Triple Negative Breast Cancer -decision to make

HMy Mum is 74 and dx with TNBC. Had a lumpectomy and was removed with big clear margins. No evidence of cells in nodes although still waiting on one test result but even if they find cells there it will still be classed as a negative??? Classed as Stage 1 but cancer type is grade 3 which is aggressive . TNBC is one of the more aggressive types of cancer. They have recommended radio therapy for five weeks but up to Mum if she wants chemo too. Normal treatment protocol for TNBC is chemo followed by radio. They said they weren’t being ageist but chemo fir this is very tough. My mum is in excellent health. Very fit with no underlying health issues. She can have chemo is she wants. It’s her decision. We are all so confused and she is looking to me and my sister to help her decide. Should she go belt n braces as one of those cells may have already spread somewhere else. Or as it’s very early stage just have  radio. Wondering if anyone else out there had the same decision  to make. Thanks

  • Hi there ... sorry your mum is going through this, and it’s so hard knowing what to say or do ... I’m going through my cancer journey at the mo .. I’m 63 and a grade 3 her 2 ... my family are all behind every decision I make and my sergeon will support me to which is a bonus as some people feel pushed into things and treatments they may not want ... I had a mastectomy bout 12 weeks ago ... and I was surprised how good it went .. even with a few prob along the way ...

    all I can say is tell your mum you’ll support her in whatever she decides... it gives her a bit of control back ... that was what helped me through, they all listened to me when I explained how I felt ... coz this cancer wants to take control of everything and I wasn’t gonna let it ... just tell your mum to take the time to weigh up all the pros and cons, and be sure it’s the right one for her, so there’s no regrets either way... sending you and your mum a big hug ... Chrisie ️ Xx

  • Thank you for your reply. 

    My mum says she is all confused by it all and that she doesn’t want to decide. She wants someone to decide fir her. The treatment plan suggested goes against everything we have read regarding this particular type of breast cancer that is why we are all unsure as to which way to go. I really wish they had not said it was up to Mum.  

    Denise 

     

     

  • Hi there Denise... your poor mum, it’s hard enough when you know which way to go ... but leaving it up to you is really a difficult decision as if you choose one way and goes array, you’ll feel bad .. drs can’t tell you what to do as they can advise you what way they think ... maybe you could write down all your questions so you don’t forget anything next time you see him ... we all wish we could have a magic ball to show us what to do ... sorry can’t help more ... my thoughts are with you Chrisie xx