Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC): Everything You Need to Know

What is triple-negative breast cancer and what are the treatment options? In this video, Dr. Jennifer Griggs provides a comprehensive guide and explains everything you need to know about triple-negative breast cancer.
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Disclaimer: Yerbba KZbin videos are for informational purposes only, do not constitute medical advice, and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your medical team, mental health professional, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition.

[@AmyLouiseArt]

Thank you so much for this video. I was diagnosed with TNBC in April at the age of 30. My breast tumour was only 2.5cm when it was biopsied but had already spread to a lot of lymph nodes, the pectoralis muscles, and my chest wall. My surgeon was shocked at how much my cancer had spread from that small tumour, and reckoned it had happened within a very short space of time. I had to start chemotherapy with immunotherapy straight away and this week I will be halfway through chemo, round 8/16. I have my midway scans next week and I'm praying for a good response to chemo, especially as I have no idea what can be done for me surgically. I tested negative for all genetic mutations but am awaiting a final result for the TP53 gene mutation and praying that's negative as well. It has been incredibly difficult and devastating being given this diagnosis at a young age, and treatment is tough. I'm hoping I can come out the other side 🙏

[@yerbba]

Thank you for sharing your story. Being diagnosed with TNBC at such a young age is incredibly tough, and your courage is truly inspiring. It sounds like you’re going through a rigorous treatment plan, and we can only imagine how challenging it must be. We hope your midway scans bring positive news. Keep holding onto hope and stay strong. Remember, you’re not alone in this - so many of us are rooting for you and supporting you from afar. Let us know if you have any questions, we're here for you.

[@nancydegeorge1143]

I hope you're doing well. Sending healing thoughts and support ❤

[@sandradecoute2023]

Prayers for you!!

[@LilyWhite-w5y]

Thank you so, so very much for that information. I am a black woman and I go my first diagnosis of triple negative breast cancer at age 36. I have a family history of ovarian, prostate and breast cancers. I live in Barbados. So this helps me to understand this much better. I've had 2 recurrences since first being diagnosed in 2019.

[@juaquiene7726]

Dear User from Barbados' I used to get bent. That you'd be urged to reveal your race. While filling out medical forms. I wondered why was that information so important? I angrily thought, are they being nosey, perhaps even racist? I'd even refuse to fill in that question. For that reason. As we move along, through this ( cough-cough) Journey of breast cancer. You become aware just how important the role of our genetics plays. Not just by our family. But our race as well. The big question is why is triple negative. Seen more often amongst black ladies? It becomes obvious there be a specific genetic marker. Certain kinds of cancers tend to develop with. This information. May end up playing a role in treatments. & we can pray eventually a cure. For this aggressive type 😢of cancer. Barbado's lady your story cut right to the point. For now you of course can warn the women in your family. But to all young black women. To routinely examine ones breasts. Get those yearly mammogram's done. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers I sure hope they can stop your cancer spread.

[@yerbba]

We're really glad the information was helpful to you. Facing triple-negative breast cancer, especially with recurrences, is incredibly challenging. Black women are at higher risk of triple-negative breast cancer, which is unfair on so many levels. Thank you for watching.

[@KonstantinosAlexandropoulo-c1t]

I have seen a lot of videos from doctors here on KZbin that explain how to starve cancer.I wish you all the best God bless you

[@Aasha271]

I hope you are doing well !And what were the stages of your breast cancer for the first time and 2 reaccurance time thank you

[@jeanellnelson1558]

I just received a dx of TNBC 2 1/2 months ago. I’ve already had surgery and 2 of 13 rounds of chemo.

[@naththomas9946]

Thank you, Dr. Griggs, for your continuous support of breast cancer (health) and awareness.

[@yerbba]

Thank you for supporting our channel!

[@petromoore8191]

Thank you so much now i understand better i was just dignosed in my left breast with Triple -Negative bc , i had HER2 cancer in my right breast 12years ago and did all the chemo and radiation.

[@yerbba]

Thank you for sharing your journey. It's understandable to feel overwhelmed with a new diagnosis, especially after going through treatment 12 years ago. We're glad the video has helped you understand things better.

