Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I am writing to seek advice regarding my mother's recent diagnosis of stage 1 triple-negative breast cancer. She is 45 years old and was diagnosed after a mammogram revealed a small, suspicious mass in her left breast. The biopsy confirmed that it is triple-negative breast cancer.
Her initial blood tests showed a hemoglobin level of 12.4 g/dL, a WBC count of 8,200/mcL, and normal liver function tests. She has started a treatment plan that includes a combination of Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide every three weeks, and she is scheduled to begin a course of Taxol (Paclitaxel) soon.
A recent PET scan indicated no signs of metastasis, and her MRI showed the tumor size to be 1.8 cm. Are there any additional diagnostic tests or treatments we should consider to ensure the best possible outcome?
Kindly help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I can understand your concern.
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is more aggressive and has a poorer prognosis compared to hormone receptor-positive types. The oncologist has started a chemotherapy regimen of six cycles over three to four months, which is already underway.
The blood tests show normal levels of hemoglobin, white blood cells, and liver function, while the tumor size of 1.8 cm classifies it as T1. However, it is important to determine the status of the axillary lymph nodes to see if they are involved.
The positron emission tomography scan reveals no metastasis, indicating that the disease is localized and classified as stage 1. After completing chemotherapy, the treatment plan will include breast-conserving therapy, where the lump will be removed and radiation therapy administered. The tumor specimen will be analyzed through histopathology to confirm tumor clearance and evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment.
Preventive measures include avoiding tobacco and alcohol consumption, genetic checkup BRCA 1 (breast cancer gene 1), BRCA2 (breast cancer gene 2) and a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise.
Regarding follow-up, after completing the chemotherapy course, surgery will be the next step in management. Kindly let me know the status of the axillary lymph nodes.
Take care.
Thank you.
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Answered byDr. Mohamed Abdirahman Ali
Medically reviewed byDr. K. Shobana
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