Lymph nodes removal

Hello Peoni42

I had a lumpectomy followed by a second op to get clear margins.  During the first operation a process called OSNA was used which showed cancer in one lymph node and abnormal cells in another, so the decision was made to remove all the lymph nodes.  There was nothing else in any of the other lymph nodes.  There is a risk of lymphodeama after node removal.  So far I have not had any problems.  I do massage three times per day as advised by my surgeon.  I also had chemotherapy and radiotherapy.  The chemotheraphy had to be stopped as I had a severe reaction to docetaxel which put me in hospital for best part of a month.  The radiotherapy was a short course of five treatments over five days.  I am recovering well although I no longer have the strength in my arms that I used to have.  

The treatment that you choose is your decision but it might be an idea to have a talk with your oncologist and see what he or she says.  Good luck with making this difficult decision and I hope that your treatment goes well and that you have a good cancer free life ahead.  Take care.

This is a tough one I too was advised to have nodes removed because one had cancer but after surgery all were clear and i too have limited strength in my arm didn't have chemo but had 5 radiotherapy as a mop up to kill any signs of cancer, it is your choice but i would have a word with your BC nurse, kind regards

Hi 

Thank you for your response. It certainly is a difficult decision to make. Probably because you get swept along by the speed of everything. Which of course I am grateful for. The most important decision really is do I put myself at significant risk by not having the surgery and opting for the radiotherapy.  I wish all the best in your journey 

Hi Peoni42

I had mastectomy 4 weeks ago with sentinel lymph node biopsy.  Got my results today which identified that 2 of the 3 nodes had cancer and was advised that I would need further axillary node clearance.  I requested that radiotherapy be considered instead of surgery  The consultant advised that this would be discussed with the radiotherapist as there was good evidence and trials to suggest that radiotherapy was an effective alternative to surgery with less risk of complications.  I am hopeful that this can be undertaken as I was dreading more surgery.  It would definitely be worth asking your doctor.  Good luck.

Hi Rock lobster 

Thank you so much for responding. I have looked into the research carried out and the margins for radiotherapy as opposed to surgery is little between them. I have asked to be put forward for radiotherapy as an alternative in the hope that I will be able to continue my life without the side effects. Good luck x

I had full node clearance with mastectomy in Feb.  Side effects are numbness under the arm, not as much strength but I cannot yet tell how permanent that is.   It hasn't stopped me running, cycling etc.  I'm now out of chemo and I think my pain and dexterity is worse bit I think and hope that this is temporary.   I know the numbness will remain.