Surgeon Couldn't Find Lymph Nodes

Don't know if this helps. I had sentinel node and WLE 18months ago. The sentinel nodes did not take up the radioactive injection which I had prior to surgery so was unable to identify any sentinel node. I had auxillary node sampling instead which meant he took 5 nodes . 

Thank you for getting back to me.

I can only hope that some axillary nodes found there way in to the breast specimen.

Hoping all goes well for you.

Love and hugs

I had 30 lymph nodes removed, no dye was used. The student nurse who was in theatre said that part of the op was harder than the breast surgery. It does sound strange that they couldn't find them. It was only in 1 lymph node. 

Thank you for your reply.

I have had radiotherapy which may have shrunk them but unfortunately I have very little confidence in my surgeon any way so this is just additional concern

,All the best and love and hugs

Love n hugs right back at you. We have to believe somehow things are going right. I'm up and down just a bit paranoid. Today it's not raining, I might even dance outside with my group. 

You go for it!

I am in a similar position. Have TNBC. Had full course of chemo. Tumour almost disappeared and the one node involved went back to normal size. Had mastectomy and 4 nodes removed.  Turned out none of these were the affected node. Surgeon told me yesterday that if I had further surgery there was no guarantee she would find the node as it was so deep. She suggested I could have just leave it and go on to radiotherapy as planned.  I have to decide in 3 days. 

I have read that a SPECT/CT would be better at locatiing  deep nodes. I don't know if its is OK to ask about it as my surgeon did not mention it. 

I could do with some expert advice but don't knew who to ask

Hi

From what my surgeon has told me, radiotherapy is just as effective as node removal surgery, however this advice may only apply to my particular case, also with radiotherapy you have less risk of developing lymphodema. 

I had 1/3 nodes positive with cancer.

I also had a masectomy.

If you still have worries or are not feeling confident with your treatment plan, tell you consultant, ask her if you have any other options and get her to explain to you why she has chosen that treatment plan for you.

Thank you, Blueberry Muffin. That's helpful.

Please ask your oncologist whatever you want.  She will want you to do that.  Make a list of questions so you don't forget. Don't worry, just say what you feel. Best of luck!  xxx