What exactly is TNBC? In search of this answer, I went to Google like I normally do and I found a very informative website…Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation.

Here is the definition of TNBC from their website:

It is now commonly understood that breast cancer is not one form of cancer, but many different “subtypes” of cancer. These subtypes of breast cancer are generally diagnosed based upon the presence, or lack of, three “receptors” known to fuel most breast cancers: estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). The most successful treatments for breast cancer target these receptors.

Unfortunately, none of these receptors are found in women with triple negative breast cancer. In other words, a triple negative breast cancer diagnosis means that the offending tumor is estrogen receptor-negative, progesterone receptor-negative and HER2-negative, thus giving rise to the name “triple negative breast cancer.” On a positive note, this type of breast cancer is typically responsive to chemotherapy. Because of its triple negative status, however, triple negative tumors generally do not respond to receptor targeted treatments. Depending on the stage of its diagnosis, triple negative breast cancer can be particularly aggressive, and more likely to recur than other subtypes of breast cancer.

There are several words that jump out at me as I read this and other articles about TNBC. It is very aggressive and the recurrence rate is high within the first 2-5 years. However, after 5 years, the recurrence rate drops off dramatically. Did you know that this type of cancer only affects 10-20% of breast cancer patients? I guess I hit the jackpot. I had to stop reading about it because it makes me anxious. When you start talking about survival rates and recurrence rates, it can be a whole lot scary.

What happened to the tumor being below 2 cm and just having a lumpectomy with radiation? I am now facing a double mastectomy followed by chemotherapy. When I talked with the doctor about the recurrence, she said it didn’t matter if I chose the lumpectomy, mastectomy or double mastectomy. The survival rates would be the same. I never thought at 42, I would be talking about survival rates. I am going to fight this with all that I have…no, I am going to let the Lord fight this battle (Exodus 14:14).

That is why I have been fervently praying for wisdom these last 2 days. Asking God to show me what to do, because I honestly don’t know which way to go. Do I want to do radiation and chemotherapy with just a lumpectomy? Do I just have a mastectomy and pray it doesn’t recur in the other breast? Do I go ahead and have the double mastectomy for protection? As I prayed about this last night, I finally said to God, “You are going to have to tell me what to do?” and you know what…He did! When I got up this morning, I had a peace that really passes all understanding come over me. I knew without a doubt the best decision for me, no matter what the DNA test said, was a double mastectomy. I don’t want to have to worry every 6 months when I have to have another mammogram or MRI to see if it has returned. God’s peace came over me like a blanket and now that the decision has been made, I can give this journey to the Lord.

He has this!