[@LindsayLi6]

Thank you very much for the video. I'm a newly diagbosed with TNBC. After some searching online, I came across some research on targeted treatments for TNBC based on its subtypes. Please can you make a video about these subtypes. Thank you!

[@yerbba]

Yes, we can do that. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@eliseharris1703]

Thanks, Jennifer.. That is good information to know. I am a member of the group POQC with Michele and I just subscribed to the video

[@yerbba]

We are happy to see you here.

[@rodelengicaro6999]

I was diagnosed trippple breast CA last june of 2023 done 8 sessions of chemotherapy February 2024 had my surgery mastectomy unilateral with sentinal march 27 2024 then lympnodes dissection .level 1 and 2 .just last mAy 1 this year. i will have my follow up on 16th of May for the pathology report from my lympnodes and then they will decide what the next treatment i will undergo. I just want to say your channel adds more information about my case . With more prayers 🙌 healing is our hearts desire. As a breast cancer warrior.

[@shubhammali2281]

My sister has been suffering from triple-negative breast cancer for two years. After this period of treatment, I have learned that there is only a 10% chance of survival for people with this condition.

[@yerbba]

Thank you for sharing your journey with us. It sounds like you’ve been through a lot, and we admire your strength and determination. We're glad to hear that our channel has provided you with additional information and support. Continued prayers for your healing and positive results from your upcoming pathology report.

[@carmenleon8515]

​@@shubhammali2281 No, that is not accurate. My mom had it when she was 70 years old. Got the quimioteraphy plus radiation and she is still alive. She will be 86 this year. Your sister will be fine. God blesses her. Trust and be positive.

[@carolvalentine9223]

Hi...God bless her...Did your Mom do chemo & radiation? Im dealing with the same thing, don't want the chemo!​@carmenleon8515

[@SisiNike]

I am from Nigeria and was diagnosed of TNBC stage 3 last year at age 32, and had 8 rounds of chemotherapy (4 rounds of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide, 4 rounds of paclitaxel and carboplatin). I had my mastectomy Feb 2024, surgeon didn’t remove the lymph node as he claimed it was deeply attached to a brachial plexus artery and hope radiotherapy would handle that. However, till now (July) my surgery wound has not healed 😢and just in May I discovered cancer is back with metastasis to the axillary lymph nodes and supraclavicular lymph node. The metastasis to the axillary lymph node made me unable to lift my right arm and I’m always in excruciating pain. I commenced chemotherapy again, I’ve had two different types cos it keeps worsening my symptoms (lymph node size and pain), I don’t know what else to do again. There’s no help as to healing my wound and even the recurrence cancer. I was suggested to get the immunotherapy (though very expensive for me) but I don’t know if it would be the best option and how my body can handle it cos chemotherapy now is taking a whole lot on me

[@yerbba]

This sounds so difficult. We are sending positive energy your way.

[@carmenleon8515]

Praying for you. It is a difficult time, but you will be fine. Trust and be positive.

[@cynthiayee5116]

Greetings Doctor ,.Please make a video on Tripple positive Breast cancer .

[@yerbba]

Thanks for writing. We have a video on triple-positive breast cancer here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnOmmJSIoJl0ftk

[@Katwinser1958]

I just got diagnosed with her2 negative and TNBC in the right beast. I will be starting on Thursday of next week. I feel very depressed. I am 65 and Caucasian.

[@yerbba]

We're sorry to hear about your diagnosis. It's completely understandable to feel depressed and overwhelmed right now. Starting treatment can be daunting, but please remember that you’re not alone-there’s a community of support out there for you.You might find our video on depression and breast cancer to be helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYjHqmeeqK-oZ6M and we also have other videos on TNBC that might provide you with more information and support.

[@genesiscedeno8786]

Ánimo! God is with you!

[@patriciasegura-marin2329]

Thank you so much for your information! I have a sister who a few months ago was diagnosed with TNBC with liver metastases, she is currently receiving chemotherapy and is almost halfway through the treatment, before her chemotherapy every week, she has blood tests to see how her general health is, the results are good every week, except for the liver which shows scores going up instead of decreasing as expected. My sister has had several diagnostic tests, some of them are: CT scan, PET scan, and MRI. The CT scan and the MRI showed no metastases, the PET scan showed metastases in the liver. Any ideas why the liver scores are going up instead of going down? Could it be a consequence of the chemotherapy? Thank you so much!

