UPDATED July 30, 2013:
Thank you ladies for participating in my project in putting a face to TNBC, showing that this sub-type of breast cancer is striking younger women of all races. I am proud of each and everyone of you for fighting this disease and for helping me in bringing awareness to Triple Negative Breast Cancer and the need for further research.
Love to all, Melissa Paskvan, TNBC Survivor
Thank you ladies for participating in my project in putting a face to TNBC, showing that this sub-type of breast cancer is striking younger women of all races. I am proud of each and everyone of you for fighting this disease and for helping me in bringing awareness to Triple Negative Breast Cancer and the need for further research.
Love to all, Melissa Paskvan, TNBC Survivor
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| Cristy Norwood, Warrior Chick: TNBC Dx. October 2009, Age 36 Diagnosed in Oct. 2009, age 36 and just out of 1st trimester pregnancy with 5th baby. I had 2 tumors in my right breast, each 2.5 centimeters. I was stage 3, grade 3, tested neg for BRCA.... 6 out of 23 lymph nodes that were removed were positive for cancer. I had a double mastectomy within a week of diagnosis and started A/C 2 weeks after my surgery. I did 5 rounds of A/C while pregnant. Had blood transfusions during this, and chemo put me into labor after each chemo treatment. Taige was born 6 1/2 weeks early, emergency c-section and spent 2 weeks in NICU. I started Taxol (12 rounds) a week after having her. I had 33 rounds of radiation and also did another 13 rounds of CMF chemo. I've had over 320+ doc appointments to date and 18 surgeries. My lump was first found in March 2009... I was misdiagnosed for 6 months... was told had we waited 6 more months, I would not be here. "I am a HUGE TNBC foundation supporter and am cancer free, PRAISE THE LORD! My hopes & prayers are to help others in any & all ways I can..to be a positive light during what is the darkest time..a testament that God is so gracious & true and always at our side. To fight, keep your faith, be strong & never stop living life... always be & know we are Warriors!" ~ Cristy |
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| Brenda Hill: TNBC Dx. Feb 2010, Age 48 Right breast lumpectomy stage 1, 2.5 cm tumor No node involvement, BRCA 1 and 2 negative. 8 sessions of chemo (ACT), 33 sessions of rads Grandmother had breast cancer. |
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Marielle Cavener Westphal: TNBC Dx. July 25, 2008, Age 40
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| Vicky Mewbourn Hancock: TNBC Dx. October 13, 2010, Age 49 Found myself, had my daughter scan me (she does ultra scans) 10/08/10 had a true cut biopsy on my right breast. 10/13/10 I was told it was cancer Stage 2, grade 3 , IMC, Double Mast 11/16/10 Node negative left 0/1 right breast 0/4 Acx4 every 2 weeks, 12 Wkly taxol Avastin trial (received placebo) Brac negative, No family history of breast cancer. Reconstruction 8/2012, "soft gel" implants oct 2012... |
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| Sara Kouten: TNBC Dx. June 24, 2008, Age 40
I found my lump way up almost in my armpit on 5/26/08. Had Mammo and US 5/28/08. Saw breast surgeon 6/12/08, had excisional biopsy and was dx 6/24/08 @ age 40. Stage 1 (muliti foci invasion ), grade 3. BRCA1+ (187delAG) No family history. Nipple sparing bmx with expanders 8/5/08. I was expanded then had exchange surgery 11/2008. Stupid onc said no chemo since tumor/tumors was/were so small. I celebrated for a a few months then did some research. Was researching about my BRCA mutation on the FORCE website and "met" Caryn Rose (enberg) who directed me to the TNBCF website and there I got an educaition. I kind of freaked out. I went to Boston to see Dr Eric Winer. He reviewed my case, looked at all tests etc, and told me it was a little late for the chemo (it was already 9 months out) but he was concerend with the nipple sparing bmx. He told me he didnt think it was wise being BRCA+, however whats done is done. He was going to present to tumor/surgical board but he doubted they would recommend any changes at this point. 2 weeks later I got the shocking phone call from the fellow saying I should get my nipples removed. I had bmx AGAIN 7/6/09 with expanders and latissimus dorsi flaps, BSO/hyst 9/3/09 and then exchange surgery once again 11/2009. I had the nipples and tattoos the early part of 2010. I always hated the circles that were left from the nipple removal. They were skin paddles that were raised up and thicker becasue of the tan back skin and muscle from the lat flap. (there are pictures posted) They were crooked and in the wrong spot to cover with nipple and areola thanks to my first plastic surgeon. August 14 2012 I had a skin revision removing the skin paddles (and nipples and areolas in the process). Had hematoma and had to be readmitted on 8/19/12 to reopen and drain. Its my mission to educate about TNBC so no one gets sub par tx like I did. I had so many supporters it is also my mission to see to it that no one has to got through this alone. I cannot imagine doing that.
