What Is TNBC?

There are several websites and articles that will explain Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) in greater detail than I can here.

TNBC doesn’t have receptors for estrogen and progesterone hormones, and the HER2 (human epidermal growth factor) protein. Most breast cancers are positive for one or more of these. Since it doesn't have any positive receptors for those 3 categories, you end up with Triple Negative.

TNBC only appears in 10 to 15% of breast cancer cases. Its usual targets are Black or Latinx women, under 40, with a BRCA gene mutation. A BReast CAncer gene mutation indicates over a 50% chance you’ll develop breast cancer. 

Without hormone receptors or HER2 receptors to target, TNBC is tough to treat. It spreads quickly so often surgery first, followed by aggressive chemotherapy. Depending on how large the cancer is and if it’s spread into the lymph nodes, radiation may be included in that package. Some patients may also need immunotherapy.

There are no guarantees with a TNBC diagnosis, but with more aggressive treatments used recently, you don’t read articles labeling it a death sentence published by the NIH as recently as 2017. 

So if you are a lucky winner in the TNBC lottery, things are looking up!

TNBC often recurs within the first 5 years after diagnosis and any surgery or treatments you undergo. Most other breast cancers could recur much later after 20 or 30 years. TNBC may recur in another location like your bones or brain.

However, with more aggressive treatments, you can reduce your chances of reoccurrence. Remember, nothing is a guarantee, so this is a personal choice as to how much you are willing to endure to ensure you don't have to deal with this nasty bugger again!

Talk to your Surgeon, Oncologist, Radiologist, Priest, or Shaman. Pray on it. Do your homework. The choice is yours as to how to handle this roadblock life has thrown at you. 

I won't be your personal cheerleader, but I can give you some idea as to what to expect, how to deal with what you may experience, and/or maybe even a laugh along the way. Join me on my journey into Triple Negative Breast Cancer....

My Diagnosis-Triple Negative Breast Cancer

On April 6, 2022, I was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS), High Grade, Triple Negative Breast Cancer. (TNBC)  I’d already gone through my annual mammogram, a follow-up targeted mammogram and ultrasound, followed by a biopsy. 

I’ve had calcium deposits before, as did my sisters, so I thought it was all just routine.

Things happened fast after that. I had a unilateral Mastectomy on the 26th and started Chemo on May 16th.

I’m pretty sure I hadn’t taken a breath during those first few weeks. 

Luckily it was only Stage 1 so I don’t need Radiation. However, it's a more aggressive cancer so I have 6 months of serious Chemo lined up. Also,  DCIS that is highgrade, is more likely to come back (recur) after it is removed with surgery. 

I've been a bit overwhelmed but am doing well. This is me getting ready for my expected hair loss. I got it cut really short this time!

I didn't have a discernible lump so my annual mammogram was the only way it was caught in time. This is an uncommon type of cancer that usually targets Black or Latinx women under 4O with a BRCA gene mutation. As you can see, I don't fall into any of those categories!

Please get your annual mammograms and/or encourage your family members and friends to get theirs.

It saved my life!

“We can’t go over it. We can’t go under it. We've got to go through it!" Michael Rosen