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

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Hi Everyone,

I got diagnosed with BC in July 2023.

I had lumpectomy and full LN clearance in Aug 2023.

I started chemo in Oct 2023 - currently working through 12 Paclitaxel (10 down so far), then EC.

Followed by radiotherapy, then ovary suppressant /aromatase inhibitor.

I had a CT scan that was requested by my GP about 2 months ago, as I had a reactive LN in my groin. I saw the Oncologist approx 6 wks ago who gave me the results of my CT scan, that it was clear the LN's in the groin. Between her giving me the results and my latest appointment my CT results were able to access on NHS app. It says there are a small volume of right axillary LN's seen that do not appear significant. Then mentions about LN's on the left had side which appear to be fatty hila. I queried this with her today... How does the report say I have LN's in my right armpit when I've had a full clearance???

She says she needs to order a repeat CT scan, I said what will happen if there are still LN's there? She said I will need to get referred to a surgeon.

My concern is; what if these LN's had cancer in? Of the 28 that where removed it was reported on the pathology 2 where macrometastasis and 1 was a micrometastases. Obviously I have had some chemotherapy but I am concerned if they where a full LN involvement and it has not been removed where potentially it may have completed got rid of the cancer or just shrinked it in a remaining LN. If I will need further chemotherapy again??

Has anyone else ever had this happen?

I can't believe how many months have passed and I am getting told this now.

Many thanks everyone.

Jennyk over 2 years ago in reply to cuffcake2000

Hi cuffcake2000 I had an ultrasound today, unfortunately there are two lymph nodes remaining that werent removed. The radiographer said they were reactive but thinks it's because of my treatment. She has biopsied them today. Just horrible to have this hangover my head over Christmas when I thought I was so much further on.

Much love x

cuffcake2000 over 2 years ago in reply to Jennyk

Hi Jennyk, oh no that’s not good. From what I have heard I don’t think surgeons can see all the lymph nodes because they are hidden in the tissue and that the pathologist is the one who can tell how many are found when they dissect the tissue. I wondered if they will do another op or let the chemo and radiotherapy kill off any cells that are there (if there are any). I hope you get the results a.s.a.p. It is awful having to wait for results and at this time of year too. Fingers crossed you can get immersed in Christmas with your family to help take your mind off things.
Have you had all your chemo and radiotherapy? Or are you still having chemo cycles? I had 8 cycles and then 15 days of radio after I had had my surgery.

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x

Jennyk over 2 years ago in reply to cuffcake2000

Hello,

Yes what usually happens is, they have marker points... For example if you had the arm... So there's the elbow at one end and the wrist at the other. So the surgeon knows when they have reached both ends the bit in between is the bit to take out where all the lymph nodes are for that part. If that makes sense? Your right over the pathologist, they are the one's who count how many there are.

Yes still on chemo at the moment, 12 tomorrow. Then I go on to another drug for 2 months then radiotherapy. This could change things though so I don't know. Then I'm due for radiotherapy at the end.

Thank you, hope you have been ok since your treatment and have a great Christmas.

Daisy53 over 2 years ago in reply to Jennyk

Hi Jennyk

Sorry to hear that. Hopefully things will turn out to be ok.2

Sending hugs xx

D\aisy53

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