Removal of lymph nodes

Hi  I’d like to offer you a warm welcome to the Macmillan Online Community. I’m sorry to read about your diagnosis but you’ve come to the right place to talk to other people who have been or are in the same situation and help you get through this.

My cancer is different, but a cancer diagnosis of any kind makes us ask lots of questions, causes confusion, stress and probably emotions we’ve never experienced before.  I’m going to suggest you join our Breast cancer group, this will be a good place to connect with others making the same type of cancer journey.

It’s always helpful to others if you write a little something (or a lot) about yourself and your journey to date. You can enter it into your profile (click on your username and select “Profile”) It’s helpful to other members with a similar diagnosis who can then hopefully answer your questions. It also means that you don't have to keep writing the same thing over and over. You can amend or update it at any time. 

To find more information covering diagnosis and treatments there are pages covering most types of cancers which can be found on our Online Information and Support Section. 

The Macmillan Support Services also offer lots of information, support, financial guidance or just someone to listen. It’s free to call 0808 808 0000. Most services are available 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week. Have a look by Clicking here to see what is available and we also have our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two to three working days for replies from our expert team.

Sending you welcoming hugs B xx

Hello Janet,

have you managed to decide? Same boat and not sure so stressed out 

Hi Daizy03.

I was stressed out for weeks.

I spoke to many professionals, asked many questions, and looked at studies.

I actually got a very informative email from  a Macmillan Information nurse specialist.

My final decision was radiotherapy only, which I am getting at the moment.

I am 62.

Whatever decision you make, will be the right one for you.

Take care

Xx

Thank you so much for your reply I really do appreciate. 
You spoke to many professionals? I’ve been going crazy looking on Google but the only study I found is one think it was amaros study. 
Did you call the Macmillan line for the information?

also how many positive nodes did you have and was it micro/macro?  You didn’t have chemo right?

Hi,

I spoke to a medical oncologist, my surgeon and  a radiation oncologist. They answered all my questions...of which there were many.

I sent a message via the "ask an expert" on the Macmillan site. 

I had 2 sentinel nodes removed, both had cancerous cells. Micro/macro....not heard this terminology.

My tumour was sent for Oncotype testing.  The results  of this advised that chemo was not needed. It was a tough 3 weeks of waiting. 

Xx

Thank you for your reply. It is very stressful isn’t it. Did you have radiotherapy to your neck/collarbone?

the oncologist  said she can’t do this unless more nodes are positive and only if clearance is done they will know. 

My radiotherapy is to the breast area and underarm (axilla).

X

Thank you Janet, did you have mastectomy or lumpectomy?

im just still so confused and so worried. The nhrse called with the results and when I asked her about the axillary clearance she said it wasn’t mentioned in the mdt and don’t need it. 
But when we had the oncology apppintmeng the oncologist apologised and said they should’ve offered you- but both treatments offer similar results. 
the oncologist thought clearance was already done and nearly convinced me it was done! But I asked again, and they called the surgeon and the surgeon confirmed clearance was not done. Axillary sampling was done. 
so, I am confused as to why the other nurse said something else and now the oncologist is saying something else. I am worried Incase in the mdt they thought that clearance was done

Oh dear...how very confusing and upsetting for you.   Am glad to hear the surgeon confirmed the situation.

I had a lumpectomy and 2 sentinel nodes taken. When the results came back, and cancerous cells found in the 2 nodes, I was offered full clearance plus radiotherapy or radiotherapy only. 

I was sent away with a leaflet about lymphoedema,  and asked to make a decision. I thought this was bad. 

X

I know I’m very upset and very confused

they said radiotherapy wouldn’t be given to the axilla if the clearance is done