Countdown to TNBC Day - 4 days!

 I'm a 3½ yr. TNBC Survivor and my fight is not over until all my sisters are safe... we need our targeted therapy yesterday!
Lets get it done ladies, "Hope For More Tomorrows"
http://tnbcfoundation.kintera.org/3nday/melissa

"HOPE FOR MORE TOMORROWS", The Time is Now! 3.3.13...

I got my fundraising page for Triple Negative Breast Cancer Day up and rolling. Any donation amount honoring all of us TNBC sisters will be greatly appreciated, together we'll make a difference! Please consider a donation in "hope for more tomorrows" for us TNBC Sisters. 
Thank you kindly, 
Melissa Paskvan

http://tnbcfoundation.kintera.org/3nday/melissa
(Click link to make a donation)

#TNBCDay

Toledo's 82-45 Win for Rockets for the Cure 2013

Love my Lady Rockets ♥

Spectacular win by my girls of the Toledo Rockets Women's Basketball with a 82-45 win over Kent State in front of a crowd of 5,712 fans and breast cancer survivors and supporters. These ladies raised a record-setting $19,845 for breast cancer research.

Me and my #1 Breast Cancer Survivor Fan, Rocksy

Yep, that's me... always running into one
of my friends where ever I go.

Me and Lady Rocket, Rocksy!

Fabulous game for a great cause!

Toledo 82-45 win

Answering Your Questions About Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

by Bhuvaneswari Ramaswamy MD, MRCP

Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine

Division of Medical Oncology

Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and

Richard J. Solove Research Institute

The Ohio State University

What are the defining characteristics of triple-negative breast cancer?

Triple-negative breast cancers account for about 15 percent of all breast cancers and are defined as breast cancers that are estrogen receptor– and progesterone receptor–negative, meaning that these cancers do not depend on estrogen for their growth. In addition, the HER2/neu gene is not amplified in these cancers (when amplified, HER2/neu produces a protein called HER2 that acts as an accelerator for growth when present in an abundance in cancer cells).

What are the risk factors for triple-negative breast cancer?

There are no modifiable risk factors for triple-negative breast cancer. These cancers tend to occur more frequently in young premenopausal women, in African-American women, and in women who carry the abnormal inherited breast cancer susceptibility gene BRCA1.

Why is triple-negative breast cancer such a challenge to treat?

In general, these tumors are more aggressive and grow at a rapid rate. There are two major challenges in treating these tumors. First, because they have no known targets (such as estrogen receptor or HER2/neu), currently the only way to treat them is to use chemotherapy, which generally results in more side effects. Second, even when we treat these tumors with chemotherapy, they may or may not respond; and even when they do, response this is often short-lived.

Are there specific questions that women should ask their healthcare team when they are diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer?

The key question a woman who is diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer should ask is whether an appropriate clinical trial exists for her diagnosis. There are some novel approaches to treating these cancers that are still in investigational stages but which hold great promise. It is important that patients make use of these opportunities when possible to increase their treatment options. In addition, patients should be sure to consult their healthcare team to see if genetic testing should be a consideration.

What has been the standard protocol for treating triple-negative breast cancer, and what treatments or innovations are on the horizon for this difficult-to-treat disease?

The standard protocol to treat early-stage triple-negative breast cancer confined to the breast and the axillary lymph nodes is chemotherapy and surgery. Often chemotherapy is administered before the surgery. At present there are no further treatment options for early-stage triple-negative breast cancer beyond close follow-up care with regular physical exams and mammograms.

There are innovative approaches currently under study, however, including the addition of targeted therapy to this chemotherapy backbone. The Ohio State University is currently conducting a study that will include a gamma secretase inhibitor along with chemotherapy to target the more resistant cells. Additional studies at other institutions are investigating agents like Avastin® (bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody) and the impact of prescribing various therapies following chemotherapy and surgery to prevent a recurrence, particularly for tumors that did not respond to primary chemotherapy.

For advanced triple-negative breast cancer, the current standard approach is to treat with various chemotherapy regimens. The most recent breakthrough in the treatment of such tumors is the success story of PARP inhibitors. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) is an enzyme that is required for cells to repair the DNA damage induced by any form of injury (including radiation, UV rays, and chemotherapy). Unfortunately, the cancer cells also use this enzyme to correct the damage induced by chemotherapy, making that treatment less effective. Now researchers have shown that by including with chemotherapy a drug that inhibits the PARP enzyme, they can cause more damage to triple-negative breast cancers than when chemotherapy is delivered alone.

