Implications of triple negative bc
I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma about 6wks ago. I have had a lumpectomy and the pathology shows the tumour to be triple negative. I understand what that means but I am not sure on wha...
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Hi,
My first triple negative was in 2008 (age 53) - treated with 3 x lumpectomy to get clear margins. No node involvement. 56mm DCIS with 4mm invasive. Treatment was 30 x radiation visits.
Second tripple negative was in 2014 (age 59) in other breast - treated with 1 x lumpectomy - no node involvement - 16mm invasive - 20 x radiation visits.
Was sent to geneticist in 2014 but at the time not enough family history for free testing (I believe it is over $2000 for testing privately). Was offered chemo as it was the second time but after finding out the side effects and the extra 5% survival rate I declined chemo.
One year later, after another breast cancer in the family, I was suitable for genetic testing - results took 6 months and turned out to be negative (very pleased with that).
Just about time for my 2 year scans - hopefully all will go well with them.
Mastectomy and chemo seem not to guarantee you wont get it again.
There is an up side to getting it twice - you know what to expect - didn't seem as scary the second time.
I was a public patient both times and have had excellent care (without delay) and have had no medical expense at all.
I know it all seems overwhelming - one step at a time!
BJP