Cancer Treatment – SOLUTIONS Cancer Resource Center, Inc.

January 23, 2024

The Enigma of Triple Negative Breast Cancer: Unveiling the Challenges and Hope

The clinking of glasses and warm laughter filled the air as we settled at the dining table, catching up with friends we hadn’t seen in years. The aroma of food swirled around us, promising a delicious culinary adventure. The conversation flowed effortlessly, weaving between lighthearted anecdotes and lively discussions about current events. It was a typical Saturday night, filled with the comforting familiarity of good company and shared laughter. Little did we know, the evening would take an unexpected turn, forever etching a poignant memory in our hearts. As the conversation drifted towards personal updates, the wife of the other invited couple, a woman radiating warmth and quiet strength, shared news that sent a ripple of shock and concern through our group. She had recently received a cancer diagnosis, a word that hung heavy in the air, triple negative breast cancer.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a formidable foe in the battle against the disease, stands apart due to its unique characteristics and aggressive nature. Unlike other breast cancers that rely on hormones or specific proteins for growth, TNBC lacks these receptors, making it a complex opponent to diagnose, treat, and manage. This article delves into the enigmatic world of TNBC, shedding light on its challenges and offering hope for those facing it.

The Hidden Threat: Challenges in Diagnosis

Early detection is paramount in the fight against any cancer, but for TNBC, the path to diagnosis can be particularly challenging. The lack of specific receptors renders conventional hormone-based screening methods less effective. Often, TNBC presents as a more aggressive and faster-growing tumor, masking its presence until later stages. This delay in diagnosis can significantly impact treatment options and outcomes.

Symptoms: A Subtle Symphony of Change

While there is no single telltale sign, TNBC can manifest through a variety of symptoms. A lump or thickening in the breast, often firmer and more irregular than other types, is a common indicator. Other symptoms include changes in breast size or shape, dimpling or puckering of the skin, nipple retraction or inversion, and fluid discharge from the nipple. However, it is important to remember that these symptoms can also occur with other benign conditions, highlighting the crucial role of prompt medical evaluation.

Demographics: Unveiling the Disparities

TNBC disproportionately affects younger women, particularly those under 40 years old. Additionally, it occurs more frequently in Black women, Hispanic women, and women with a BRCA1 gene mutation. These disparities highlight the need for increased awareness and targeted screening programs for these vulnerable populations.

Early Detection and Mortality: A Shadowy Landscape

The aggressive nature of TNBC presents challenges in early detection, potentially impacting mortality rates. Studies suggest that while early-stage TNBC has a similar prognosis to other breast cancers, the risk of recurrence and distant metastasis is significantly higher. This underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and early intervention even after successful treatment.

Treatment: A Tailored Approach in the Face of Adversity

Due to the lack of specific receptors, TNBC does not respond to hormone therapy or drugs targeting HER2 protein, the mainstays of treatment for other breast cancers. Chemotherapy remains the primary weapon in the fight against TNBC, often combined with surgery and radiation therapy. However, research is actively exploring new avenues, including immunotherapy and targeted therapies based on specific genetic mutations in the cancer cells.

Prognosis: Navigating Uncertainty with Hope

The prognosis for TNBC can be complex and varies depending on several factors, including stage at diagnosis, tumor characteristics, and individual response to treatment. While TNBC generally carries a higher risk of recurrence and mortality compared to other breast cancers, significant advancements in research and treatment offer renewed hope. Early detection, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing research are crucial in improving outcomes for those facing this challenging form of cancer.

Resources: A Beacon of Support

Navigating the complexities of TNBC can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, numerous resources are available to provide support and information. Some key organizations include:

Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation: https://tnbcfoundation.org/
National Cancer Institute: https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast
American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer.html
Susan G. Komen: https://www.komen.org/

By understanding the challenges and resources available, individuals facing TNBC can navigate this journey with greater knowledge, hope, and empowerment. Remember, you are not alone in this fight.

