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Q: I was recently diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. It was at stage 1 and 8 lymph nodes were clear. I had a lumpectomy. Is chemo absolutely necessary?
Chemo is always recommended for women with a TNBC diagnosis. Why? Because, without long-term hormone therapy, chemo is your best defense against recurrence. Can you skip it? Sure. You'll be raising your risk for recurrence. I'd suggest you find out from your oncologist what your risk of recurrence is with chemo; and what is is without chemo. Ask for absolute risk, not relative. Then, weigh the benefit in risk against the side effects of chemo, and make your decision. Not an easy situation, for sure; but once you have all the data, think hard; then make your bect decision, and don't look back. Good luck - PJH
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I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer one year ago this month with negative lymph node invasion of 4 nodes checked. It was 2.1 centermeters. I had ACT and then 35 doses of radiation. It wasn't fun, but I got through it with the help of other medications and a wonderful and always available group of medical professionals. You can get through it and I would say to give it your best shot so you will have no regrets if it does return. I am 69, 70 next month and I am hoping to see 90 or beyond. Get a bunch of good books and put yourself in another place while you are going through it and I kept looking forward to our Winter vacation back in sunny Fl. God Bless. Louise