Several clinical trials are currently ongoing at various centers, using different PARP inhibitors with different chemotherapy in triple-negative and genetically inherited breast cancers. At The Ohio State University, we have a clinical trial in which a PARP inhibitor is used along with Paraplatin^® (carboplatin) chemotherapy in women with advanced breast cancers.  _

 For more information about triple-negative breast cancer clinical trials at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center–James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, contact the Jamesline at (800) 293-5066.

http://awomanshealth.com/answering-your-questions-about-triple-negative-breast-cancer/ 

(Posted January 21, 2013)

A Phase II Trial of BKM120 in Patients With Triple Negative Metastatic Breast Cancer

A service of the U.S. National Institutes of Health

New clinical trial for TNBC to start recruiting February 2013
http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01790932
(Click to link)

 Purpose

This research study is a Phase II clinical trial. Phase II clinical trials test the effectiveness of an investigational drug to learn whether the drug works in treating a specific cancer. "Investigational" means that the drug is still being studied and that research doctors are trying to find out more about it-such as the safest dose to use, the side effects it may cause, and if the drug is effective for treating different types of cancer. It also means that the FDA has not yet approved BKM120 for use in patients, including people with your type of cancer.

BKM120 is a drug that works by blocking a protein called PI3K which may contribute to cancer growth. This drug has been used in experiments in the laboratory and information from these research studies suggests that BKM120 may help to prevent cancer cells from growing.

In this research study, the investigators are looking to see if BKM120 works to stop breast cancer cells from growing.

What's This Buzz About Triple Negative Breast Cancer, "I Won't Back Down!" Blogsite?

I am honored that my blog, Triple Negative Breast Cancer, I Won't Back Down" has been selected as one of the top breast cancer-related blogs on the web as seek out by Michael Forti, Director of Business Development and Syndication for Empowered Doctors that focuses on the latest healthcare news. Empowered Doctors are currently affiliates of The Chicago Tribune, Arizona Central and CBS New York , supplying their website's health section with the latest advances against cancer. 
My blog has been said by Empowered Doctors, to have a plethora of great information  and believed to be very appealing to their readers. My blog will be featured on a dedicated page on Empowered Doctor's website, as well as being profiled on upcoming articles. I proudly displayed my Empowered Doctors award badge on my blog 
site.

http://mlsspaskvan.blogspot.com/2013/02/my-tnbc-sisters-hope-for-more-tomorrows.html #TNBCDay

My TNBC Sisters: Hope For More Tomorrows... The Time is NOW!

Melissa Paskvan's TNBC Foundation Fundraising 
In honor of TNBC day and survivors, 
I will be hosting an online TNBC awareness event on my blog. 
Donations appreciated.

Event date: now till the end 11pm March 4th 2013

Please join me in my efforts to support
Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation!
The Time Is Now... For More Tomorrows!

Tho, we do not know what fuels Triple Negative Breast Cancer, I have been told that changing my life style to a healthy diet and regular exercise significantly reduces my chance of TNBC recurrence.

I ask you kindly to please give up your sugars (sodas, sweetened teas and coffee, candy, donuts, cookies and other junk foods of such) for a week WITH ME and consider a donation to The Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation:

http://tnbcfoundation.kintera.org/3nday/melissa 

(Click link to make a donation to the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation)

- Honor a Triple Negative Breast Cancer Survivor

- In Memory of someone you've lost to TNBC

- In Honor of our TNBC support groups

- or simply for hope, for more tomorrows as we keep pushing forward to fund research to find our targeted treatment.

100% of Donations go directory to the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation

My Story: I found my lump by chance when I felt something along my bra band line under my breast. My heart just sunk, and I was in disbelief that my worst fear was now happening to me. My 2cm. lump did not show up on the mammogram images and it was thought to be just a cyst, but I insisted on a needle biopsy right then and there. 2 days later, I received the call from my doctor. I'm 41 and I have breast cancer... I was numb; all I can think about is my 7 yr. old son and the possibility of him being without his mother. I met with my surgeon who told me that I have a rare and aggressive form of cancer, Triple Negative Breast Cancer that doesn't respond to hormone therapy. I knew I was in for a fight and had to be strong and stay focused. I am now a 3 year survivor! LIVE LIFE!

