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Second lumpectomy and armpit lymph node removal

Shel1007
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Hi

i had second surgery on 27/12 to remove additional breast tissue ( clear margins were close)and remaining lymph nodes in my arm due to diagnosis of invasive lobular breast cancer.

I have just had a telephone call confirming the additional lymph nodes were all clear but the additional breast tissue showed some cells - I can’t recall the words used but I think it meant that Shrugre were some small cells or markers in the further tissue removed. I have been told the good news is the lymph nodes were clear but I don’t know if this now means I should ask for a mastectomy - have another lumpectomy or start treatment and then possibly more surgery - can you help me understand this ? Thank you 

  • Hi Shel1007

    Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the online community. My name is Kathryn and I’m one of the Macmillan cancer information nurses.

    I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis of Invasive lobular breast cancer. As your team said it is good that they have not found cancer cells in your lymph nodes but the discovery of some cells in the additional tissue that they have taken will mean that further treatment will be needed.

    It is most likely that following a discussion by the multidisciplinary team (MDT) you will be asked to make a treatment decision. Whether this is to have further surgery to ensure there are clear margins or whether they will offer chemotherapy or radiotherapy will be based on all the information that the team have. As we don’t have access to medical records it’s difficult to know what the options will be.

    I would suggest that you get in contact with your breast care nurse so that you can discuss the information you were given and what your likely options are. You may find these questions helpful in guiding your conversation.

    I hope this information helps. Please feel free to get back in touch if you want more information or support.

    Best wishes,

    Kathryn

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

    Ref: KR/Lrob

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