Learning about Triple Negative Breast Cancer

I am reading a little more about my type of breast cancer and realize that scientists really don't know much about this 'newly' discovered sub-type of breast cancer.  There are sub-types within the triple negative category, that were just recently discussed in a June 2011 journal article. 

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110627184000.htm

I am thanking the Lord that I found my cancer before it spread to the lymphnodes.  I just read a statistic that said less than 30% of triple negative breast cancer patients with metastatic cancer survive more than 5 years. 

Several people have asked me why the doctors are doing chemotherapy since they were able to get clear margins, which means they got the whole tumor.  My answer has been that they use it as 'insurance' to be doubly sure.....and I now know that there's no way to know if individual cancer cells have begun making their way into other areas of the body, so the goal of chemo is to kill those cells.

I'm beginning to learn that it is such a new area being explored in the cancer world and that funding for research is very important.  The Susan G. Komen Foundation has partnered with the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation to fund a think tank in hopes of coming up with therapies that are more effective against triple negative cancer.  That gives me some much needed encouragement.

As I read, I consistently see that triple negative cancer is more aggressive, harder to treat, and more likely to recur than most other types. 

You may be thinking - "stop reading".  But, here's the thing.  When I go to my appointments with the surgeon and with the oncologist, there is no education (except by the nurses who are wonderful).  There is hardly any conversation at all.  It is only because I am educating myself that I know what I know about triple negative breast cancer.  Don't get me wrong.  I think that my doctors are very, very skilled and up to date with research, which is the most important thing.  But, I feel I need to know what I'm up against.

As Charles and I were driving to Target tonight, I just kept looking back at the girls and thinking how terrible it would be if I didn't get to be with my girls for as long as I wish....it is a terrible thought that I can't entertain for very long.  But it makes me want to journal all the more for them my thoughts about all kinds of things...which I'll spare you all. 

I go for Chemo #4 tomorrow...and I hope to meet another amazing survivor like I did last time that gives me a new dose of big time hope. 

Thanks for reading my blog.  I hope today for you is a great day and that you can truly live in the moment.  I'm trying to do that more and more and it is fun and wonderful!