Treatment FAQ

tnbc what to expect after treatment ends 2 years later

by Gerard Lockman Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

After treatment ends, you will see your oncologist every three to six months for the first one to two years; then every six to 12 months for the next three to four years; and then once a year. If you had a lumpectomy, you will get a mammogram or MRI on the remaining breast or breasts. When you see your doctor, bring your questions.

Full Answer

How long does it take for TNBC to go away?

The schedule for follow-up care for triple-negative breast cancer is the same as it is for other types of breast cancer. After treatment ends, you will see your doctor: During the first 3 years after treatment: Every 3 to 6 months; During years 4 and 5 after treatment: Every 6 to 12 months; Six years or more after treatment: Once a year

What to do after treatment for TNBC cancer?

Nov 27, 2016 · I'm a TNBC survivor, 3.5 years out and I think about - worry about - IT almost every day. In September an oncologist told me that TNBC recurs most often within the first 2 years and after that it keeps tapering off. She also said that the other forms of breast cancer do the opposite - the chances increase as time goes by. I found that helpful.

Does TNBC respond to chemo well?

Trusted Source. , the 5-year survival rate for localized breast cancer, which means it hasn’t spread beyond the breast, is 91 percent for TNBC and 99 percent for all breast cancers combined. For ...

What should I expect after treatment ends?

Even after treatment is finished, it’s very important to keep your health insurance. Tests and doctor visits cost a lot, and even though no one wants to think their cancer might come back, this could happen. At some point after your treatment, you might find yourself seeing a new doctor who doesn’t know about your medical history.

Can breast cancer come back after 2 years?

If there's a recurrence, breast cancer is most likely to come back within the first 2 years after you've finished treatment. So it's especially important to pay attention to your health and well-being particularly during this time.Mar 19, 2021

How often does triple-negative cancer come back?

Recurrence Rates

According to a 2019 study, around 40% of people who have stage 1 to stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer will have a recurrence following standard treatment, while around 60% will have long-term disease-free survival.
Dec 17, 2021

What are the common symptoms of recurrence of triple-negative breast cancer?

Signs and symptoms of local recurrence within the same breast may include:
  • A new lump in your breast or irregular area of firmness.
  • Changes to the skin of your breast.
  • Skin inflammation or area of redness.
  • Nipple discharge.
Jan 21, 2021

When does triple-negative breast cancer recur?

Studies suggest about 75% of recurrences happen within 3 years of diagnosis, and most occur within 5 years. A 2018 Brazilian study found that in people with triple-negative breast cancer, cancers that had spread to the lymph nodes, were at later stages, or both were associated with higher recurrence rates.

What is the longest survival rate for triple negative BC?

(The cells test "negative" on all 3 tests.) These cancers tend to be more common in women younger than age 40, who are Black, or who have a BRCA1 mutation.
...
5-year relative survival rates for triple-negative breast cancer.
SEER Stage5-year Relative Survival Rate
Regional65%
Distant12%
All stages combined77%
1 more row

How long can you live with triple negative?

It's one of the most challenging breast cancers to treat. But researchers are making steady progress toward more effective treatments. Overall, 77% of women who have triple negative breast cancer are alive five years after diagnosis.Sep 7, 2021

What happens if triple-negative breast cancer comes back?

Cancer that reoccurs distantly is considered metastatic cancer. It may be treatable, but it's usually not curable. TNBC has a high recurrence rate, which is greatest within the first 3 years. However, there's a sharp reduction in recurrence after 5 years.

Can triple-negative breast cancer come back after mastectomy?

Knowing that helps doctors figure out how to best treat you. That's important because triple-negative breast cancer is more aggressive than other forms. It's more likely to have spread beyond your breast at the time it's found, and there's a higher chance it will come back within the first 3 years after treatment.Jan 28, 2020

What does TNBC feed on?

Research has not yet identified an ideal diet for people with TNBC. However, evidence suggests that a whole food diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and legumes is beneficial to help prevent cancer and support health during cancer treatment.Nov 29, 2021

How long can you live with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer?

