Hi Diane. I wish I had information to offer you, but I don't. I agree with Tricia that if you do not feel confident in what your doctors have said, then it might be good to get another opinion or tell your current surgeon that you will not be able to relax unless you get better information about what this is. There is a good chance that it's scar tissue, but I understand why it's hard to just accept that without knowing for sure.

Hi Gabe. I know this is such a hard time--the waiting is one of the hardest parts of this. I remember when I had my first mastectomy (I had the other breast removed later). I just couldn't imagine what it would look or feel like and how I would heal, etc. When I had mine done, it was not the norm to do immediate reconstruction. I had to have chemo because my cancer was more advanced than yours, so I didn't have reconstruction until 18 months after my mastectomy. I found that the mastectomy and its aftermath was not as bad as I had expected. We all react and heal differently, of course, but as much as possible, try to think of the mastectomies as a step toward making you and keeping you cancer-free. It will get better and easier with time. In the meantime, we're here for you whenever you want to vent to ask a question or just to talk to people who understand what you're going through. 

My best to both of you.

Rena age 63 California Central Coast
26-year survivor
BRCA2-positive
Dx 1986 IDC ER/PR negative 22 positive lymph nodes
CMFVP chemo weekly for one year, 7 weeks radiation
October 2007: New chassis and spark plugs!

OMG Tina that is almost word for word what they told me. I am with you. How do you tell someone You have the best kind of cancer.. Is that really supposed to make us feel better? It is Christmas Eve and I should be excited about my seven year old waking up tomorrow to "Santa" and all I can do is sit here and cry. I am having one of those nights... Thanks Rena for your kind words.

Gabrielle Diagnosis: 12/5/2011, DCIS, Stage 0, Grade 2 BMX on 12/28/11

I think they all use the same script .  try not to think about it the next couple of days.  I know it is hard but think of the smile your child will have when "santa" comes.  Keep busy and it will help get your mind off of it.
 

Tina    
dx 2/1/11 DCIS
Lumpectomy 2/27 results DCIS/LCIS Stage 0 ER+ PR+
Bi-lateral Mastectomy 4/26 with expanders 
6/3 Surgery to remove contaminated expander due to infection.
7/22/11 Surgery to reinsert the expander. 
10/11/2011 Surgery to replace tissue expanders with implants. 
 

Hi I am new to the message board.....I just finished treatment on 11/11/11....I was diagnosed with triple negative BC in March of this year, had lumpectomy end of March went thru 8 rounds of chemo and 36 radiation treatments!!! I now have the anxiety and fear of having a recurrence!!! I am considering a double mastectomy.....is there anyone how had triple negative w/lumpectomy then decided on mastectomy? I was tested for the BRCA gene since my dad's mother and grandmother both passed away from breast cancer and I have aunt's and cousins on my mom's side that past away from it as well. But oddly and thankfully enough my test came back negative. I am 1 of 8 girls in my family and I am the only one who has been diagnosed with BC.

Hi Disney girl,

The risk of recurrance is something we all have but it does get easier the longer out you are, as triple neg its proven you have a better response to chemo than us positive's so at least you know you've done all you possibly could.  We have a few long term triple neg survivors here and the longest is twenty odd years so hope you take some confidence from that.
Here's a link to a site that you may find helpful http://www.tnbcfoundation.org/

Tricia Keegan...From Ireland Dx July '05 IDC 3/9 nodes pos..triple positive..a/c x 4..Taxol/herceptin x 12
Herceptin 1yr ..rads x35 oophorectomy Aug '06
Currently taking Arimidex /Zometa 1 x yearly
Carepage- survivortricia

Thank You Tricia I will definitely check out that website. My doctor says I am normal with what I am going through emotionally. I have spoken to her about my concerns and possible mastectomy, my next mammogram is in February and follow up with her in March, I have to decide if I can live with the fear of the recurrence with my history and risk or have the surgery.
 
Thank You for your response

Diagnosed with breast cancer on 3/2/11
Triple Negative
Tumor size 1.8 cm.
Lumpectomy 3/24/11
Nodes negative
Stage I
Chemotherapy & Radiation ended 11/11/11

Disney girl,
 
I was highly triple pos with positive nodes so needed chemo etc but did choose a lumpectomy despite my her2+ status being aggressive for a recurrance, I looked at the pro's and con's and felt I could handle a local recurrance should it happen but many could not.  I'm happy with my choice and although still live with the risk I don't allow it to dominate my thoughts anymore.
A lumpectomy with rads gives the same overall survival stats as a mast but the risk of recurrance is slightly higher, so maybe just weigh up what you think is right for you and go forward with that, there really is no right or wrong here as we're all different. 
Good luck with your decision!!

