New member introduction

Hi Ava27

I was diagnosed with TNBC in April this year and had a lumpectomy at the end of the month. Since then, I've been on chemotherapy and will finish with radiotherapy, probably in the new year. 

While having chemo I've talked to others who have breast cancer, and some have had surgery before chemo while others are having surgery after chemo.

Can I ask why you'd have your lymph nodes removed if there is no evidence of cancer in them? I had no evidence in the 2 sentinel lymph nodes that were removed and it was never suggested that they'd remove the remainder. I thought lymph nodes were only removed if there was evidence of cancer in them.

x

I have TNBC and had surgery first. I think it’s normally based on the size of tumour / suspicion of cancer in lymph nodes. The advantage of having chemo first is that they can assess whether the chemo is effective for your cancer, plus if it shrinks the tumour it makes it more likely that you can keep your breast. 

Hi, I had a 55mm lump and had chemo first, to reduce the lump. This worked well and I ended up only have a lumpectomy, much less invasive than if I'd had surgery right away. They removed 1 lymph node during surgery to biopsy it, and thankfully it came back clear so no spread. Best wishes 

Hi Ava27,  when i was diagnosed with breast cancer, they also found a lump under my armpit  in my lymph nodes. I had 20 weeks of chemotherapy from April/22. Chemo helped to shrink the tumour. I just had lumpectomy 3 weeks ago, two of my lymph nodes were removed and biopsy came negative , which is good news. I’m  due to start radiotherapy next week. The treatment plan may differ from one person to another I presume.

I would also  think the  research is a voluntary thing and there is no pressure to take part if you re not happy to do it?

I wish you all the best in your journey 

Hi Ava27

I was diagnosed in August 2022 TNBC 30mm grade 3 stage 2(no lymph node involvement). As I understood the protocol is all lumps over 20mm/2cm would start with neoadjuvant(before surgery) chemo in order to shrink the tumor... and there is a suspicion that over 20mm tumor would involve some nodes even if not enlarged yet. There also is a chance of Pathologic Complete Response after chemo that will increase your overall chances to some 95%(of no recurrence) but the goal is shrinking and chances are great either way.

Also if you have neoadjuvant chemo chances are lymph nodes will be cleared by chemo and you will avoid the removal of a big part of them. 

I have one more infusion Paclitaxel & Carbo out of 12 and will begin Epirubicin &...(forgot the name) in 3 weeks time. Chemo has ups and downs but it`s doable.

XO