September 13, 2019

Cancer, Depression and Faith

Is it possible to have faith and still be depressed?

Savannah is struggling with her recent diagnosis, her doubts and the struggle with her faith. She was a church girl who attended church all of her life and has always had her faith in tact. A few weeks ago, Savannah was diagnosed with breast cancer and recently began chemotherapy. She was optimistic as she tapped into her faith believing that she was going through a phase which was just a setback in her health. Interestingly, Savannah was engaged to her longtime boyfriend Karl and was looking forward to planning their wedding. She had her bridal magazines, her pen and her daily planner, along with her iPad to work on during her chemotherapy treatments. She was all prayed up and was encouraged by the survivor stories that she had heard.

The one thing that she was not prepared for was how awful and weak she would feel after treatment. She heard from other survivors who said that they had treatment during work hours (lunch) and continued to work through their treatment. She knew that she would not be able to work, at least not now. She worried that she would not be able to make it through her treatments. Slowly, the doubts began to build up.

Savannah questioned her faith. She prayed, she had prayer warriors praying for her. She believed in the power of prayer but now she with every treatment, she felt weaker and weaker. Her hair began to fall out in clumps, the texture of her skin changed and she no longer answered her phone or respond to the text messages from her family, friends and coworkers. Although she would check in on her social media accounts, she no longer posted or engaged with others. She broke down and cried while looking at the photos of others having a great time. She became emotionally overwhelmed when she saw some photos of her friend Char’s husband celebrating her birthday. It was an extravagant affair, he surprised her and all of their family and friends were there. Savannah was invited and had planned to attend. She RSVP’d well in advance of her cancer diagnosis. Now, here she was watching life go on without her. She wondered whether she would see another birthday. Would she marry her best friend? Will they be able to have a family?

Karl was there for her reassuring Julia that they will get married. He wanted her to be his wife as she was the love of his life. He believed that she would be healed. He prayed and trusted in his prayers. He noticed that Savannah was not like herself. She was outgoing, ready to hang out with their friends and now she was often in bed, the curtains drawn, watching movies and checking on her friends by looking at their social media posts. She rarely responded to the friendly check in from her friends on her page even though she read them.

Determined to make Savannah feel better, Karl encouraged her to seek counseling. She reluctantly agreed. She began to question whether going to counseling meant that she was not trusting or believing in God. She wondered if she would be judged for her lack of faith. Savannah knew that she was not feeling like herself but wondered if she got back into her social circles, church and getting out more often – she would begin to feel better. However, Karl convinced her that counseling would be great for her. In fact, he offered to go with her and sit in with her whenever she needed him.

Although the counseling helped, the feeling of failing to have faith lingered. Savannah has completed her treatment and is waiting for the results. She hopes that it will be all clear. She is looking forward to moving forward with her life and marrying her best friend – Karl.

September 12, 2019September 12, 2019

One Bite At A Time

One day I noticed that I no longer had an appetite. Shortly after chemo treatments, I noticed that my food did not taste the same. I was no longer hungry. I felt nauseous by the scent of things that never bothered me before. I did not want to eat anymore.

It is difficult to explain. I know it is frustrating to my family and friends who just think that all I have to do is eat something or just take a bite. It is as though they think that I am giving up. What they cannot understand is that I wish I could eat something but I just can’t. I have tried, the food just would not stay down – the vomiting begins.

The doctor gave me steroids which caused me to gain 32 pounds. On the bright side, I was eating once again – taking one bite at a time. My appetite increased and everyone was happy. However, if the depression of the cancer diagnosis was not enough – the weight gain added to my distress.

Now that I have completed my treatment, my appetite has returned. I am working out and monitoring my diet. I am not back into my pre-cancer clothes yet, but I am almost there. I am back to eating my favorite foods – just taking it lightly – one bite at a time.

Joy M. (Uterine Cancer)

Eating Well During Cancer