Full node clearance v extra radiotherapy

Hi ruthie2,

You've obviously thought about this a lot and are probably going round in circles in your head. Your case is complicated too by Poland's syndrome, don't know anything about it but I can understand a weakness on one side. I'm ,2 weeks post op now and have still got swelling and bruising under my arm and across my chest where my mastectomy scar is. Also my left arm feels weak and numb. I've had an ache in my elbow since the op which is gradually getting better. Nurse says it's because they cut through nerves and they're healing. I suppose it takes time but I'm still glad I chose it over radiotherapy because psychologically I feel better knowing the nodes are out. About half had cancer cells and it's a relief knowing that cancer is not there anymore. I can also have radiotherapy as a backup after chemo if I need it. I was in hospital recently with someone who had a lumpectomy and radiotherapy and it came back after 5 years and she ended up having a mastectomy and is waiting to hear if she needs a node clearance too. I suppose there's no easy route except what feels right for you. The staying in hospital overnight for me felt comforting as I felt looked after and was able to have oxygen all night to get rid of the anaesthetic as quickly as possible. I have mild sleep apnoea so I stop breathing in my sleep at intervals. The staff were wonderful and sat with me in recovery for hours to make sure I was breathing properly. They were on hand with extra pain relief and gave me fluids too overnight. I'm glad I hadn't gone straight home. I have to live with the possibility of lymphedema but I'm told if you look after your arm you can avoid it. Good luck with your choice. It's not easy to make but if you find you can't make it yourself you can take the doctor's advice. They usually give you straight advice or a strong hint. Take care, love Babs xx

Hi , I had one of my two sentinel nodes end up  positive (they looked negative on ther ultrasound), and while to my surgeon about which of the two options,  He checked with ther radiologist,  but because I'd had a mastectomy, because the clearance is slightly more effective, and because I wanted to know exactly what was there I went for the clearance. Afterwards i learned that he'd removed all three levels (most take only the first two levels) which involves moving a lot more around to get to them. When I woke up it was stinging a bit so they put me on the ward with the idea I might stay the night,  but he asked for the top bandage to be removed and thr stinging immediately stopped, and decided I could go home later that day.  I also mentioned to the anaesthetist how dizzy I was after my mastectomy,  and he mixed up a different anaesthetic for me which was really good. The only negative was a headache the next morning. I did ther exercises for week 1 mastectomy plus some that other hospitals give after clearance,  and within  two weeks could had almost full movement again. I massage the arm most days,  and slept with it on a pillow for the first month or so as well. 

Good luck with your decision right way. X

Hi I've had full node clearance. Back in the olden days it was always full node clearance.
I initially had a bit of an issue with lymphedema but I learnt what I could do and how to avoid it ( I found cleaning the cooker made it really bad ; ). It seems to have settled and I don't wear sleeves any more.
The armpit/ shoulder can get tight even now but yoga sorts that.
I am very aware that an infection in my hand could be a major problem. So I do all I can to avoid being bitten, never have injunctions or blood tests or blood pressure done on that arm.
I hope that helps.
I've just had surgery on the other breast and sentinel nodes removed. I must admit I was very worried they might need to do full clearance again.
I had 20 sessions of radiotherapy last time, no chemo, with minimal side effects.
I'm off tomorrow to be marked up this time for 15. I'm more concerned this time because it's the left side.
Good luck

Thanks ladies, I really appreciate that you took the time to reply,

Londonmum, my nodes were clear on the ultrasound too, yet 3 out 4 had cancer, that in itself worried me! Are you having radiotherapy as well?

babs and silverberg- thanks, that reassures me in favour of the surgery. It’s really the threat of lymphedema I’m most concerned about.

Silverberg I’m having rads after chemo ,on my left side too, sorry I’m being thick, why are you concerned?

Did anyone choose radiotherapy over node clearance?  

Thanks xxx

I had a mastectomy with clear margins and the only positive node was removed at the same time as my mastectomy,  so no radiotherapy on the breast. I had TARGIT (where a radioactive ball is placed inside during my anxillary surgery and left for between 15-30 minutes depending on the circumstances) so don't need any external radiotherapy to the armpit either.  It's unusual, as it's normally done during a lumpectomy,  but the surgeon who invented it works at our hospital. X

Hi Ruthie2,

A quick update on surgery. After 3 weeks and doing exercises 3 times a day I have lots of movement back in my arm. The top down to the elbow is quite numb but that doesn't stop me using it. I had aching in my elbow but that stopped after a week. I get tingling feelings there often because the nerves are trying to settle but no pain, just tenderness. The melon feeling under my arm has gone down to a golf ball feeling. Everything healing nicely. I think Silverberg is concerned about left side because it's near her heart. I'm also concerned that my radiotherapy will be on my left side and will damage my heart.

Babs x