When I asked for the referral for a mammogram, I wasn’t concerned. Less than 2% of screening mammograms result in biopsies.

When they recommended an ultrasound, I wasn’t concerned. Twice before there were areas of concern that required a follow up ultrasound, but everything was fine.

When my doctor recommended a biopsy, I wasn’t concerned. Most biopsies (80%) are NOT cancerous! I had a biopsy previously that turned out to be benign. The odds were in my favor.

When my primary care doctor told me that I had cancer, I went home and started to do some research. No one wants to have cancer, but it is no longer a death sentence. Prognosis and survival rates are very good, unless the cancer has spread. The exception seemed to be Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). This subtype of breast cancer is rare (only accounting for 15% of cases) and very aggressive. It is more likely to spread and also has a higher rate of relapse.

On my first visit to the oncologist, I was determined not to get overwhelmed. “As long as it isn’t triple negative, everything will be ok,” I told myself as we waited for the doctor. She started explaining hormone receptor status and I knew where it was going. My heart sank. I looked over at my husband and he looked confused, but happy? He thought that being negative for all three was a good thing.

“Early-stage triple-negative breast cancer is more likely to spread to other areas of the body than other types of breast cancer. In fact, one study found that people with early TNBC were four times more likely to develop metastases. Other research suggests one-third of people with early TNBC will develop metastases. Doctors sometimes call TNBC an aggressive breast cancer because it is more likely to recur, often within the first 4 years after diagnosis.” [link]

So, here we are… playing the numbers. I feel a little like this cancer is playing Russian Roulette in my body. Will it spread? Will it come back? Time will tell, but for now I just have to hope for the best.