I am so passionate about Triple Negative Breast Cancer Awareness, I have lost too many TNBC sisters who were taken from their family, their future and sadly, their young children as this disease is striking much younger women. It is my hope with this fundraiser that it gives us hope that there is a cure out there and the strength to continue fighting until we're all safe.

I leave you this message: Know your body, know how your breasts normally look and feel. if you suspect a lump, don't wait... time is critical for Triple Negative Breast Cancer survival. 

Thank you, Melissa Paskvan

                3yr. TNBC Survivor

My email: MLSSPASKVAN@yahoo.com

The Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation (TNBCF) acknowledges and thanks each and every independent event planner for their commitment to the cause. If you have any questions or concerns regarding an event, please reach out to the event planner associated with that particular event. The content on individual event pages is not supervised by TNBCF. Each event is conducted for the benefit of TNBCF, but is independent from the Foundation. TNBCF is not responsible for the acts and omissions of the planners or their agents.

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Subtypes Identified Using microRNA

New research findings from Ohio State's James Cancer Hospital & Solove Research Institute could lead to new screening methods, prognostic markers and perhaps new targeted treatments for TNBC...



Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Subtypes Identified Using microRNA
(Clink link for full story)

Toledo Lady Rockets Promotes Breast Cancer Awareness for Rockets for the Cure...

See you at the game, Saturday, February 16, 2013, support the cause!

Tattoo Artist Constructs 3-D nipples for Breast Cancer Survivors

To view Vinnie’s work, visit:  www.vinniemyers.com

Q&A with Vinnie Myers, 3D Nipple Tattoo Specialist
http://community.breastcancer.org/blog/qa-with-vinnie-myers-3d-nipple-tattoo-specialist/ (Click to link)

For info on any nipple/areola tattooing, please contact:

Vinnie Myers

vm@vinniemyers.com or vinnie@breastcenter.com

410-876-4638 Md. 

504-899-2800 NOLA

2025 Suffolk Rd.
Finksburg, Md. 21048

1717 St. Charles Ave
New Orleans, La. 71030

Designed by Scott Clarke of Crabby Cards for us TNBC Sisters As We Approach TNBC Day On 3.3.13.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Crabby-Cards/163880840406766
(Click link)

Show your support of TNBC Day 3.3.13...

Because Triple Negative Breast Cancer Is Actually a Group of Diseases...

Triple Negative Breast Cancer Sister, Brenda Embraces Hope...

This is my good friend and TNBC sister, Brenda who has been struggling financially with accumulating medical bills...
Brenda is Stage 4 and currently on Parp clinical trial that has given her more tomorrows than doctors expected... their "miracle patient." HOPE is what Brenda embraces...

http://www.giveforward.com/brendasangels
(Click on link)

Triple Negative Breast Cancer Day, INAUGURAL 3.3.13

Join us in the fight! Triple Negative Breast Cancer Day is a national awareness day to be held on 3-3-13. The mission of this iconic inaugural event is for the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation to bring together communities across our nation to plan fundraisers and awareness events in each state to take place on (or around) Triple Negative Breast Cancer Day. Events of all sizes are welcome! Start planning your event or find an event in your area:
http://www.tnbcfoundation.org/tnbcday 

http://www.examiner.com/article/triple-negative-breast-cancer-foundation-announces-inaugural-tncb-day-3-3-13 ( Click link to story)

Fred-Day's acoustic version of "My Mother" dedicated to his mum, our TNBC sister Marie Ashton

In Memory of our Triple Negative Breast Cancer Sister, Marie Ashton...

My Mother (a song for breast cancer), In Memory of Marie Ashton

"Hi ladies, i just wanted to share this song with you. My son wrote this for me last year in January when he was 17. He wrote it for me and dedicates it to all the mums, ladies out there who have been or are going through BC." 
~Marie Ashton 







"I hope the song helps women get through cancer, 
and especially the kids who go through it with them." ~ Fred-Day 



http://www.macarthuradvertiser.com.au/story/244766/freds-mum-embodies-the-spirit-of-the-fight/ (Click link for story)
http://www.macarthuradvertiser.com.au/story/1265539/campbelltown-mourns-a-local-hero/
(Click link for story)