Patients with metastatic TNBC have a poor prognosis, with a median overall survival of 13.3 months with treatment. Continuing chemotherapy treatment until disease progression is currently the standard of care for patients with metastatic TNBC, with no preferred chemotherapy regimens established at this time.Apr 19, 2019

Can stress cause triple-negative breast cancer?

Social stress connected to triple-negative breast cancer via fat cells. Local chemical signals released by fat cells in the mammary gland appear to provide a crucial link between exposure to unrelenting social stressors early in life and to the subsequent development of breast cancer, according to new research.Jul 3, 2013

Can you survive stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer?

According to the American Cancer Society, if any type of breast cancer is found to be stage 1, the 5-year survival rate is nearly 100%. Stage 2 breast cancer survival is about 93%, stage 3 is 72%, and metastasized (spread to other areas of the body) or grade 4 breast cancer has about a 22% chance of survival.

Can TNBC be removed with surgery?

If TNBC comes back (recurs) locally, cannot be removed with surgery, and makes the PD-L1 protein, immunotherapy with the drug pembrolizumab along with chemotherapy is an option. Other treatments might be options as well, depending on the situation.

Is TNBC a good cancer?

Regardless of the stage of the cancer, participation in a clinical trial of new treatments for TNBC is also a good option because TNBC is uncommon and tends to have a poor prognosis (outcome) compared to other types of breast cancer, and because these studies often allow patients to have access to drugs not available for standard treatment.

Does triple negative breast cancer have estrogen?

Treatment of Triple-negative Breast Cancer. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) doesn’t have estrogen or progesterone receptors and also doesn’t make too much of the HER2 protein. Because the cancer cells lack these proteins, hormone therapy and drugs that target HER2 are not helpful, so chemotherapy (chemo) is the main systemic treatment option.

What is the stage of triple negative breast cancer?

Stages I-III triple-negative breast cancer. If the early-stage TNBC tumor is small enough to be removed by surgery, then breast-conserving surgery or a mastectomy with a check of the lymph nodes may be done. In certain cases, such as with a large tumor or if the lymph nodes are found to have cancer, radiation may follow surgery.

How long does it take for a tumor to shrink after chemo?

If cancer is still found after neoadjuvant chemo has been given, your doctor may recommend you take an oral chemo drug called capecitabine for 18 to 24 weeks.

How long does it take for cancer to come back after chemo?

If cancer is still found after neoadjuvant chemo has been given, your doctor may recommend you take an oral chemo drug called capecitabine for 18 to 24 weeks. You might also be given chemo after surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy) to reduce the chances of the cancer coming back.

When is chemo used?

Chemo is often used first when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (stage IV). Common chemo drugs used include anthracyclines, taxanes, capecitabine, gemcitabine, eribulin, and others.

What is triple negative breast cancer?

triple-negative breast cancer. Describes breast cancer cells that do not have estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, or large amounts of HER2/neu protein. Also called ER-negative PR-negative HER2/neu-negative and ER-PR-HER2/neu-. Studies are underway to find additional treatments for triple-negative breast cancer.

What is early stage breast cancer?

This includes ductal carcinoma in situ, stage I, stage IIA, stage IIB and stage IIIA breast cancers. early-stage breast cancer, whether the cancer is triple-negative or any other type.

What is an oncologist?

oncologist. A doctor who specializes in treating cancer. Some oncologists specialize in a particular type of cancer treatment. For example, a radiation oncologist specializes in treating cancer with radiation.

What is radiation oncologist?

For example, a radiation oncologist specializes in treating cancer with radiation. oncologist about any new headaches, pains or problems that are out of the ordinary, severe or last longer than before. You can take control of your follow-up care.

What is a survivorship care plan?

Work with your healthcare providers to create a treatment summary and a plan of action for your post-treatment care, also called a survivorship care plan. This should include information about potential long-term side effects, screening and. prevention.

What is cancer prevention?

In medicine, action taken to decrease the chance of getting a disease or condition. For example, cancer prevention includes avoiding risk factors (such as smoking, obesity, lack of exercise, and radiation exposure) and increasing protective factors (such as getting regular physical activity, staying at a healthy weight, and having a healthy diet). ...

Is MRI good for bones?