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Patti Parker-Phillips: TNBC Dx. August 22, 2008, Age 43
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| Maria Lagman: TNBC Dx. December 15, 2010, Age 42 Stage 2a, grade 3, 3cm tumor right breast. Diagnosed after clear mammo 6 weeks prior. R mast 12/21/10. chemo started 1/20/11 4dd AC then 12 weekly taxol. thyroid cancer 7/10. Thyroidectomy 8/11 and port removal. Prop L mast and tissue expanders placed 11/15/11. Oophorectomy 2/12. Exchange surgery 4/12. |
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| Kathleen Pollard-Vithanage: TNBC Dx. November 2007, Age 39
Stage 2, Grade 3, 2cm, no nodes positive. 8 rounds dose dense AC/T. AC every two weeks for 4 rounds and then Taxol every two weeks for 4 rounds. 35 rads, bilateral Mastectomy and hysterectomy. Family history- Mom also premenopausal and maternal aunt died at 31 from BC. NO reoccurrence |
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| Chris Gagliardi: TNBC Dx. June 2, 2011, Age 42 Stage 1c, grade 3, 1.3cm tumor found self below nipple on aureola of right breast, no nodes involved. Lumpectomy on June 8th. I started chemo (TAC) on July 8. On July 10 The following week I ended up in the ICU with a WBC of 0.7. They decreased my TAC dose by 25%. Had two more doses of TAC and then spent 5 days in the ICU. My bone marrow was shot and they decided to stop the Adriamycin cause it might cause leukemia. My fourth dose was just GC but with another 10%. My fifth side of GC was also decreased another 10% because of my low WBC which was a total of 45% decrease. The sixth dose remained the same. Followed by 6 1/2 weeks of radiation |
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| Sandi: TNBC Dx. August 2009, Age 50 Stage 2b, TNBC, right breast, found myself, 2.5 cm x 2.5 cm (had mammo less than 1 yr before which was clear), Dbl mast: Aug 2009 (had double mast specifically because of trip neg DX) received 4 A/C and 4 Taxotere. Reconstruction. Complications have been: kidney damage and gout (only 1 episode of the gout during chemo) |
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| Natalie Huhn Winchel: TNBC Dx. August 14, 2010, Age 37
No family history of cancer. I found the lump while looking for a source of pain in my left breast. (Left breast, tumor located on the side of breast basically) in my armpit) Stage 2A invasive TNBC, grade 3. Opted for lumpectomy on the advice of my surgeon tumor was 2.2cm. Sentinel node biopsy was negative. I did 4 rounds of dose dense A/C then 4 rounds of Taxotere. During the 3 week break between chemo swaps (from the a/c to t) I was diagnosed with cervical cancer and underwent a Leep procedure on the advice of my onco and gyn. They said I was too immune suppressed from chemo to risk a full hysterectomy at the time. After chemo I had 35 radiation treatments and found out I am BRCA 1&2 negative. Mammo 8/11 showed lots of scarring due to rads... but NO CANCER. YAY!
15 months after I was dx'd... my mother was dx'd w/ breast cancer, Stage 1 (non triple negative) and underwent a lumpectomy and a full spectrum of radiation treatments. We are both now in remission.
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Julie Punty Olsen: TNBC Dx. May 2009, Age 37
Stage 3c Triple Negative grade 3. BRCA 1 and 2 negative.
