defeatbc

Hi Tonya.

Many more of us "newbies" are getting the Taxotere+Carboplatin combo.  Myself and CaNatalie, are to name a few members.  It is especially effective on Triple Negative type breast cancers.  Carboplatin is a platinum chemo.  If you read up on platinum, you'll see that there is research that shows those types of chemo's are great if you're tri-neg.  Also, this combo is less likely to give you other serious problems, such as heart damage.

I totally understand your frustation.  I'm 31 years old, want to live to see my toddler grow up, and to grow old with my spouse.  Cry every day about having cancer... currently taking Ativan to help with my anxiety and chemo.

Let us know which chemo you go on.  You will be fine.   We will beat this.

Hi Ladies.

Since my first biopsy in March, I was convinced I was triple-negative because my progesterone receptors were low. Now, I'm in quite a shock.

Recently, my oncologist had my post-mastectomy samples retested with a FISH test (on the HER2 status) and a hormone receptor test.  Here are the results:

Left Breast IDC   ER- / PR+ (1-4%) / HER2-

Right Breast DCIS   ER+ (1-4%) / PR+ (1-4%) / HER2- 

My Onc. considers low hormone expressors to be positive, and will be placing me on Tamoxifen after chemo for 5 years.  He is quite convinced that low expressors yield benefits from that therapy, even if the benefits arn't as great as high expressors. 

He showed a lot of enthusiasm for me from the new test results.  When I asked him if I'm still considered Triple Negative, he said, "No, not at all."

Ladies, what are your thoughts on this?  Have I lost my membership in the "Tri-Neg Sisterhood"?

I still feel like a Tri-Neg.  I plan to continue being aggressive with my treatment, exercise, eat a low-fat diet, be very vigilent on recurrences, etc.  All the things Tri-Negs are advised to do.  I was also, looking forward to having a big NED party in 3 years, as that is a big milestone for Tri-Negs.... *sigh*....

What do you think?  Are low expressors triple negative?

Thanks gals  -- defeatbc 

I woke up at 4 in the morning when my hand swung over and landed over my left breast.  I felt a lump and sat up gasping when I realized I wasn't dreaming.  It was at the 12 o'clock position, 1.4 cm, felt rubbery, and was not near the chest wall.  I did occasional BSE's, and had a check-up 3 months prior-- nothing palpable at those times, not even by the doctor.  Like many of you have described, it was as if the lump showed up overnight.

Being 31 years old, the mammograms they gave me deemed useless.  The ultrasound gave the impression that it was a fibroadenoma.  However, (lucky for me) they wasted no time, and suggested a biopsy due to my family history of bc.  And then the treatment starts....

Hi formygirls.

I have lots of Indian friends and coworkers, and yet you are the first person of Indian decent I've come across with bc! 

Hi Victoria.

Yes.  I would definitely like to compare our treatment plans.  At this time, I've only had one oncology consult and am going through a lot of initial tests and scans.  I am definitely getting chemo (but don't know what type), and no radiation because the bi-lateral mastectomy margins were clear.

I see you also have a young child.  We are so blessed to have children, gives us so much love for life -- so much more reason to live.

defeatbc 

I want to thank everyone again for the comfort and assurance.

I just got back from having a bilateral mastectomy (Left side to remove the cancer and lymph nodes.  Right side for "peace of mind").

The pathology report came out in my favor:

-- no more lymph nodes affected (total lymph node with cancer = 1)

-- clean margins

-- the "peace of mind" breast removal was worth it as it had a pre-cancerous spot!

I look the way I did as a 12 year old (minus the nipples) -- not too shabby!

I can't honestly say I've nipped "fear" in the butt, but I am definitely confident in beating cancer!

As you ladies have said, I intend to hold (and babysit!) my toddler's child in many years to come.

Looking forward to chemo.

Luv ya all! 

Thank you all for lifting my spirits.

I was literally in tears after reading your responses.   My husband came home and saw me completely wet in the face, and thought that I was going through another one of those sad momments.  But, I assured him with a smile that those were tears of hope, and immediately pointed out all the posts on this thread.

I would be lying if I were to say I'm not terrified.  I still am shaking all over from this new diagnosis (cancer appearing in my lymph nodes, and triple-negative), and I'm always worrying that it might be in my other organs -- brain, lungs, brain, liver, etc.  It's really crazy how much worry comes about when you don't have any info to indicate whether it has spread any further. 

I look forward to conversing more with you ladies.  You are all an inspiration!

Thank you, cmb35.

I am so happy to hear from a survivor.  Congrats on your 3 years NED.  It gives me so much hope.

I guess what I meant by "node sensitive" (I'm still kinda new at this, and don't have the terminology down) is that at least one sentinal node had cancer cells in it.   That was determined after my lumpectomy -- which unfortunately wasn't successfull.

I'm due for a double mastectomy (cancer was only found in one breast, but I opted for "peace of mind", and I'm already fairly flat to begin wit).  And the rest of the nodes will be removed.

I have not been given a formal diagnosis, but it was a real bummer to find out after the surgery that I was no longer stage 1.

I think a lot about my son and my husband.  I know that there are many people who can relate. 

I am now trying really hard to be positive, and to see that there is hope amonst all the awful statistics.

The internet is too saturated with horror stories, and what I/we need now is to hear more from survivors -- such as you!