MRI makes better images of organs and soft tissue than other scanning techniques, such as computed tomography (CT) or X-ray. MRI is especially useful for imaging the brain, the spine, the soft tissue of joints, and the inside of bones.

What is the treatment for TNBC?

Treatment options. TNBC can be treated with: surgery. radiation. chemotherapy. targeted therapy. immunotherapy. Emerging treatments, such as poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) enzyme inhibitors are promising. If you receive a diagnosis of TNBC, you can also look into clinical trials for more treatment options.

Is TNBC cancer curable?

Cancer that reoccurs distantly is considered metastatic cancer. It may be treatable, but it’s usually not curable. TNBC has a high recurrence rate, which is greatest within the first 3 years. However, there’s a sharp reduction in recurrence after 5 years.

How to take charge of your health?

Here are some lifestyle tips to help you take charge of your health: 1 Work toward keeping a regular eating schedule. 2 Incorporate healthy foods into your diet as much as possible. 3 Include regular exercise that’s complementary to what you’re able to do in your daily routine.

What is TNBC breast cancer?

It’s made up of several subtypes. One of these subtypes is known as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). TNBC doesn’t have receptors for the hormones estrogen or progesterone, and doesn’t overexpress the protein HER2/neu.

What is triple negative breast cancer?

One of these subtypes is known as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). TNBC doesn’t have receptors for the hormones estrogen or progesterone, and doesn’t overexpress the protein HER2/neu.

What is it called when breast cancer returns?

Recurrence is the return of breast cancer. It’s also sometimes called relapse . Breast cancer can return locally in breast or scar tissue, or distantly in other parts of the body, including bones or organs. Cancer that reoccurs distantly is considered metastatic cancer.

What is the survival rate for breast cancer?

According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year survival rate for localized breast cancer, which means it hasn’t spread beyond the breast, is 91 percent for TNBC and 99 percent for all breast cancers combined.

How long does breast cancer treatment last?

Almost any cancer treatment can have side effects. Some might only last for a few days or weeks, but others might last a long time.

How long do side effects of cancer last?

Almost any cancer treatment can have side effects. Some might only last for a few days or weeks, but others might last a long time. Some side effects might not even show up until years after you have finished treatment. Visits with your doctor are a good time for you to ask questions and talk about any changes or problems you notice ...

How to plan for cancer survivorship?

Talk with your doctor about developing a survivorship care plan for you. This plan might include: 1 A suggested schedule for follow-up exams and tests 2 A schedule for other tests you might need in the future, such as early detection (screening) tests for other types of cancer, or tests to look for long-term health effects from your cancer or its treatment 3 A list of possible late- or long-term side effects from your treatment, including what to watch for and when you should contact your doctor 4 Diet, physical activity, and other lifestyle modification suggestions

Does breast cancer go away?

For some women with advanced breast cancer, the cancer may never go away completely. These women may continue to get treatments such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or other treatments to help keep the breast cancer under control and to help relieve symptoms from it. Learning to live with breast cancer that doesn’t go away can have its own type ...

Can uterine cancer cause spotting?

Although this is usually caused by something that isn’t cancer, it can also be the first sign of uterine cancer.

Is it important to keep health insurance after cancer treatment?

Even after treatment, it’s very important to keep health insurance. Tests and doctor visits cost a lot, and even though no one wants to think of their cancer coming back , this could happen.

Do you need a mammogram after a mastectomy?

Women who've had a mastectomy (removal of the entire breast) typically no longer need mammograms on that side. But unless you've had both breasts removed, you still need to have yearly mammograms on the remaining breast. To learn more, see Mammograms After Breast Cancer Surgery.

What are the side effects of cancer?

Childhood cancer survivors experience some of these late side effects: 1 Heart problems, including an increased risk of heart attacks 2 Blood vessel problems, including an increased risk of stroke 3 Lung problems, which can cause difficulty breathing 4 Liver problems 5 Kidney problems 6 Cataracts 7 Bone problems, such as bone thinning (osteoporosis) and joint pain 8 Short stature, caused by slow bone growth 9 Obesity 10 Infertility 11 Memory problems and learning disabilities 12 Vision loss 13 Hearing loss 14 Thyroid problems 15 Increased risk of other types of cancers 16 Nerve damage

Is cancer over?

