Seeking hope after chemotherapy for triple-negative breast cancer

I have stage 3 TNBC and am in year 3.5. I am 81 and still worry. Reoccurrence will happen, I am told, but when and where is the worry. My Dr told me it will show in my blood work and to try to minimize the stress by talking with others etc. All I can tell you is to keep on walking your cancer journey with Faith as your guide. Please stay in touch at this site.❤️

Thank you for your words of advice. I keep telling myself to stop thinking about reoccurrence and enjoy living my life. It takes up most of my days thoughts, but it's so hard not to worry. Thank you again xx

Don’t worry! But please listen to your body and ask the doctors what are the signs and symptoms of reoccurrence? Ask about your personal risk of recurrence? Get genetic testing if you haven’t. Have them test your cancer for PDL1. These test are important criteria for lynparza. Always advocate for you! I’m only speaking from personal experience. First cancer was found 3/2020 beat it with chemo and a double mastectomy. mTNBC was found 7/2024. I’m currently 42. Another piece of advice I would like to give is just live life to the fullest! YOLO!

Thank you for replying. And for your great advice. I do carry the BRAC2 gene. I am just finding it really hard to move on and not think about reoccurrence, but YOLO is definitely something I need to focus on. My oncologist said I don't qualify for lynparza (olaparib) as my cancer was below 2cm. I find this so frustrating as I tick every other box. Was your second cancer a reoccurrence or a different cancer? If you don't mind sharing. Xx

It was a recurrence sadly. No cure at stage 4 but I’m learning to YOLO 😆.

Aww, I'm so sorry to hear this. I'm holding on to the fact my cancer was only 7 mm, no lymph nodes involved, and it was only growing for under 8 weeks before it was removed. I have to try and see some positive points to help me with the whole reoccurrence situation. I love the YOLO outlook!! That is defo what I need to start doing moving forward. Xxx

Thank you! I don’t remember the size of my original tumor but it was caught early and wasn’t palpable because it was deep in the tissue. I never thought in a million years that the pain over my sternum would turn out to be cancer. Positivity is also key! And those are things to be happy about. I am hopeful for us! Praying for a cure so we don’t have to keep or have another battle… 🩷

Your proactive approach with the risk-reducing mastectomy and early detection through that process, combined with clear lymph nodes and completing chemotherapy, are all positive factors in your treatment journey. Many people with similar situations go on to live full, healthy lives, and connecting with others in this community who understand TNBC can provide valuable perspective and encouragement during this uncertain time.