2cm breast tumor, 4cm armpit lymph node tumor,
and total of 13 cancerous lymph nodes. Bilateral mastectomy
Chemo, 4 rounds Taxotere+Cytoxan then 4 rounds of
Carboplatin+Gemzar. 38 radiation treatments
Quarterly infusions with Zometa for bone protection for 2 yrs.
Reconstructive surgeries.
Remission, still dancing with N.E.D. |
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Lana Malouf: TNBC Dx. Feb. 10, 2011, age 32
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, TNBC, Stage 2b
Tumor 3.7cm, No lymph node involement
Double Mastectomy, 10 rounds of chemo ( 6 rounds of
5fu/Cytoxan/Epirubicin, 4 rounds Docetaxel)
Completed 10/20/11, Reconstruction surgery
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Tina Carr Milner: TNBC Dx. June 23, 2010, Age 49
Stage 2B - Tumor Size 2 cm. Lymph nodes involved - 1
Treatments - 4 AC, 12 Taxol and 6 or so Avastin.
I participated in a clinical trial for this drug.
Had initial mastectomy in July '10. Decided to have other
breast removed just because I was TN. (Mar '11)
Glad I did, they found abnormal cells.
Sounds like a repeat would have been on the way
at some point in the future.
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Elise Flaskerud Peters: TNBC Dx. May 14, 2009, Age 41
Stage 2a, grade 3, 1.8cm tumor with microscopic mets
in 1 lymph node. 6 rounds dose dense Taxotere and Cytoxan & 33 rads.
Also only had lumpectomy and have since had a staph infection at surgery site.
I don't know of BRCA. Because insurance
refused it because I was over 40 and not
enough family history.
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Lorraine Richards: TNBC Dx. March 18, 2010, Age 49
Stage 2 or 3, Tumor size unknown
Grade 3, 0 nodes pos.
3/4 AC, 12 Taxol, mastectomy on left side.
I was BRCA neg but have breast cancer on both
maternal and paternal family sides
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Lisa Knauer Spitler: TNBC Dx. March 2010, Age 46
2.2cm tumor, stage 2A, grade 3, no nodes.
Double mastectomy w/ expanders 4/10.
4 rounds of A/C; 12 rounds of
Taxol ended 10/10. No radiation.
I am BRCA negative
Permanent implants 12/10.
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Melissia Fountain: TNBC Dx. July 20, 2010, Age 39
Stage 3, T3, 6 1/2cm tumor 3 positive nodes
Aug 12, 2010 modified radical mastectomy right breast
4 rounds of Epirubicin, Adriamycin, Cytoxan,
12 rounds Taxol, 28 rounds radiation.
I requested the BRCA test but didn't get it.
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Susan Wiggins Simpson: TNBC Dx. Nov 2009, just turned 37
Stage 3b, Tumor 3ish CLOSER TO 4cm, 6 Lymph node
8 weeks of Adriac/Cytoxin and 8 weeks of Taxotere
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Stephanie Flores: TNBC Dx. July 2010, Age 26
Stage: 1, Tumor: 1.5 cm, Nodes: 0/3
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Cheri Colon Edwards: TNBC Dx. August 2009, Age 41
Stage 1, 1cm, no node involvement,
8 AC & T treatments, 30 radiation
treatments
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Raymon Bessix: TNBC Dx. January 27, 2009, age 45
IDC/TNBC, Stage 2, 3cm, Grade 5, 1/7 nodes
Lumpectomy, chemo and radiation. BRCA neg.
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Tracy Barrett Geiger: TNBC Dx. Oct 2009, Age 42
3+ cm tumor, Grade 3, no nodes - stage 2A.
Left mast Nov 09, chemo (TACx6) start Dec 09, end April 2010.
Right mast and expanders x2 May 2010.
Expansion all summer, skin surgery Aug 2010,
Perm implants Nov 2010.
Bone scan on breastbone Oct 2010 (neg), other skin
surgery Feb 2011.
