Triple Negative Follow Up After Chemo Ends

Hi,
I had TN almost 5 years ago. My tumor was 5.8 cm not in nodes.
After all the treatment was done they did scans and said all was clear. Every 6 months I have my check up and every year a diagnostic mammogram. They just tell you if you notice any pain that lasts a long time, notify them.
This June is my last 6mth check up, then it will be every year. I plan so see my regular physician for cancer check every 6 months so I keep that every 6 months check up. My triple negative was lobulat which is rare so want to take extra steps.
This is the protocol in Canada.
Sending best wishes and a hug.

My situation is similar with a slight difference. I too am TN but I'm also BRCA2+. I completed chemo then had a bilateral and a flat closure. Where my treatment differs is I had radiation and 18 mo of lynparza because I'm BRCA+. After all treatment I have had yrly scans and 6mo blood work and onco appts. It's only been 3yrs and I think it will continue for a couple more yrs then I'm anticipating check ups will only be yrly. I know I did everything I could with treatment so I don't worry about my BC until I have to do bloodwork and visit onco.

I also had TNBC in 2025. I had a mastectomy followed by 4 rounds of chemo. My tumor was 1.2 cm , no lymph node involvement and clear margins. I see my breast surgeon every six months and my oncologist NP every six months. There are no scans or blood tests. So that is worrisome. I am just supposed to notice any pain or unusual problems? Research is ongoing for a vaccine. I did join the Breast Cancer Support Network for weekly zoom meetings. It is very helpful. The good news is we caught and treated it early.

@roberta75 I was in the exact situation. Then after chemo (twice, mine came back) on mastectomy pathology, they found ER+ cancer as well. Personally, in my experience, I feel like the oncologist has done a poor job of explaining what comes next and what I am looking for. And I am at a top cancer hospital! It just adds to the worry to not be educated.

@beckyboston Hi, cancer is a challenge and unpredictable. I had my first breast cancer in 2017. I had 2 sites in my left breast Er+PR+ Her2-. I had on mastectomy on my left a breast and took Letrozole for 5 years. I faithfully had mammograms on my right breast. All has been fine until
April of 25. My chart reported “focal asymmetry”. “Maybe ultra sound right breast. Come back in a year.” I called for further clarification and got a letter on my chart that said my mammogram was normal and come back in a year. I called my oncology team and they ordered further testing. After a more targeted mammogram and ultra sound, I was told I need a biopsy. That result was TNBC! So here I am today after another mastectomy both now with reconstruction followed by chemo. i am starting to eat well and I lift weights and am walking 3 miles most days. My hair is coming back and I keep moving forward with cancer still lingering in my mind.

@roberta75
Im TNBC stage 4 with bone mets. After a year of immunotherapy plus Zoledronic acid, the lump disappeared and the mets disappeared. Cancer cells now have metastasized to my thoracic, lumbar vertebrae and hips . Im still continuing my treatment with light exercises and morning sun exposure since i live in Philippines.
Hopedully i will win this battle.

Bone mets are tough! Prepare for radiation, get more good pain meds before you start radiation and medical marijuana gummies. Maybe a buprenorphine patch? Go up to 10micrograms from 5. Order a plastic sleeve to use over pain patch while showering- lower on arm near elbow is easier to cover.
Wishing you a very successful treatment!! The pain will start to ho away without pain meds around week 7, so hang in there! You may be very tired during this time.
Important to get the right calcium injection, Xgeva monthly I believe is better than Zometa. Neulasta device creates more white blood cells from bone marrow. Claritin helps the long bone pain, for some weird reason! Take one daily (non drowsy) the same week you get the device. Muscle milk or Fairlife protein shakes with 42 grams protein. I will be thinking of you in Thailand.