How does cancer spread

suebak

Have IDC, had lumpectomy a month ago, doctor says clean margins, negative nodes.  My question is, can cancer spread if the lymphe nodes are negative.  I have been having pain in my arms and legs. Of course, I am convinced the cancer has spread.   I see my onco tomorrow, I am going to ask for a pet-scan.

hrf

Cancer can spread even if lymph nodes are negative. If doctors knew exactly how or why it spreads, they might be able to find a cure

pixelsupply

The pain in your arms and legs may be a side effect of treatments or if you are on hormone therapy. Best to talk to your doctor.



Take care

leaf

We all want to be ready for whatever is on our path.

Yes, breast cancer can spread if the lymph nodes are negative.  Breast cancer can spread through the blood.  Many things can happen.  Sometimes unlikely things happen, but unlikely things happen much less frequently than likely things.

Scientists have suspected that for most (not all, but most) women with breast cancer, breast cancer has been in their breast for some 5-10 years before it can be detected by *any* means (including palpation, mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI.)  ****IF***** you have a breast cancer that has metastasized, it can metastasize at year 2, which is before it can be detected.   Other women have metastases much, much later.  And, of course, many women never have metastases, particularly for early stage breast cancer.

I know this is very scary.  Holding my hand out to you.

jteach

suebak,

You have a very early stage ancer with no lymph node involvement.  Everything that's been said is true, but YOUR chances of recurrence are  slim.  Be peaceful and move forward.  The truth is we could be hit by a bus tomorrow, one never knows.  I wish I had your stats!

Janice 

  

ma111

The first thing we think is; has the cancer spread. Other things can go wrong with us. If your onc doesn't know why your are having pain in both arms and legs, see your family doctor. Cancer usually doesn't hurt until it is late stage. Non steroid antiinflamatories may be helpful for you, aleve/motroin.