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What are warning signs of triple negative breast cancer recurrence?
Breast Cancer | Last Active: Sep 15, 2023 | Replies (66)Comment receiving replies
I am a TNBC survivor for past 4 years , i had lumpectomy/lymph node dissection on left breast followed by chemo and radiation. My follow up consultation with oncologist and subsequent mamo/MRI is scheduled only once in an year . I am worried about high local and regional recurrence chances since being triple negative.
I heard that a systmatic & scientific method of self evaluation on the breast and surrounding areas will help to find out early warning symptoms of a recurrence. Also read in some article that comparison of breast size / colour changes /rashes etc will help finding any noticeable changes which can be a warning sign of recurrence.
I am not able to find how to do a self breast evaluation and comparison more scientifically and systematically.
In my follow up consultation with doctors as well , they dont examine my breast and affected areas ( in India generally this is not followed and completely left general physical condition and scan/mamo reports)
Can you pls adv me how to do self examination and comparison more systematic and scientific way, and also what all areas to be checked and looked up for comparing
Replies to "I am a TNBC survivor for past 4 years , i had lumpectomy/lymph node dissection on..."
Hi I am at 2 year post chemo from TNBC. I see someone one every 6 months for five years. They check my breasts and I have a diagnostic mammogram because the breast that is left is dense. Every year.
Check your breast armpit and all around chest rib area . If your insurance covers it have your Dr do a breast check or see if oncology team will check your breasts.
I don't know what stage you were. I was 2 A no lymph nodes involved.
They did chemo, masectomy, radiation, xeloda and zomeda every 6 months for three years. They also say if you notice any pain any where that lasts over a week to call and have it checked out.
Thinking of you and I hope this helped.
I'm sorry I don't know the mirror method, look for rashes, dimpling redness, I was taught circular motions around breast, chest under armpit.
Google breast self exam that might help as well.
You are close to the 5 year mark and I was told that generally if you get to five years TNBC usually doesn't come back.
Finding a great example on line is a challenge. Using a light touch and circular movements check your breast. Then again with your arm above your head. If you feel lumps or bumps, get checked. It is very important to do this monthly, at the same time of the month. This is so that you know what YOUR normal feels like. Then if there is a change you are more likely to feel it.
I found this link, not a great tutorial, but some useful information.
https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-self-exam/
You said your doctors do follow you with mammograms as well, can you ask a nurse or doctor to show you how?
Dear Chris,
Thanks for your reply and advice, i do self examination twice a month . I down loaded the file from the link you provided, thank you
Yes my doctor do mamaogram on follow up consultation which happen once in a year. Here no one examine my breast visually or physically.
We have a great man on our mentoring team who found these links for me.
But I found them to be lacking in the kind of information that helped to find my own breast cancer. Maybe the you tube will follow it up with a better tutorial.
--- Breast self-exams and what to look for - Mayo Clinic: https://youtu.be/fBC_umUbP7s
--- Breast self-exam: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/multimedia/breast-self-exam/img-20008171
--- Breast Health 101: What Every Woman Needs to Know - Ask Mayo Clinic Health System:
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I am sorry I cannot answer your question. But I do want to say that I have read that if those with triple negative cancers make it 5 years, their chance of recurrence goes way down whereas estrogen positive cancers' risk continues to rise.