Triple Negative Breast Cancer: What treatments are you having?

I wasn’t given a choice and did not know until I went to another hospital to have it removed and I was given that information. I doubt that many surgeons discuss the installation process with their patient. My Doctors acted like it was very routine and no big deal. They dug a pretty deep hole in my shoulder and it was uncomfortable every day. Most people don’t have my complication, but I wanted to post because, why use the riskier method?? Patients like us should know to ask questions. If you need one, get one, but ask the questions.

Could you take a photo of this vein? I cannot picture this. Thanks

Yes, I agree! Patients need to know ahead of time. I am sure that was very painful. My last port was horrible and had it removed as soon as my chemo was over. And now there is so much scar tissue that the area can never be used again.

So sorry. I had good removal team and it healed ok, but indentation remains.
Fortunately, most clothing will cover it nicely.
Wellness wishes to you.

Here’s a photo, sorry it took so long I was challenged on how to do from my iPad, I hope the photo is helpful.

@thielmann1
I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer on Sep 20, 2023. I was seen quickly at the Mayo as it's a very aggressive cancer. The treatment follows the the KEYNOTE-522 study. It was a study evaluating the combination of (CHEMO) consisting of weekly paclitaxel 1 + carboplatin (AUC1. 5 weekly or AUC 5 every 3 weeks) followed by AC every 3 weeks, with or without pembrolizumab in a 2:1 randomization. In laymen's terms it's about 5 months of chemo, the first 12 weeks it's once a week and then the last 4 treatment is every 3 weeks. You will most likely have chemo before surgery unless you tumor is very small. Mine was almost 4 cm so I had chemo first to shrink the tumor and the surgery. I was given KEYTRUDA, an immunotherapy drug at the end of my 12 weeks. You do Keytruda every 3 weeks for about 9 months. I had a double mastectomy only because I tested positive for the BRCA1 gene mutation. Before I found out I was positive for BRCA1, the surgeon was going to do a lumpectomy. Depending on how you respond to chemo and how much the tumor shrinks and if any cancer remains after surgery, you might be finished with treatment or you may have to take a pill for 6 months to a year to prevent cancer recurring. Sometimes the recommend radiation depending on if cancer is in lymph nodes or when you have a lumpectomy. Your oncologist and surgeon will help you better understand your treatment as you will soon discover, everyone is different. I can tell you though, that Keynote 522 is what they follow for triple negative breast cancer. Good luck and I will be praying for you! One day at a time!

I was diagnosed late 2021 and that was before Keytruda was approved as included in the protocol for TNBC with BRCA mutation. But my treatment was somewhat similar. I had chemo first (1 every 3 weeks - 4 treatments) then weekly for 12 weeks; thankfully good response to chemo and lumps shrunk, then it was bilateral mastectomy; but since miniscule amt found in lymph node pathology - 3 weeks of daily radiation. Now I'm on Lynparza - hopefully only for a year. I just started and so far no side effects; but I've heard side effects may not appear until close the end of the first month of usage. We'll see.

I am having the same treatment one a week with Keytuda every 3 weeks I’m still waiting for the genetic test to come back hopefully this week.
Any suggestions on meal plans / snacks? I had some weight loss this week (12) over 3 weeks. Any suggestions?

Hi @lynnj3
I always ate protein (eggs, avocado, yogurt) for breakfast, nuts and fruit for snacks and protein (chicken, beef, whatever I could stomach) with vegetables and rice or potatoes. I did lose a little weight at first, but then when I had AC, I gained 20 lbs from the steroids. I would ask your doctor and remind him/her that you lost 15 lbs in 3 weeks. He might have suggestions to help too and also, it may be a side affect of one of the drugs that may be worth looking into. I did have BOOST protein drinks after chemo to help with energy and boy did I think they tasted good and I got 20 - 30 mg of protein per shake. It may be time now to splurge a little and eat some ice cream or cheese or those more high calorie foods? Good luck!! p.s. I lost the 20 lbs after chemo so I'm back to my normal weight...

Thanks for your input. I'm so happy you had a good response to chemo! I am now on Lynparza for a year, like you and it's been a month since I took my first pills. So far no side affects except I am a little more tired and nausea in the first week or so. I am still tired and sleep 8-10 hours straight through each night, but the nausea is no more.
Good luck with Lynparza!