Stage 4 mets as of April 2011, Breastbone & lungs
BRCA 1 & 2 neg Passed January 20, 2012 |
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Kitty Francisco Griffin: TNBC Dx. December 21, 2009, Age 41
Stage 2, Grade 3... tumor was 1.5cm with microscopic cells
through out breast, bilateral mass. 4 out of 14 nodes
positive, 4 dense dose AC ,13 Taxol, 38 rads.
BRCA1 positive
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Michelle Field Allen: TNBC Dx. April 12, 2010, Age 40
Stage 2a, 1.7cm tumor, 1 bad node out of 10.
8 rounds of AC and T dose dense and 33 rads.
BRCA negative
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Karen Miller Herbert: TNBC Dx. July 18, 2009, Age 51
Stage 2b...largest tumor 1.2cm but many others
throughout the breast, 6 out of 16 bad nodes...
8 rounds of ACT dose dense and 28 rads.
BRCA neg.
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Rachel Pappas: TNBC Dx. September 2009, Age 50.
Stage 2b, 3cm tumor, 2 of 16 nodes positive.
4 rounds AC - once every three weeks. 12 rounds
Taxol once a week, though I had to delay a few of
them because I became severely neutropenic.
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| Linda McCart Tajik: TNBC Dx. January 14, 2009, Age 49 2.5 cm tumor, Grade 3, Stage 2a 0 nodes BRCA 1&2 neg. mastectomy, chemo Cytoxan and Taxotere x 4 http://caringbridge.org/visit/lindatajik |
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Laurie Eliuk: TNBC Dx. Dec 1 2010, Age 52
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Donna C Stauffer: TNBC Dx. June 2009, Age 49
Diagnosed after a routine yearly mammogram. Stage 1, grade 3, 1.5 cm, 0/5 nodes. Bi-MX 6/2009, Chemo X 4 (Taxotere/Cytoxan) finished September 2009. No family history and BRCA negative. Breast reconstruction surgery in Nov 2009 with silicone implants. Recurrence to an Internal Mammary node 10/2010 (Restaged - Now Stage 3A).
BSI-201 trial (Gemzar, Carboplatin, Iniparib) from Nov 2010 until April 2011, whole breast and regional node (IMRT) radiation, 40 rounds, finished June 2011. Pet/CT 10/2011 - NED. CT Scan 8/2012 - NED. CT Scan 4/2013 - NED.
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Kimmie Kim: TNBC Dx. November 1, 2010, Age 37
Stage 3, 10 plus cm, 6 infected nodes
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My mom, Maureen: TNBC Dx. Sept 2010, Age 62
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Kelly Lynne Richards: TNBC Dx. June 24m 2010, Age 43
Stage 2, left breast small lump. Lumpectomy 7/20/10
One bad node - fat pad removal. 8 rounds of AC and Taxol,
35 tx of Radiation. BRCA Neg.
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| Jennifer Arnholt Cannon: TNBC Dx. March 16, 2010, Age 29 Stage 2a, Grade 3, 2.1cm tumor, 0 nodes positive. 4 rounds of AC + 4 rounds of Taxol. No radiation. Bilateral mastectomy 4/8/10. |
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Maureen Judge Jacoby: TNBC Dx. Sept. 2, 2009, Age 43
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Denise Griffin: TNBC Dx. August 2002, Age 37
Large tumor..13 nodes, all clean..
6 x chemo, lumpectomy, 25 rads.
Dx BRCA 1 pos.
Double mastectomy and oophorectomy
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Sheila Gordon: TNBC Dx. January 2010, Age 49
Stage 2a 2.2cm tumor, 0 nodes positive of 16.
4 rounds Taxotere and Cytoxan. No rads.
Mastectomy right side
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The Most Beautiful People
We Have Known are Those Who
Have Known Defeat, Known Suffering,
Known Struggle, Known Loss,
And have Found their Way
Out of the Depths.
These Persons Have an
Appreciation, a Sensitivity,
And an Understanding of Life
That Fills them with Compassion,
Gentleness, And a Deep Loving Concern.
Beautiful People... Do Not just Happen.
~Elizabeth Kubler Ros
You ladies are the most beautiful people I know... Love you all!
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