Hi I just wanted to ask a question has anyone had all their lymph nodes taken out from their axillary armpit area and how have they been afterwards. Like has it caused them any problems.
Thank you for your reply bless you. Do you just get the numb feeling nothing else. Is it best to just have the ones that are required to remove would you say.
I have 2 rounds left of my EC then I get a month to just recover from chemo and surgery in November. I am just contemplating if it's best to have all the lympe nodes removed or just the ones that are needed. I don't want to have any other health problems later because of this.
Hi Txddybear, I had to go back for axillary lymph node clearance as cancer found in sentinel node on original surgery. They took 29 nodes, so all levels taken I believe, and found cancer in none of them. For me, I don't regret it because I like the certainty of knowing that no more nodes were affected. I have a numb patch at the back of my arm, but it's only noticeable if I go to scratch it etc. I also haven't had lymphoedema, however a friend of mine who had only five nodes out has suffered badly from a swollen arm. Bit of a lottery I guess. Unfortunately, they don't know how many nodes are affected until they are removed. Good luck with your decision x
Hi lullabelle thank you so much for your reply. So happy to hear you are doing well. Your right it's a gamble and also till they don't remove and test them they won't know if they have cancer in them or not.
When did you have yours removed. Has your treatment finished.
Had mine removed almost two years ago so yes treatment all finished for me, ended chemo and radio by end of August last year. It was an uncomfortable operation, a very odd feeling like I was carrying a book around under my arm, but after a month or so it was much better, I can hardly see the scar now and have no pain, but I know this is different for a lot of ladies. Obviously, it would have been lovely to have not needed it at all, but it didn't turn out that way for me. Maybe have a look at the risk factors for lymphoedema in making your decision? That was the thing that worried me most x
I had full auxiliary clearance. Cancer was in 2 nodes. 14 were taken. I don't regret it as it gave me peace of mind. 4 years later, I have no issues , hope this helps
Thank you Lullabelle will look at the risk factors. Really appreciate for all the advice. Just need to get through the last 2 rounds of the EC which I am not looking forward too.
Hi, I had several lymph nodes (can't remember how many) removed with lumpectomy 13 months ago and my left armpit and upper arm are still numb. What I find weird is shaving that underarm with no feeling and I can't tell if I've cut myself or not. Luckily hair regrowth is very sparse and barely noticeable now.
Hi I had a left breast mastectomy may this year with fill lymph node removal due to cancer cells. I was very numb for quite a bit but some feeling came back. Unfortunately I have Lymphedema in my arm, around my back and surgical site (mastectomy) Lymphedema clinic have provided padding to wear in my bra and a special sleeve. Yes my cancer has gone and I have to live with this but I am alive. I start Radiotherapy on Tuesday for a week due to the cells but onwards and upwards now. Xx
