Hi Everyone,

So my mum was diagnosed with TNBC last July. Tumour was 5cm and 2 suspected positive lymph nodes. She completed 9 x PC chemo and 3 cycles of EC chemo. She had an MRI scan halfway through and the tumour (after 9 weekly PC) had only shrunk by 5 mm, which we were a bit upset about.

After chemo, she had a single mastectomy and full axillary node clearance.

Today we received the results from the pathology report, and the tumour was actually 6 cm, and 4/18 lymph nodes contained cancer.  80% of the tumour was dead, with 20% residual, and they got clear margins.

Not sure how to feel about these results. I'm thinking either they got the measurements of 5cm incorrect, or the tumour grew during EC chemo, and also spread to more lymph nodes?

I'm pleased about the clear margins, but also struggling to understand how the volume can decrease by 80%, but it can also grow at the same time?? all very confusing.

It has been suggested radiotherapy next for chest wall and collar bone, but no mention of Xeloda/Capecitabine…. and i'm not sure why, as I thought this was standard for residual?

Everyone I have spoken to have replied with a sorry/pity look on their face and I'm worried this does not provide a good outlook for the future.

Any advice/positive stories?

Thanks :) x