Despite positive nodes, no more surgery?

determined3

hello everyone,

after my surgery, my bs said that b/c of the + node 1/3 she would be looking at more surgery--for me. then when i met with her and the onc 2 days after that convo. they said based on recent studies, there is no need to go back for more nodes. i will be doing chemo. 

now, i am not writing this to 'get out of' chemo. i will do what i have to do. nor do i want surgery..more surgery. i just wonder HOW they know it is okay not to go back for more nodes. i guess the study answers those ?s, but it is strange that i actually would feel better if they tested more nodes. i feel like if i am going with full chemo, then i want to do my best to make sure that EVERY damn thing is gone? i know that they are docs/experts, but these are my feelings & thoughts.

can you please tell me your exp or thoughts?

thanks.

Curlylocks

Hi determined,

I would be a little leary of these studies that they are talking about.  I understand that you dont want to have any unneccessary surgery.

I would wonder since they only took out 3 nodes and one was positive why they wouldnt go back in to sample more just to be sure and then onto chemo.

This is your life, you are young and want to be as aggressive as possible the first time around and you have the right to question anything about your medical care. If I were in your shoes I would seek a 2nd opinion but I am not a doctor....

Michele

dlb823

determined, I posted on your other thread about this, but here's a more indepth explanation of that recent study:

http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/news/oncology-hematology/single-article/axillary-lymph-node-dissection-doesn-t-improve-breast-cancer-survival/0b39f2b224.html

The docs on this research team were out of MDAnderson, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and other highly respected institutions.  I know it's a HUGE change from what we've believed until now, but the research sounds very reputable.  A second opinion, as Michele suggested, is also an excellent idea.  Just be sure those docs are up on the latest research.  And, in the end, you can probably find someone to do axillary node dissection, if that's what you decide you want.     Deanna

dlb823

determined, I just came across a new thread entitled "Node Removal."  It's in the Alternatives Forum.  It's on the very subject of your question, and there are a couple of articles posted in it that you may find helpful.    Deanna