnosis. 

    It wasn't until I came home before I started my chemo that I realized the implications of TNBC....and really that was only after my breast care nurse spoke to me and said that she heard about my diagnosis. 

    My own primary carer (GP) has never had a TNBC patient.

    So it was a learning curve for everyone.....but he has been wonderful. 

    The TNBC seems to respond well to chemo but there is no after care offered.  Unlike the ladies who are hormonal receptive, we don't get tablets for five years.....however, I was told that if I get to five years, then I am cured.... then in the next breath he (the oncologist) told me to go home and do whatever I wanted to and not put off anything that I wanted to do - don't rush at it and wear yourself out

    Personally I have my own theories.....and I am confident that I will get to the end in triumph!

    I am very aware that not everyone will have the same attitude to this disease.....not everyone will have the same support (or lack of it)....not everyone will have the same diagnosis....not everyone will have the same response to treatment....

    It is an individual journey....but at least through this forum, we have people out there who can honestly say "I understand". 

  • Best of luck anyway. I think they say that even hormone positive cancer is more likely to return with the first 2 to 3 years but we never get the all clear, unfortunately.
  • Fingers crossed for you. That is only a little over 18 months to go isn't it? Maths is not my strong point! :) Deanne xx