Cancer in 1 Lymph node

Hi aly, 

I had to make the same decision, my tumour was 12mm & lymph nodes looked clear on scan however 1 out of 2 lymph nodes tested positive, I tortured myself for weeks on what would be the right decision however after about 3 conversations with breast cancer now & my breast nurse I chose radiotherapy over the clearance. 

you need to make the right decision for you, good luck xx 

Thank you - can I ask if that extended your radiotherapy time? How many sessions did you need over how long?

I’m pretty certain I will stick with the radiotherapy decision and I probably should have asked the consultant this but I was in a bit of shock xx

I had chemo as well afterwards as my tumour was grade 3, I had 15 sessions of radiotherapy which treated my underarm & collarbone, I asked my consultant if I could have both the clearance & radio on underarm area but he refused as I think this would be over treatment & much higher lymphodema risk, I was shocked too as nobody expected the positive node as found so early!     Xx

Thanks for replying so quickly - I agree re the shock. I was told stage 1 grade 2 found v early no evidence of anything in lymph nodes. I have to have radiotherapy on the original lump so was told they would do both at the same time but I think there are more sessions for the lymph nodes.

is you r treatment all finished now? Can I ask how you tolerated the radiotherapy? Sorry lots of questions xxp

Yes I finished my treatment around 4 weeks ago now I tolerated the radiotherapy really well, just slightly sunburnt looking towards the end, they give you cream to apply from your first session, yes I would think you would have the same amount of sessions as me 15 because of the positive node, don’t apologise for the questions I’m sure you will be absolutely fine too xx 

Hi Aly do you mind me asking which breast cancer you were diagnosed with? 

Hi Tilly

it was invasive ductal cancer - originally stage 1 grade 2. Consultant still said grade 2 today but I am guessing no longer stage 1 a sun the lymph node

Hi there.

So pleased to read your post as exactly the same thing has happened to me! 30mm tumour removed in nipple sparing mastectomy. Mri showed lymph nodes looked clear but when the biopsy of the sentinel nodes came back 1 out of 2 was affected. I have been asked to consider clearance surgery or radiotherapy. However I am also waiting for the oncotype test results to come back. This will determine whether I'd benefit from chemo.

Just don't know what to do x

Hi Sara

I know it’s a nightmare! I am also waiting for the oncotype to come back but I was very much left with the impression that if that suggests chemo that will be an as well as not an instead of.

I really wish it wasn’t down to us to choose but from what I have been reading I think I will stick with the radiotherapy plan xxx

Hi Aly yes your right it will be as well as, my consultant just said it may change the order in which they do things. 

My initial thought was get them out! But after reading the information I was given I, like you amswaying towards radiotherapy. 

I have started tamoxifen this week so at least the hormone therapy is underway. My cancer is ER+ invasive lobular carcinoma.

When are you expecting your results back? Xxx