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Q: Well we just got back from the Oncologist. Triple negative and 9 on the Nottingham. She is suggesting 8 chemo treatments, 1 every 2 weeks plus radiation. Is 8 a lot?Lymph nodes and margins were clear.
So sorry to hear your news... but at least now you have a complete diagnosis and can begin treatment. Eight chemo treatments is quite a few, but in this case it's probably necessary. With triple negative breast cancer (and a high Nottingham score), chemo is your best bet against recurrence; that's why your doctor will want to throw all the chemo s/he can at you. Are you having a lumpectomy? Then radiation would be a requirement, as well, to take care of any errant cells right around the tumor location.
The very good news is clear lymph nodes; even though it's aggressive, it sounds like this cancer was caught early. Best of luck with your treatment, and be sure to check in here with any questions you might have; or just when you feel like venting, or need some support. We're here for you. Take care- PJH
Hi Amy - The reason they don't give 20-year rates is that the treatment will change too much, and has changed too much over the past 20 years; you can't make good comparisons, as it's apples to oranges. 85% is pretty good; that's about what I am, and I'm out 10 years. So follow my example!
As for diet - here's what's pretty much accepted. Try for a basically healthy diet: lower fat rather than higher (e.g., no Atkins). Drink as little alcohol as possible, but certainly no more than 1 drink a day. Take 4-5 baby aspirins (low-dose 81mg aspirins) over the course of a week; they're supposed to reduce your risk of recurrence. And exercise is key - although you're triple negative, there's still the chance that being overweight may increase your risk of recurrence. They're not quite sure what the cause/effect is, but the more overweight you are, the higher your risk.
Best of luck to you - treatment will be tough for sure, but you can do it; so many of us have. Feel us all supporting you, those who've gone before; we're the wind beneath your wings! PJH
Dear auntieamy, I am so sorry that you are having to go through this. I happened upon your post by accident, but realized I could maybe help. I was diagnosed at age 33 and I am a 4 year survivor of TNBC. I did 8 rounds of chemo and 33 radiations 1 every 2 weeks. My cancer was very aggressive and the doctors wanted to throw everythng they had at me... and it worked:-) I invite you to come and join the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation group on Facebook. There are women on there that are going through exactly what you are. I am an active member of the group and I along with many other survivors will be glad to answer any questions you have. I hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Jessica
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Thanks for the support. Already had the lumpectomy about a month ago, 2cm so not too big, stage 1. The margins were clear thank goodness. The Adjuvent online report my oncologist gave me has an 85% clear rate for both the just chemo and chemo with radiation options for the next 10 years (I was afraid to ask about 20). My oncologist is recommending 36 radiation treatments after chemo, and I think this is the way to go even if it doesn't increase the odds because I want to get rid of this bugger now and not have to do this again in 10 years if I'm lucky. 85% isn't as high as I would hope but I'll take it. Can you recommend any books about diet and such going forward? there is so much info out there I don't know what to believe after a while.