Has anyone had a full axillar clearance but the surgeon failed to remove all the lymph nodes?

Hi Jennyk

Sorry to hear that you were diagnosed with breast cancer and that it appears as if your surgeon hasn't removed all the lymph nodes in your right armpit.  While I haven't had it happen to me I noticed that you haven't had any replies yet so I thought I'd reply to you to move you to the top of the discussion.  Hopefully someone will be along shortly with an answer for you.

Wishing you the best of luck with the repeat ct scan and hopefully that will clear things up for you.

Best wishes

Daisy53

Thanks so much Daisy53, I know, I googled it last night and so far can't find anyone else this has happened too.  I really just hope it was a mistaken on the person who was reporting the last CT scan. 

Many thanks,

Jenny 

Hi Jennyk, I had a full axillary clearance up to level 3 which is the highest level that can be reached surgically. I had 10/14 positive for cancer. I still have nodes beyond that and if they were involved then the chemo that I have had hopefully would have treated them along with the radiotherapy. It may depend how high up the nodes are that were seen on the ct scan. Maybe it could be something else. It might be worth contacting your surgeon to discuss things and hopefully he/she would be able to help and give advice. 

Wishing you all the best.

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x

Hi, 

Thanks so much for replying. I know I just worry the fact I then waited from July when I found out to October before I started my chemo... If there where any cancer cells that have floated about.  Hopefully the chemo may have rid them, but it also could have just shrank any tumours instead and it could be micrometastases which may not necessarily show up on CT scan.  I asked my oncologist and she agreed if it was micrometastases it would not show up on CT scan.

May I ask did your Consultant inform you that they were unable to reach the other nodes? There was no mention of this to me, just the total that they removed.  I also have all my hospital records and there is no mention that they were unable to rid any of them either.

I feel like I've calmed down a bit now.  I feel like the first few days of getting this news my anxiety was extremely heightened.  I just have to sit back now and wait unfortunately until Jan when Ian have a repeat CT scan at the earliest and they will do an ultrasound scan additionally

Hope you have been ok since @cupcake2000

I'll have all my fingers and toes crossed for Jan.  Even if they are remaining, it mentions in my first CT scan report (not the last) the reactive lymph nodes are in the bottom of the axillar.  So ithese are higher up, at least I'd feel a bit more optimistic  x

 cuffcake2000  *type sorry x

Hi Jennyk, my surgeon said she removed all that she could. From what I understand she was able to get as far up as collar bone but can’t get beyond that. My scar is at the bottom of my armpit and come up and round in the crease area. It’s quite long and I think it is at the bottom of the axillary area. 
I wish you all the best for your scan in jan. Please let us know how you get on. I hope all is ok and that it isn’t lymph nodes. 
Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x

Glad your consultant was open and honest with you what they were/weren't able to remove.

The breast clinic phoned me a few days ago, I'm having an ultrasound scan this up coming Monday . At least it should shed some light before Christmas. I've tried to palpate, I can't feel anything but it's very difficult as I have a very thick band of cording.

Will let you all know how I get on .   x 

Hi Jennyk, for the cording I understand the arm exercises we are given after surgery to do should help. Have you spoken to your breast care nurse about it? She maybe able to refer you to someone for extra help. Yes please let us know how you get on with your ultrasound. I have my fingers crossed for you that all is ok.

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x

Hello, 

Yes I did the exercises meticulously after surgery.  I then later developped the cording some time later.  I spoken to the breast care nurse about it who advised me to continue with the arm exercises which I did and advised on massage/pain relief and to try and snap the cords.  To be honest, I tried to snap them once but the thought of it just went through me lol.

I have full mobility with my arm, it's only when I do a full stretch do I experience a tightening but I can life with that. 

Thank you, Ill let you all know how I get on  x