[@ritaeckert4766]

I was successfully treated for TNBC in 2023. I had a lumpectomy that successfully removed the remaining tumor. However the side effects of the treatment has been horrendous! Keytruda caused immune responses that affected my urinary system that took months to figure out was the cause of cystitis, incontinence, blocked ureter, and lots of pain. The only treatment has been steroids but the symptoms all come back once I’ve tapered down. Additionally, the capecitabine caused hand-foot syndrome that I am still struggling with. While I did not notice any CIPN at the beginning of chemo, it certainly set in once I was just taking the 2 meds mentioned. I finally refused to take anymore of either med last December. A 2nd opinion from another oncology group agreed that I should not take either drug any longer since my side effects were so bad, my tumor try shrunk so small & they know they got it all. My lymph nodes were also clear. While I’m feeling so blessed to be ‘cancer free’ dealing with these other issues are a struggle and it’s been very depressing. I’ve been told both reactions are rare & wonder if anyone else is experiencing them? It’s been ongoing…..

[@yerbba]

Thank you for sharing your story with the Yerbba community. You have had a really rough time for sure. The hope is that you'll recover from all these side effects. Some people have a stronger reaction to anti-cancer drugs. These are not the same people who are sensitive to antibiotics or other commonly-used drugs, so it's hard to know if someone will have a reaction or reactions such as you have. Many people think that immunotherapy is less toxic than "traditional" chemotherapy, but when side effects happen, they can be really hard to deal with. Wishing you the best as your healing continues.

[@taggart82]

Yes I have Adrenal Insufficiency...And Tachycardia...😢

[@carmenleon8515]

The next step, here at USA, Mayo Clinic for TNBC is to take the Olaparib pill to prevent recurrence.

[@f.1395]

I am also on keytruda. Got hashimoto (have to take thyroid hormones for the rest of my live) and a hepatitis from it. Got cortison for treatment and pause the keytruda. The liver is getting better now. Doctor say, When side effects like thyroid, liver etc. problems are huge they stop keytruda for ever. You even could get diabetes. But the cases are rare and the benefits from keytruda are higher.

[@taggart82]

@@ritaeckert4766 The same drugs I took. I have adrenal insufficiency from the first and Colitis from the second drug. Lumpectormy as well. No nodes involved. I am on steroids as well. Did you do radiation after surgery. Because I refused it and now 4 months later they want me to still do the radiation treatment. 😭😬

[@nancydegeorge1143]

Thank you for directing me to this TNBC video ❤

[@yerbba]

We hope you found the video helpful! Thank you for being part of the Yerbba community.

[@nancydegeorge1143]

@@yerbba nearly a week into chemo. Feeling quite weak with a constant headache.

[@coolgirlsuchi]

Hello Doctor thanks for clear picture on TNBC. I Was diagnosed on march 2023. Had 8 cycle of chemo with caeboplatin and lumpectomy Achieved PCR and did 18 rounds of radiation. Now on 4 months follow up. Whay will be my chance of reoccurance doctor? I am brca negative and i was stage 2a. Awaiting your reply

[@yerbba]

Although it is difficult to give you a precise number regarding your risk of recurrence without being part of your medical team, the complete response, the relatively low stage, and the treatment you received all bode well in terms of your prognosis. It is more likely that you won't have a recurrence than you will.

[@coolgirlsuchi]

​@@yerbbaThanks a lot Doctor. Really feeling relaxed after seeing your message. May i know what all measures i should do to prevent reoccurrence in my case

[@raju-nd9bd]

Hi Doctor , this is very helpful video especially the point you made that TNBC will not be gone completely with Chemo therapy which is big awareness for us . Can you please some put lights on latest advancement/research happening for TNBC for stage 4 disease or recurrence of disease ?

[@yerbba]

Thanks for writing. There are a lot of newer treatments for Stage IV (4) triple-negative breast cancer. The options for treatment depend on several different factors, including whether the patient has a BRCA mutation, whether the tumor has a PDL-1 protein expression, and the previous treatments that were received.