Your cancer treatment is over, but the treatments that may have saved your life may also continue to cause side effects . As more people are living longer after cancer treatment, more is becoming known about late side effects of cancer treatment. Find out all you can about late effects of cancer treatment, and use this information ...

Can chemotherapy cause infertility?

Different chemotherapy drugs cause different late effects. So if you didn't take the chemotherapy drugs that can cause infertility, then you aren't believed to be at risk of that particular late effect. Late effects of radiation and surgery will affect only the area of the body exposed to them.

How to get rid of cancer?

Exercising and eating a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables can help make you stronger and healthier. Avoiding tobacco, excessive alcohol use and prolonged sun exposure also are very helpful. Long-term side effects of cancer treatment.

How to get stronger and healthier?

Exercising and eating a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables can help make you stronger and healthier. Avoiding tobacco, excessive alcohol use and prolonged sun exposure also are very helpful. Oct. 06, 2020. Show references. Long-term side effects of cancer treatment.

Can cancer affect children?

If you underwent cancer treatment as a child, you may be at risk of many of the same late side effects of treatment as people who were adults during their cancer treatments. But you may also be at risk of additional late side effects. That's because children's bones, tissues and organs are growing rapidly during treatment, ...

How long does breast cancer treatment last?

After a marathon of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment that may last six months to a year, you can hardly wait to get back to a normal life again.

What does it mean to live after breast cancer?

A Chance to Make Some Life Choices. Life after breast cancer means returning to some familiar things and also making some new choices. The song says "It ain't over 'til it's over," but when you've had breast cancer, you discover that it's not even over when it's over. After a marathon of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment ...

What does "Chemobrain" mean?

By Gina Shaw. "Chemobrain" and Other After-Effects. A Chance to Make Some Life Choices. Life after breast cancer means returning to some familiar things and also making some new choices. The song says "It ain't over 'til it's over," but when you've had breast cancer, you discover that it's not even over when it's over.

Can breast cancer survivors survive?

Women with breast cancer, like other people with a cancer diagnosis, are now surviving for so much longer, and in such large numbers, that some hospitals are opening entire departments devoted to survivorship The National Cancer Institute has also launched a special research area dedicated to studying what it means to survive cancer. Â.

Is breast cancer a marathon?

It can feel like an endless process.". Breast cancer survivorship, Weiss observes, is a marathon, not a sprint. That means learning to handle the symptoms that stick around after treatment ends, says Sloan-Kettering's McCabe, by using those adaptive strategies you learned while on chemotherapy or recovering from surgery.

Who is Gina Shaw?

Let the less-important ones slide or find someone else to do them. Gina Shaw is a medical writer who was treated for breast cancer in 2004, and now calls herself a "joyful breast cancer survivor.". Pagination.

What do caregivers do during cancer treatment?

Caregivers and well-wishers help support a patient during cancer treatment, and their love, support, and worry will continue after treatment as well. This means they may also need their own emotional support during this time.

Why do people have poor body image?

Some patients may also suffer from poor body image or low self-esteem because of the treatment they received and changes it caused. They often need help to learn to accept their new body.

Stages I-III Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

  • Surgery first: If the early-stage TNBC tumor is small enough to be removed by surgery, then breast-conserving surgery or a mastectomy with a check of the lymph nodes may be done In certain cases, such as with a large tumor or if the lymph nodes are found to have cancer, radiation may follow surgery. You might also be given chemo after surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy) to re…
See more on cancer.org

Stage IV Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

  • Chemois often used first when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (stage IV). Common chemo drugs used include anthracyclines, taxanes, capecitabine, gemcitabine, eribulin, and others. Chemo drugs might be used alone or in combination. For women with TNBC who have a BRCA mutation and whose cancer no longer responds to common breast cancer chemo drugs…
See more on cancer.org

Recurrent Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

  • If TNBC comes back (recurs) locally, cannot be removed with surgery, and makes the PD-L1 protein, immunotherapywith the drug pembrolizumab along with chemotherapy is an option. Other treatments might be options as well, depending on the situation. If the cancer recurs in other parts of the body, options might include chemotherapy or the antibody-dr...
See more on cancer.org

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