Triple Negative with Lung Mets

I've been dx with lung mets and I'm Triple Negative. I had the single met (8mm) surgically removed and did dose dense carboplatin and taxol (could only get 4 treatments in because of low counts). Was NED for 10 months and now mets are back in both lungs. I'm taking Taxotere weekly for 10 weeks. My wb counts are low constantly. My question is,can triple negatives acheive long term remissions after stage 4 dx? What are the chances of me beating this disease and living to see my kids graduate from high school in 5 years? I've waited a year to get this question through on this forum so any hope you can provide will be appreciated. There seems to be no research for triple negative breast cancer patients. Who cares about us? I heard of a woman who was triple neg mets to lung removed surgically and she had a stem cell transplant and has been cancer free for 10 years. Please give me some information that is honest and direct. My doctor says that I could go into remission again but the chances are 5%. I'm a fighter but I just want to know how hard I'm going to have to fight. Will I likely do chemo for the rest of my life? Is triple negative, Metaplastic and basel-like the same? Merry Christmas and God Bless you for what you do to educate us!

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear boobbuster:  I am assuming by triple negative you mean ER/ PR/ and HER2 negative.  Yes, there is research that is done on these types of cancers.  In general terms, we know that hormone therapy and herceptin are not likely to work and therefore, the options have historically been limited to chemotherapy. Newer therapies targetting tumor blood supply or "antiangiogenesis" therapies are a potential option, in addition to chemotherapy, for triple negative breast cancers that have metastasized. Once the disease is metastatic, it is not usually considered curable.  However, this does not mean that treatment will not help.  Indeed, chemotherapy can sometimes reduce disease or keep it stable for a period of time.  It is probable that you will be on some form of therapy for the rest of your life.  Since responses to therapy and behavior of the disease can be quite variable, it is impossible to predict how long you are likely to live.  You may benefit from looking into clinical trials at a large academic teaching hospital if you have not done this.  

[lizziecee]

Hi - guess the nurse is on holiday. You might try our English breastcare forum for some advice - there is always someone there that has "bben there, done that". It is: www.breastcancercare,co.uk

Take care,Liz.