ineed to know when I had my massectomy they took my nodes told me no cancer in nodes is it possible for the cancer to have traveled thru the nodes when cancer first was growing and went to another part of my body?
FormerMember
Hello amicrazy, and no, you're not! I know exactly what you are thinking as I had the same thought about myself recently. I have to have a sentinal Node Biopsy done on the 29th (with some plastic surgery thown in). I was diagnosed on the 12th August and it will be 2 1/2 months from being told that my malignant melanoma was 'aggressive' before having the procedure. It went through my mind what if cells have passed on through the sentinal node and gone on elsewhere? I expect it's a thought we have all had at some time. I'm afraid I don't have any answers but just wanted you to know you are not alone!
I just wonder myself about things like that. Then I ask myself "Have I had a scan?" Were there any mets found (cancers in other parts of the body). If not, there's the answer. Do you think cancer cells painting the town red wouldn't find a rich source of supply for their orgies? Of course they aren't going to hide for long. So be aware that it is possible, but any scan you have ought to root out the little blighters.
If you have or are going to have chemo, that should also knock them on the head, wherever they might be. Until they find somewhere to colonise and start setting up a support system for themselves, they are more vulnerable I would think. Check this with some of the experts here, and certainly with your oncologist next time you see him/her. No question is too stupid for them to answer. If they are stumped, it wasn't a stupid or mad question.
Congratulations your nodes are free and clear. How lucky you are! Your treatment will be more tolerable and chances of long term survival should be excellent. Its easy for me to tell you not too worry, and I know its easier said than done, but please try not to create new things to worry about. Ask your docs, but its not a typical response with cancer and that's probably all they will be able to tell you. Hang in and take time to celebrate your good fortune of cancer free nodes. Many are not so lucky as you. Best, Lori
