Seeking Support: Stage Three Triple Negative Fighters and Survivors

Yes. I was diagnosed with stage Three TNBC this past June. I finished chemo before thanksgiving and am now receiving Keytruda.

Did you have surgery or radiation?

I had surgery after my chemo. There was no lymph node involvement so it was decided that no radiation. Also, 21 years ago I had bc. Same breast, but a different type. I had radiation then because I had a lumpectomy. This time it was a mastectomy.

I am doing well and feel great.

I am hoping I will feel better soon first I need to get rid of my fear .

I got rid of my fear because I have people who depend on me. Plus my doctor put me on antidepressants. When I would feel overwhelmed I could use some anti anxiety meds. I’m not saying that these meds are the greatest thing, but it got me through those hard times. Use what you need to. Better times are ahead!!!!

At first , When I was having tests and diagnosis, my husband had a heart attack so I had to put off biopsy until he could get his shunts and get better. We were both having anxiety attacks every time we had to go to the hospital. This was our brains putting us into "flight" mode. These attacks were worse than the procedures and made the tests and procedures worse than they had to be. I called my primary and he prescribed anti anxiety meds which made a big difference.

I was just diagnosed with triple negative and I am trying to figure out what it means. I’ve read a lot about people who have it and have reoccurrence or they get cancer somewhere else.

TNBC is very aggressive. Reoccurrence can certainly happen. I finished my chemotherapy 4 months ago. After the fourth treatment a mammogram showed the tumor had shrunk. Surgery was after my last treatment and the pathology report was very good. I had a complete response to the chemo. I write these things to tell you that tumor shrinking along with a good pathology report are milestones in treatment.

Thank you Helen

I am currently undergoing treatment for invasive carcinoma grade 3 triple negative stage 3B. Pet scan showed lymph involved and throughout skeletal involvement. My doctor choose to not run further testing and just start chemo. I’ve just finished my 4th cycle of 3 and have two weekly’s to finish before hitting my half way point in my treatments. I use to feel really optimistic but lately feeling like we never knew the truth of where or what we were staring with! However I look to my mom n think u did it twice and made it so can I!

I know how you feel Ranell , I was very positive till I got the pathology report back and I only had a partial response instead of full response that messed with my head a lot

I am having surgery tomorrow for my 2nd reoccurrence of TNBC. ( revision of my right axillary ) what treatment plan did you have? I am concerned. Also going for a 2nd opinion on March 25th at Hopkins. Please advise and thanks.

This community has many stage three triple negative breast cancer fighters and survivors who understand this journey. The strength and resilience shown by members here is truly inspiring, and connecting with others who share similar experiences can provide the encouragement and hope that makes such a difference during treatment.