Let's Talk About Chemotherapy - TNBC chemo treatment for organ transplant patient

TNBC chemo treatment for organ transplant patient

Printed From: TNBC Foundation
Category: TNBC Forums
Forum Name: Let's Talk About Chemotherapy
Forum Description: A place to discuss Chemotherapy
URL: http://forum.tnbcfoundation.org/forum_posts.asp?TID=11993
Printed Date: Mar 26 2026 at 7:32pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: TNBC chemo treatment for organ transplant patient

Posted By: spring
Subject: TNBC chemo treatment for organ transplant patient
Date Posted: May 10 2014 at 6:10pm

Hello,

I am recently diagnosed with TNBC (ER+5%, PR-, Her2 - )stage 1a, <1cm tumor, grade 2, lumpectomy with negative nodes and no brac mutation.
I will meet my MO first time on Monday 5/12. My surgeon prompted me possible chemo. Radiation will be for sure.
My concern is how I will be able to tolerate chemo since I had a kidney transplant 10 years ago and have been on immunosuppressants since then. My kidney is working very well and I do not have any side effects from the transplant meds, having a normal life.
If anyone of you know or have similar med backgrounds and are on chemo treatment, I would love to hear the experience.
no one in my near and far family history with breast cancer and very little knowledge on chemo side effects. Plus, my transplant status makes me more nervous for upcoming treatment, possible adjuvant chemo followed by radiation.

thank you,
Spring

Replies:

Posted By: SagePatientAdvocates
Date Posted: May 10 2014 at 7:48pm

Dear Spring,

Sorry you are dealing with a complicated situation.

In my view, in a perfect world (and I know we do not live in one) every woman with TNBC would see a Breast Medical Oncologist (BMO) prior to surgery and that BMO would be at a NCCN or NCI facility.

I also personally suggest second opinions even if you have seen a top physician. That would include getting a second opinion on your pathology report to make sure you are TN.

I think it is essential that you are advised by TNBC savvy physicians who also are knowledgeable, or have colleagues, who are experienced in what can and cannot be prescribed for a woman with a woman who has had a kidney transplant and is on immunosuppresants. Please go to a major cancer center to get a second opinion.

If you can let us know what city you live in maybe someone can suggest a center..If you are not comfortable doing that here is a link to the NCCN centers.

http://www.nccn.org/members/network.asp" rel="nofollow - http://www.nccn.org/members/network.asp

warmly,

Steve

-------------
I am a BRCA1+ grandson, son and father of women affected by breast/oc-my daughter inherited mutation from me, and at 36, was dx 2004 TNBC I am a volunteer patient advocate with SAGE Patient Advocates

Posted By: spring
Date Posted: May 10 2014 at 8:18pm

Hello Steve,

I am with Stanford for all my medical care and I was told the MO that I will be meeting is specialized on TNBC.
I have seriously requested to meet the MO before the surgery and I was refused since their standard of care is only after pathology results which is after my surgery. I was highly recommended for lumpectomy due to the small size of tumor, <1cm and finally went for that in this week. I was told my case is rare so I hope the therapy selection will be thoroughly evaluated and personalized for the best outcome.
I would also like to know if www.adjuvantonline evaluation is helpful. I just found out yesterday while searching.

Thank you for your recommendation,
Spring