Triple Negative Receptor Breast Cancer

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DeidraM
DeidraM Member Posts: 2
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Receptor Breast Cancer on Aug 7th 2009 I am on a test drug that is called Ixempra and Cyclophosphamide my Doctor told me that I didn't have a choice but to do chemo first and then surgery I asked my Doctor what if I didn't want to do chemo first his quote was then I die I go to the Florida Cancer Specialist which is part of Moffitt I feel he's more interested in the test drug more than he is keeping me alive is this my only option. I am suppose to have 6 treatments I am already going on my third this Tuesday Oct 6th they are also suppose to test me again after this next treatment to see if the chemo is even working. I feel it hasn't my tumor has gotten larger since I started this chemo my husband measured it with a tape measure last week and the size of the tumor is 3 3/4 x 3 3/4 and 2 1/2 deep it wasn't that large when I detected it. Is this tumor suppose to be this large?

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  • roseann4
    roseann4 Member Posts: 992 Member
    #2
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    Second opinion?
    Deidra,

    I don't have triple negative breast cancer but I have read about a new treatment which might be what you are getting. There is another discussion board on breastcancer.org which might have some good information on it. They have a specific heading for triple negative on the topic list of the message board.

    Have you gone for a second opinion? If I weren't 100% behind what my doc was doing I would certainly seek a second opinion. Follow your instincts.

    Hugs.

    Roseann
  • MAJW
    MAJW Member Posts: 2,510 Member
    #3
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    Chemo First
    From what my surgeon and oncologist have told me and from what I have researched, the reason to do chemo first is to shrink the tumor. This makes surgery easier. If you are not happy with your physician seek a second opinion and third and fourth if need be. AND remember you can opt out of this trial drug at anytime. Measuring the tumor with a tape measure, may not be giving you an accurate size of the tumor, as they are measured in centimeters, not inches. My tumor was 2.2 CENTIMETERS, that is less than an inch.

    I feel your frustration and wish you the best.
  • roseann4
    roseann4 Member Posts: 992 Member
    #4
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    MAJW said:

    Chemo First
    From what my surgeon and oncologist have told me and from what I have researched, the reason to do chemo first is to shrink the tumor. This makes surgery easier. If you are not happy with your physician seek a second opinion and third and fourth if need be. AND remember you can opt out of this trial drug at anytime. Measuring the tumor with a tape measure, may not be giving you an accurate size of the tumor, as they are measured in centimeters, not inches. My tumor was 2.2 CENTIMETERS, that is less than an inch.

    I feel your frustration and wish you the best.

    Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation
    I was doing some research for you and found this foundation on the internet. They have a help line to give you information. The number is 877-880-8622. Hope it is helpful.

    Roseann
  • chickad52
    chickad52 Member Posts: 497
    #5
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    DEIDRA
    I agree 100% with the fact if are not happy with your doctor, you need to get another one ASAP. I feel you have to be comfortable with them or you will always have doubt. Hugs, Diane
  • pinkkari09
    pinkkari09 Member Posts: 877
    #6
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    Hi DeidraM
    I'm triple negative, diagnosed 8-18-09 with stage IIIC and a 5.5 tumor. My onc has me doing chemo first to shrink the tumor before surgery, I'm not on the test one though and my tumor is shrinking, visibly and physically you can tell. If your tumor is not shrinking and your onc. makes you feel the least bit uncomfortable then definitely seek another opinion, and you can opt out of that test drug.
    Thoughts and Prayers,
    Kari

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