What do others think?

Jacqueline,

My first TNBC in 2008 found on Breastscreen regular visit was Grade 3  4mm Infiltrative Ductal Carcinoma within 56mm of High Grade DCIS.  I had three x wide local excision to be sure of a clear margain. Five lymph nodes were taken and clear. This was followed by 30 days of radiation.

Second TNBC in 2014 in other breast was Grade 2 16mm Invasive Carcinoma treated with 1 x wide local excision and 20 days of radiation.  Two lymph nodes were taken and clear.

Because this was my second TNBC I was offered chemo.

(Regimen: TC Frequency: 3 weeks Duration: 4 times)

This would only increase chance of survival by 5%. After listening to all the risks and side effects I felt an increase in survival of 5% was not worth it so I declined chemo.

After second TNBC I was offered free genetic testing - I took up this offer and the result was negative for the genes they test for - that was great news for me, my daughters and granddaughters.

good luck to you

Thank you ladies for all your comments.  It does seem the overriding advice is to get a second opinion, which is what I will certainly do.  My tumour was only 2mm and only picked up by breastscreen as a little dot that hadn't been there 2 years previously.  I did have widespread DCIS, which is why I had the mastectomy.  I see my surgeon on Wednesday so I will ask for a referral for a second opinion.  Many thanks and good luck to you all.  Jacqueline

Definetly get a second opinion to ease your mind. My GP was with me every step of the way (7 months of chemo and bilateral mascetomy) to make sure I understood my treatment. He helped me double check things when I was unsure, and that was really important to me.

Best of luck xox

I agree with Alison, because of the agressive nature of TNBC I would be getting a second opinion.

Hi there,

Mine was 2.7cm with a positive lymph node.  I had a lumpectomy/chemo/rads but unfortunately had a recurrence 18 months later.  My margin was very smaill though, which I questioned at the time. Second time around had a 3cm tumour and had a mastectomy and more chemo. 

I don't mean to scare you as every cancer is different and I feel if I'd had a mastectomy or a bigger margin then maybe the recurrence would not have  happened. Hindsight can be a wonderful thing.  I would certainly be asking your medical team the questions that are concerning you.

Paula xxx

hi I agree with Alison ask for another opinion doesn't hurt and then you can know you have asked all the questions. Mine was stage 3 with lymph node involvement. I had full double mastectomy chemo then radiation.

You have a right to ask questions until you feel you have the information you need to choose. 

Take care 

Soldier Crab 

Hi Jacqueline,

While every diagnosis is different, I also had TNBC with a tumour that was 18mm, but no lymph node involvement. I opted for a bilateral mastectomy but then had 5 months of chemo, although no radiation required (due to full mastectomy and absence of cancer in the lymph nodes). I was told that while I should consider myself cancer-free after the surgery, due to the aggressive nature of TNBC, chemo was required. Now, your tumour may have been very small and well isolated so that the chemo isn't required, but I would have thought that a question to the oncologist or breast surgeon would be totally justified. If you are still unsure, ask to be referred to another oncologist.

After all, it is your body and while I wouldn't wish chemo on anyone, it was my understanding that it was my best insurance policy!

Take care and hopefully your case was such that the risk of recurrence is so very small that they thought that the potential chemo side effects outweighed any potential benefit.

Best wishes,

Alison