[@markskeldon8834]

This was such an informative and helpful video. My wife has just been diagnosed with triple negative cancer and is about to undertake chemo and immunotherapy. It sounds terrifying and I am really concerned about the side effects. I am also very concerned about the probability of the cancer returning. Does the additional immunotherapy treatment decrease the risk if this happening. I am terrified of losing my wife, and for her to go 6 months of horrific treatment and for it to return. Thank you in advance for any response

[@yerbba]

We're so sorry to hear about your wife’s diagnosis. It’s completely normal to feel scared and worried about what’s ahead. Immunotherapy, when added to chemotherapy for triple-negative breast cancer, can help reduce the risk of recurrence by boosting the body’s immune response. Every case is unique, but the goal is to give your wife the best chance possible.

[@nancydegeorge1143]

Just got my results for bone scan and ct scans. Body all clear of cancer. Now oncologist is urgently organising chemo for me. To begin with it'll be 4 months. The two drugs used are docetaxel and cyclophosphamide.

[@yerbba]

That's great news about your scans being clear! Good luck with your upcoming chemotherapy. Also, stay tuned for our upcoming video on AC chemotherapy regimens.

[@nancydegeorge1143]

@@yerbba thank you 😊

[@nancydegeorge1143]

@@yerbba oh and I'm pleased to say that I've been approved for the test to see if I carry the breast cancer gene. I'm lucky in Australia that I get it without cost

[@abiolafashola5119]

Thank you for the information so far i have done 6 rounds of chem just did mascetomy ending of may 2024 will take anothe 2 round of chem is it compulsory i do radiotherapy.thanks

[@yerbba]

You’ve been through a lot with your treatment. It’s best to discuss the necessity of radiotherapy with your oncologist, as they can provide specific advice based on your individual case. It’s important to weigh the benefits and potential side effects to make the best decision for your health and personal preferences. We're here to support you in whatever choice you make.

[@AfsinRuhayat]

hello maam, my mum got diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer stage 3.. doc said that the cancer cells have spread to armpit as well and right now she is on chemo she just got her 1st chemo and she got breathless so gave it slowly to her she has to go through 8 rounds of chemo as the doctor said … she is very weak already i am really scared on how she will cope with all chemo do you have any suggestions for this do you think she willl make it out good ?

[@f.1395]

All good wishes for you and your mom. Chemo can make you weak and sleepy. It is pretty normal. I felt sick most of the time while going trough chemo. 6 month. Be patient and do ALL you can do against side effects that can be treated or calmed. Give your mom time to rest whenever she need. And get a walk every day! It helps with side effects and fatigue.

[@yerbba]

It’s completely normal to feel scared, especially if your mom is already feeling weak. Chemotherapy can be difficult, but many people manage with the right support. Encourage her to stay as strong as possible by eating well, resting, and staying hydrated. Getting outside every day may also be helpful. The medical team will closely monitor her to ensure she’s coping well with treatment and will check her blood work regularly.

[@MariaS-Philly]

Thank you Doctor! 💕

[@yerbba]

Thank you for being part of the Yerbba community!

[@paigemckelvey8781]

This explanation for TNBC points out what it is and what it is not . Is there any further classification when pathological findings are done when the tumour is removed and closley examined? I had TNBC with two different rounds of (2 drugs each) Keytruda, surgery and radiation. There was no evidence that chemo stopped the growth of the tumour. Spindle cell was determined to be present in the biopsy. As always, your videos are presented so well. Thank you for all your time and efforts

[@yerbba]

The most common test performed in people with TNBC is PD-L1. In people with advanced disease, immunotherapy like pembrolizumab (brand name: Keytruda) can be given to people whose tumor has PD-L1. The other test that is done, usually with a patient blood test, is BRCA1/2.

[@kellileung6741]

Thank you

[@yerbba]

Thank you for watching!

[@jaenajulie6756]

Nice story lam come from Philippines i have breast cancer,heart,lungs stages 4 now my problem financial ian poor Philippines no free medication by cancer patients always pay i have no saving money pls.kind you help me by money contenue my kimo therapy second season june 9.2024.thank you

[@yerbba]

This sounds really hard. We’re sorry to hear about your struggles. We are not able to provide financial assistance. There may be local and international organizations that can help. Look for charities and support groups that offer financial aid to cancer patients in the Philippines. We wish you strength and hope in your journey.