triple negative 2008 and again in 2014

Thanks for that Paula.   I think I was quite lucky as I was 53 the first time (now 61) - I believe the older the better!

First time 56mm DCIS with 4mm invasive - second time 16mm invasive with no node involvement either time.

Hopefully I will hear from others with more than 1 triple negative - I have met a few ladies with over 20 years since breast cancer and it really is lovely to hear their success stories.

Beverley

I gave up surfing the net and googling a long time ago as it just did my head in. I had lumpectomy, chemo rads the first time. I had one positive lymph node out of the 7 they took. My margin was not that great.  I think I had everyone scratching their heads when I had the recurrence just 18 mth later.  This time I had a mastectomy and the dreaded chemo again as both my tumours were close to 3cm and both not long after clear mammograms.  Apparently very aggressive. I was 47 and 49 at the time. Now the one thing I do know about triple negative is that the further away from the diagnosis you get, the odds of survival increase.  I think at 5 years it is a better survival rate than other types of breast cancer. 

I am about to have 5 year bone and cat scans in the next few weeks and so holding my breath that they will be good. I know just how you feel coming up to your check-up!!! All the best and lets hope we both get good results. 

When I had my reconstruction I also had my other breast removed, with my surgeons blessing as my breasts were very dense and did not image well.   

I think there are others on the site who have had two triple neg diagnosis.  It's great to meet you and we can be the positive stories for others to read that you can survive a 2nd diagnosis.

Love Paula xxxxx

Paula,

Thanks for the reply - you are the first person I have been in touch with with two triple negative. Even asked the Cancer Council for someone on their volunteer list and there was no one in Aust or NZ. 

I have been travelling really well thinking I will live forever but then found Cart-Wheel, The Centre for Analysis of Rare Tumors.....says triple negative fits their area of interest.  Also, was reading about funding requested by QMIR Berhofer which made triple negative sound really bad.

This has just  made me feel a little less confident. Funny what will do it.

I have had quite an easy time with only 3 x lumpectomy and 30 x radiation the first time and 1 x lumpectomy on other side and 25 x radiation the second time. Declined chemo when offered second time due to very small increase in chance of survival.

My 2 year mamo is coming up in July - always a tense time as you would know.

Beverley

Hi there,

I can't meet for coffee so we will have to have a virtual one as I live in Cairns.  I am a two time triple negative survivor.  Once in 2009 and a recurrence same breast 2011.  I am just about to have my five year scans etc and see the surgeon next month, so fingers crossed.  See my Rad onc today. 

All the best.

Paula xxxxx

many thanks Cosette

Hi BJP. Although I don't know if there are members who have had a triple negative more than once, there are a couple of support groups near you. There's the Strathpine Coffee and Chat Club and the Metro North Breast Cancer Support Group. Best of luck!