Should I get chemo for stage 1 triple-negative breast cancer?

This is such a personal decision that many in this community have faced, and it's completely natural to want to hear from others who've walked this path. The choice between taking additional treatment when it's optional versus focusing on recovery from surgery involves weighing potential benefits against quality of life considerations that are unique to each person's situation and values. Many community members have found it helpful to discuss factors like age, overall health, support system, and personal risk tolerance with their medical team, while also connecting with others here who understand the specific challenges of triple-negative breast cancer treatment decisions.

My TNBC tumor was 2.5mm I had a lumpectomy and radiation but no chemotherapy. Chemotherapy was offered as an option not a recommendation because of my tumor size. I am one year post treatment and doing well.

I did get a second opinion before making the decision to go with no chemotherapy and weighed out the benefit vs burden of treatment.

I had stage 1 and didn’t have chemo. My surgeon presented my case to the university tumor board and 20 or so other oncologists agreed it was not needed. I am 2 years out from TNBC.

Jan W, I am happy to hear your news about you not needing/having chemo. May I ask what size your tumor was? I am hoping to do just radiation and not chemo. Did you have radiation? Laura M above said hers was only 2.5mm so I understand why she did not have chemo (tumors under 5 mm don’t need chemo) My tumor was 8mm. My oncologist says it’s in the gray area between 5 mm and 1 cm. Thank you. Carol M

Yes I had 20 treatments of radiation Carol, my tumor was 3.5mm and and negative lymph nodes.

I should say if you have the results of genetic testing and they are positive you definitely need chemo per my oncology team. Mine did not show any of the genes.

Jan, I had the blood test for the BRACA1 gene. It was negative. My tumor was 8mm with no lymph node involvement. My oncologist encouraged chemo but respected my decision to do radiation therapy only. I bring “mapped out” today for radiation. Hoping & praying I’m making the right decision!!