What are warning signs of triple negative breast cancer recurrence?

Welcome to connect, while I am not a triple negative, I am a breast cancer survivor and advocate. Because triple negative cancer can be trickier to treat it is important to be diligent with self exams and follow up appointments.
When doing self exams, the most important thing is change. Knowing what is normal and recognizing when it isn’t, is the important thing. Any new changes in your breast should be investigated. Every cancer is different, so if it doesn’t seem right, it might not be. Are you concerned about something now?
Do you get annual mammograms? How was your first cancer discovered?

Yes i am having annual mammogram and follow up check up with my oncology surgeon. My cancer was discovered by noticing a lump in left breast.
On recent self exam i noticed swelling in the lymph node dissection area

Today swelling is reduced.can you pls adv what is the preventive method to control swelling in lymph node dissection area?

Hi @sabithamayo, I'd like to add my welcome. I'm glad to hear that the swelling has reduced. I'm tagging fellow members @cindyhikes and @leolion811 as I believe they also have a recurrence of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC).

You might also be interested in this related discussion:

– Triple Negative Breast Cancer: What treatments are you having? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/triple-negative-breast-cancer/

Sabitha, I'm glad to hear that the swelling has reduced. Are you experiencing lymphedema?

Hi Colleen,thank you for your support.I am not having lymphedema condition.My surgeon had mentioned earlier that swelling is byproduct condition and i have to live with it whenever this occurs.There is no specific medicines provided for this

Lymphedema can be addressed if it occurs. And it needs to be. To me, it would be worth getting a second opinion from a different oncologist as to the nature of any swelling four years after the surgery. (Lymphedema can occur at any time after surgery though usually within the first five years, but most commonly within the first few years, according to my breast cancer surgeon. I was worried about having a sentinel node biopsy so asked a ton of questions about lymphedema.) I hope you can get some more substantive reassurance and a thorough explanation of your treatment journey so you'll know what else, if anything, can be added for extra peace of mind.

Hello,
I do agree that you should see a lymphedema PT/OT.
I started 3 months after surgery and this has helped a lot.
Also provides long term exercises to assist.
Takes measurements so I am bases lined and know when it is swelling.
I had full mesecotony and sentinel dissection.
Yes, we will live with some discomfort in the future but shouldn’t just deal with it.
Feel stronger and feel better.
I am happy with my outcome and life ahead!

Thank you for the advice and support

My left breast lumpectomy dissection is done on the areola. What are the symptoms of recurrence on the areola...is there will be any colour change or noticable lump on my areola

This would be the same rule as for nodes and deep breast tissue. If you see or feel any new changes (know your normal) you should ask that it be checked out. I know that many of these turn out to be nothing important, but isn’t it better to have peace of mind, than to lay awake worrying.
Are you see changes in your breast and nodes that are worrying you?