Tricia Keegan...From Ireland Dx July '05 IDC 3/9 nodes pos..triple positive..a/c x 4..Taxol/herceptin x 12
Herceptin 1yr ..rads x35 oophorectomy Aug '06
Currently taking Arimidex /Zometa 1 x yearly
Carepage- survivortricia

Thank You Tricia
I will definitely weigh my options and discuss the risk of recurrance with my Oncologist. I appreciate your feedback.
 
 

Diagnosed with breast cancer on 3/2/11
Triple Negative
Tumor size 1.8 cm.
Lumpectomy 3/24/11
Nodes negative
Stage I
Chemotherapy & Radiation ended 11/11/11

Hi, my name is Pam. I am a cancer survivor of uterine cancer from '06 and currently helping my Mom deal with triple negative breast cancer (zero lymph nodes). I'm trying to deal with a lot and learn a lot in a short amount of time. Mom's tumor was taken out early December. We knew she'd have to do radiation. But it wasn't until Dec 20th when we met with the oncologist they told us of "triple negative" and that they were doing chemo. Mom immediately went into a sort of shock for a few days (understandably). She also went through a stroke in '08, so her mobility isn't the greatest. My Dad has pretty much thrown this in my lap to get her to her doctor appointments, take notes, "brief" him and that's his involvement. Yes, they're still married, and yes happily and he has numerous businesses (I work for all of them.) I've talked, reasoned and argued with him, but there's nothing that's going to change it at this point and right now my Mom is my priority. He doesn't go to the Doctors. Yes, there's other siblings, but I live a couple doors down and it's assumed and mentioned that it's my responsibility. So it's been emotionally and physically wearing on me as well. Mom gets a port in tomorrow for chemo. And chemo starts January 3rd. Her first round of chemo is Adriamycin & Cytoxin every 2 weeks for 4 sessions. Then the next 4 (every 2 weeks again) will be Taxol. When she asked the Doctor about losing her hair his response was "Yes, there will be hair loss and I'll probably make you a cue ball within the first month." She got very depressed. I guess one of my main problems is that *I* am the one going to the Doctors with her and then when my father takes her out with friends and to the bar they stop in at on a weekly basis there's too much talk in her ear. My Dad says, "Bob said his daughter had a chemo pill, tell the Dr to use that." When I try to explain our options our different with triple negative, he gets upset and demands this pill... putting it on me. Yet doesn't go to the Dr. to have it explained. Or Mom comes back and says "The doctor lied, Bob's daughter had no hair loss at all with chemo" I asked what drugs she had. Then she got flustered. She flusters very easy anymore and is so swayed by talk of "everyone else". I'm making up meals for in their freezer to make it easier for her once chemo starts. I would love to call a family meeting and demand other people INCLUDING MY FATHER help out, but it falls on deaf ears. Meanwhile, it still has to happen, Mom still has to get to her appointments ... as you can see, it's been a blur since before Christmas. I'm concerned, trying to learn, frustrated, and freaking out on the inside and very tired all at once. I'll be checking back later, I just wanted to get an initial post on a forum like this with survivors and caretakers because I feel I have no where to turn. Thanks for listening, Pam (my user name is the Latin phrase for "go forward without fear"...I'm trying)

Pam, my heart goes out to you. You're in a very tough situation. Has anyone in the family ever stood up to your father? I'm imagine he has good qualities, and everyone reacts differently to this sort of situation (he's probably scared and feeling out of control), but my immediate concern is not for him--it's for your mother and for you. I believe that you're doing what you can, and you can't change people--all you can do is change what you do and change how you react to your father's behavior.

It's very important that your mother understand that people run their mouths with little or no knowledge. They think they're experts because their second cousin's wife got a "breast cancer pill." That doesn't mean that her situation or diagnosis was anything like your mothers. There are oral medications for breast cancer, but they are usually the types used for hormone-positive cancer, which your mother does not have. The doctor, of course, has not lied to her--she will very likely lose her hair. One thing that might help is to ask at the oncologist's office if you and your mother can sit down with one of the nurses (sometimes women come across as less intimidating than men) and have her explain a lot of these things to your mother. You might also print out some basic information about triple negative cancer and chemotherapy from a site such as breastcancer.org and hand it to your father. Tell him that this is from a reputable source and that it will explain things. If he refuses to read it, so be it.

I know it's easier said than done, but you have to find a way to take care of yourself, even if it means sometimes saying no. Of course you want to be there for your mother, and I applaud you for that, but please don't make yourself sick. I think that a family meeting is a great idea. It may not get the results you want, but it's worth a try. Also, if your parents belong to a church or have a close set of friends, you can ask for help there, as well. Once she starts her chemo and is on a regular schedule, don't hesitate to ask other people to help with driving your mom to appts., and so on. Good luck to both you and your mother.

Rena age 63 California Central Coast
26-year survivor
BRCA2-positive
Dx 1986 IDC ER/PR negative 22 positive lymph nodes
CMFVP chemo weekly for one year, 7 weeks radiation
October 2007: New chassis and spark plugs!