Triple negative breast cancer carries high risk of recurrence

NORTHRIDGE, Calif. (KABC) -- Living in the moment is 46-year-old Carol D. Vine's secret for getting through chemo. The cancer she's facing is proving to be a difficult adversary.

"With having triple negative breast cancer, it's a very aggressive form of breast cancer that has a higher incidence of recurrence," Vine said.

Triple negative means the cancer's not driven by estrogen, progesterone or HER2 proteins and it can't be treated with the latest targeted therapies.

Despite a double mastectomy and dozens of rounds of chemo, two weeks ago, the West Hills realtor learned the cancer had returned.

"Interestingly, it came back in the muscle just above the breast," Vine said.

Of all breast cancers, about 15 percent are triple negative. Among African American women, there's a 30 percent chance the cancer will be triple negative.

A new Living Beyond Breast Cancer report finds patients with this type of cancer experience greater fear, anxiety and worry than women with other types of breast cancer.

"The one message should be for these patients, until we get better therapies, is that they do respond to chemotherapy that we have and that there are other treatment options," said Dr. Linnea Chap. "They shouldn't feel hopeless."

Yet study authors say healthcare providers should consider developing education and emotional support programs specifically for these patients. The medical massage Vine receives at the Dorothy Leavey Cancer Center at Northridge Hospital helps her feel positive about going to chemo.

"The little extras, the little amenities, the little special things that don't exist in other places," Vine said.

She admits she sometimes cries, but yoga, meditation and a grateful attitude help keep her fearful thoughts under control.

"You have to value every day, and you really learn how to slow down and value the treasures of the day," she said.

Vine had her second surgery Wednesday. She's in high spirits and doing well.

This study is believed to be the first to examine the differences in psychological factors for this specific type of breast cancer, but researchers hope it's part of a larger, nationwide effort to help women with triple negative breast cancer.