Why no axillary clearance after positive sentinel nodes?

I would ask them why not. I thought it was standard to get rid of them as soon as one node is positive.. For my own case I had surgery the week after the node positive was discovered. They may have a reason but good to ask. Best of luck. 

Hi D01984

When I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer just over four years ago with lymph node involvement my surgeon didn't do a axillary clearance.  It might depend on  whichever hospital trust is looking after you.

Best wishes

Daisy53

One node positive here and no clearance. Three weeks of radiotherapy on boob and underarm area. There are risks involved in total node clearance so I think if they think they can avoid it they do. But that may be different in different hospitals 

I had 2 of 3 positive for macromets. Was offered clearance or radiotherapy. Apparently in most other European countries axillary clearance is no longer first line treatment. NICE clinical guidance states either option available for positive SNB. I was provided with information on trial data which shows no difference in prognosis between both treatment (10 year follow up) but less risk of lymphoedema with RT. I discussed with oncologist and we decided on15 sessions of RT - no clearance. 6 months on happy with decision. 
p.s I was also told decision re surgery/RT didn’t have to be made until after chemo.

Hi Da1984

I had my treatment 2021-22. Hormone neg, her+ with 1 node out of 3 positive. I did not have clearance. I had 3 weeks of radiotherapy. It took me a while to be comfortable with the decision as most people at the time seemed to have clearance. Also my oncologist said they’d be happy if I did neither which I thought was really odd but I didn’t question him at the time.

Hopefully your oncologist will clarify when you meet them.

Best wishes x

This is really interesting, thank you so much ️ 

From what you've said is pretty much what my nurse said when I called her aswell. 

Same with mine if I have clearance then it is discuss after chemo. Just so much info to try figure out

Thank you again and hope you're doing well! X