Positive sentinel node biopsy and axillary node sampling- radiotherapy or axillary clearance?

Hi Daisy03 don’t really understand why they are leaving the choice to your Mum, surely they are in the position to have a better understanding. I had 2 out of 4 sentinel nodes positive but they recommended I have full auxiliary clearance, not sure yet on the chemo but depending on whether any of my auxiliary nodes are positive I’ll need a full CT scan. I know there has been research into whether it’s of equal benefit to have radiotherapy instead of clearance but I would have thought they would have done it anyway. As I said I find it strange that they’re giving you the choice. 

That’s what I’m confused about as well. Initially they didn’t and at the oncology appointment they asked us. I’m just so confused. They said they can’t do radiotherapy to the clavicle etc, but the radiotherapy should kill the axillary cancer  cells 

I think it may be because you were her2 positive, as if this was the case they did say they will discuss the axillary clearance. 
but still- as it’s two nodes I’m really confused

Hi it turned out the positive HER2 result was wrong I’m actually HER2 negative, I found this out before the auxiliary clearance.

I’m just really confused and stressed out. I’m not too sure what to do

I would be confused and stressed out to, it would be easier if they explained why they aren’t just doing the clearance. If the oncologist said it makes no difference whether you go for clearance or radiotherapy to the auxilia the outcome is the same, then the best one would be radiotherapy as no more surgery but she has to give concrete evidence to you as after all she’s the oncologist.

She said it would give a better picture as they’d know if other nodes are affected and would be ablE to do radiotherapy to the neck if there are any other Positive nodes. But she said there’s only a small chance 

And radiotherapy with hormone therapy will have same outcome

But not sure about the evidence 

Hi Daizy03 

I know this thread is from a few months ago but I wondered what the outcome had been for you?

I was diagnosed in December ( grade 3 invasive lobular)and initially told plan would be surgery and radiotherapy only as chemo would be ineffective , also told ultrasound to axillary nodes was negative.

Had mri late December with consultant saying at next opa that ' surgery and radiotherapy still the way forward but that chemotherapy would ' be discussed '  ( tumour was found to be very large 8cm +)

I had a ct scan 4 weeks ago ( told results were negative to metastases) prior to a mastectomy 3 weeks ago diep reconstruction and sentinel node biopsy 

Have now been told sentinel node biopsy positive to cancer and will need axillary clearance and chemotherapy and still likely radiotherapy.  I understand the need for chemo if axillary nodes positive also but just wondered of anyone had had a similar experience  and whether it is likely the axillary nodes will be positive if negative on ultrasound in December 

 I am trying to be positive but can't help but have worrying thoughts at times :(