Axillary Node Clearance or Radiotherapy to nodes?

Hi Discomboobulated what an awful decision to make! I always think it so difficult when they give you options. I'd just rather they told me what was needed to be done. 

How did you get on with the BCN nurse? I hope she has managed to ease your worries, and helped you along with your decision. 

Hello Discomboobulated,

I hope things went well for you. Did you have the surgery in the end? 

I've had mastectomy on left side and lymph nodes out. 7 had cancer. I'm having radiotherapy next. You don't have scarring on your arm, they must go in near armpit. I have some numbness and can't feel deodorant as I spray it, but I'm doing exercises and am OK. Please get them removed. My opinion is get cancer removed from wherever it is. I don't think I'm going to die, so neither should you. We are having a horrid time but will get through it xxxx

I’m so confused. 
the bcn called with the results and said mdt said no chemo as low onco score. And said radiotherapy.

I asked about axillary clearance and she said it’s not needed and it wasn’t mentioned. A month later, had oncology appointment. The oncologist was confused and thought axillary clearance was done. I had to be Assertive and said it was not done. They called the surgeon and then found out it was actually axillary sampling, and 2 out 6 had cancer- macro with extra capsular spread.

they said they should have offered the surgery, but radiotherapy and hormone treatment should kill cells if there are any. Also has mastectomy.  
so now I’ve been trying to get hold of surgeon but it’s been difficult and now they said he is on annual leave. So I am confused… very confused. As feel like time is being wasted 

How many lymph nodes did they remove for you? Did you first have sentinel node biopsy 

Hi Daizy03,

Sorry for the late reply - I work for myself from home and have been studiously avoiding emails this week as I'm off for a few days having had my second round of chemo.

I did have the surgery in the end and glad I chose that option as they discovered 4 more lymph nodes out of 28. I was given the 'option' of chemo (even though my oncotype score was low) which after a lot of anxiety I chose to do. I was utterly terrified by it but after having a clear CT scan was convinced by my fantastic oncologist that this would be a sensible 'belt & braces' approach. She is tailoring the treatment to minimise any affects on my life and work which so far, I'm happy to say, has been the case.

Back to the axillary clearance - it was a more challenging operation to recover from. Although I sailed through the actual op and was home the same day - the drain was a bit more of a challenge and a couple of fluid seromas had to be drained. Plus I got some cording but with vigilant massage etc have managed to deal with all that and now nearly normal - 10 weeks on. 

I really feel for you - it's so confusing and worrying isn't it? I'm also learning that everyone's cancer is utterly unique so I'm sure that whatever you choose or are advised to do will be right. I still ask myself would I have been better off just having the radiotherapy? But I'm on a different route now so will persevere.

I was helped a great deal by (and not sure I should mention this on here) the Breast Cancer Now Helpline - the wonderful nurse I called when I was feeling bewildered by the chemo choice and general cancer fears was amazing. I talked to her for about hour - absolutely worth her weight with clear info and an incredibly sympathetic ear. As good as any counsellor.

It is a horrid time but try to stay calm and take each step at a time - that's my main mantra. Not easy though is it?!

Take care x