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FormerMember
FormerMember
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Hi,

I am 62, and diagnosed with  stage 1 breast cancer in  June. 

Had a lumpectomy and sentinel lymph nodes biopsy end July. The results showed cancer in these lymph nodes.

I now have option of removal of all lymph nodes or radiotherapy. 

The risk of lymphoedema puts me off the surgery, but will the radiotherapy guarantee getting rid of cancerous cells?

I don't  know what to do. 

  • There may be no cancer in the other nodes,  but the only way to find out is removal unfortunately:(   My nodes looked clear on the ultrasound but one had 6mm cancer cells.  I then had level 3 clearance and not a dot was found anywhere else. I asked about radiotherapy,  but there is a risk (albeit smaller) of lymphedema with that too.  Do you what grade your cancer was as that might be a factor in deciding?

    It's a tough one,  and clearance does affect most people in some way,  though so does radiation! I went for clearance as then I knew for sure,  but it's a personal choice...

    “Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet.  Stephen Hawking,
  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to Londonmumof2

    Grade 1 cancer. Surgeon was surprised it was in lymph nodes.

    How was your recovery after lymph node removal? 

    Do you mind me asking your age?

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi Janet, you are just a little bit younger than me I just had a clearance and it's a bit swollen and numb . I think it will always be numb under my arm I don't know yet if cancer in them as results not back until next week . I glad I had them taken away as the worry of all this has been the hardest part . The surgeon felt they didn't look right and so decided to clear them it's a risk but I'm glad she did that . It's a difficult decision to make take you time . Im so glad for you that your cancer was only stage 1 . 

  • Hi JanetW, I was 64 when I had all my axilla nodes removed with lumpectomy, October 2020, I also had radiotherapy, it is a bit swollen and will probably always be so, gets a bit sore, i had no choice so I can't help you there but either can give you lymphoedema I believe but the surgeon told me only about a third of women get lymphoedema.  Hope that helps.  Love from Ann