Sentinel lymph node biopsy question

Hi

I also had a sentinel lymph node biopsy. My surgeon remove 3 nodes. It took a couple of weeks fir the results which is i found fairly stressful waiting for the results, but you just have to be patient. 

I also had the radioactive fluid injected prior to the biopsy, I believe thus helps to locate the nodes but dos not give them any results as to if cancer is present, hence having to wait until they have been tested.

I had my biopsy along with my masectomy surgery in December 2024, I initially had some swelling after my surgery but that has subsided now, my armpit however is still numb, its strange putting on deoderant when you can't feel it.

When my results came back I had 2 clear lymph nodes and 1 positive cancer lymph node.

I am currently going through chemotherapy, I was not given an option for this. But I did have a choice regarding the lymph nodes. I could either of had more surgery to remove all the remaining auxilly lymph nodes or I could have radiotherapy. 

Statistically my consultant said the results for both are the same. So basically 1 treatment doesn't give better results for the cancer than the other.

However you are much less likely to suffer with lymphdema of the arm with radiotherapy than the node clearance.

I opted for radiotherapy due to being my right side, which is my dominant side, I personally did not want to have odema. 

Radiotherapy may damage my reconstruction, but I believe this can fixed later down the line if it does.

For me personally my arm was more important to me than my boob. So I will cross that path when it comes to it, as radiotherapy is next on my treatment plan.

I hope in some way this helps you, I wish you all the best with your journey. 

Don't be afraid to ask your consultant questions and get opinion as well for what they think is your best option.

Hi there. I had bilateral sentinel node biopsies at the same time as a bilateral mastectomy, without reconstruction (I already knew I would need radiotherapy on the breast cavity and it can damage any reconstruction). 3 nodes were removed from both sides.

2 out of 3 were positive on one side, 1 on the other.

I had several physio appointment following my surgery and I made sure I followed the daily arm exercises I'd been given to help mitigate the risk of lymphodema...have you been given the leaflet on those produced by Breast Cancer Care?

Same as Blueberry Muffin, I discussed auxiliary node removal or extra radiotherapy with my consultant, and once I'd considered the stats and the increased risk of lymphodema, also opted not to have extra surgery which was his recommended action.

I'm pre-menopausal so just started mandatory chemotherapy before my radiotherapy.

Good luck with your results.The waiting is always horrible, but I say keep talking to your breast cancer nurse about your concerns...mine has been a tower of strength for me xx

I wasn’t told anything at all after my surgery until the results appointment. Had no clue how many had been taken until four weeks later when they told me they had removed and tested four. x 

Hi, thanks for that. I’m scared of chemo but I know my oncologist is in favor of it. I’m thinking even if they find one positive and one negative, I may not select chemo and just go for radiotherapy and tamoxifen therapy. I’m 50 but barely pre-menopausal as I have no obvious symptoms of coming remotely close to menopause yet.  

Why weren’t you given a choice about chemo? Nic W also mentioned that not all nodes were positive which means most likely the cancer was removed and radiotherapy would get rid of the small cells for preventative measures. I‘m just trying to understand if I land in the same boat and want to be prepared when I speak with my oncologist. 

While in hospital for the partial mastectomy 2 weeks ago,  I was visited by a physiotherapist and given a leaflet for breast exercises but we never spoke about sentinel lymph node biopsy because at the time it wasn’t a necessary topic. I spoke with the nurse before my lymph node biopsy and she said to do nothing and let it heal which I think is strange because wouldn’t increased blood flow assist drainage?