I promise

"I promise, Suzy... Even if it takes the rest of my life." -Nancy G. Brinker, Founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure

What is TNBC

WHAT IS TRIPLE NEGATIVE BREAST CANCER?

Just in recent years, Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) has sparked interest in the news where instead of calling the tumor as ER-negative, PR-negative, and HER2-negative; researchers began using the shorthand term, "Triple Negative," dubbed the "new type" of breast cancer. Being Triple Negative, you don't have a targeted therapy and your only treatment option is chemotherapy.

Triple Negative Breast Cancer is seen in about 15% of all breast cancers. TNBC is a very aggressive cancer that tends to strike younger women, pre-menopause, especially among African-American women and women who have BRCA1 mutations. The tumor tends to be fast growing and is less likely to show up on an annual mammogram. TNBC is more likely to metastasis early on; has a high rate of recurrence in the first 2-3 years from diagnosis and has a poorer prognosis than other types of breast cancer due to lack of specific, targeted treatment for TNBC.

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Race For The Cure... For You!


Today I pay tribute to Melissa Stukenborg Paskvan. Melissa and I have never met in person. I was told of her situation by her mother-in-law Barbara Purney. Barb shared with me her concern of Melissa's Triple Negative breast cancer diagnosis and I immediately said a couple years ago... "I will run the race in honor of Melissa". Melissa and I soon became friends thru FB and guess what we learned? Not only are we friends thru our mutual love of her MIL (and my friend) Barb, but we also have mutual friends thru Eleanor Simon Sedluk and Claudia Vercellotti. How is that for the 6 degrees of separation in Toledo Ohio? Melissa has a smile that shines and captures the essence of her personality! She is a devoted mom, wife, DIL, friend, and breast cancer advocate. Her blog and honesty about breast cancer is inspiring. Melissa I participate in the Race for the Cure... for you!


This is Lisa's team in 2009 honoring me shortly after my diagnosis. Pictured here in the pink hat is Jenelle Sullivan who had passed away over the summer from Triple Negative Breast Cancer. I met Jenelle through our local breast cancer support group at The Victory Center.
Thank you, Lisa
xoxox Melissa


   Loss of a local TNBC Sister...

Jenelle Sullivan, age 55, passed away Monday, July 9, 2012, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Toledo. Jenelle was born April 5, 1957, in Royal Oak, MI to Vern and Mary Ann Wiersma. She and her husband, James, ran Sullivan's Crown and Bridge, a dental lab business.  The family would like to thank everyone involved in helping Jenelle through her 14 year battle with breast cancer, especially Hospice of Northwest Ohio.

We continue to fight for you, Jenelle!

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