Axilla radiation needed if ALND?

oaktownmom

I just had my first meeting with my radiation oncologist. She is recommending radiation to the whole breast and the clavicle region, but said it's not necessary in my case to radiate the axilla because I had an ALND and all the axilla nodes were removed. I'm all for not over treating, especially given the lymphedema risks involved with axilla radiation, but wondered if others have gotten this same recommendation. I'm finishing up an aggressive chemo regimen now, and will start Tamoxifen right away, so just trying to figure out this last piece of the treatment puzzle. Would appreciate your collective wisdom!

Elizabeth1889

Were any of the lymph nodes positive?  I had ALND with one positive lymph node.  My RO radiated the axilla.  Every RO is different.  Please ask questions of the doctor until you feel comfortable with your treatment.

mom2twins34

I had ALND with all lymph nodes removed also.  My RO chose radiation to the breast area, axilla and supraclavicular region.  I was hesitant (actually, I walked into the appointment planning to refuse to do radiation! ) to do any of it because of what I remembered of my late grandmother's (brain cancer) experience years ago.  But he insisted on all of it, including the axilla--just said that if he was going to be my doc, this was what we were doing because it would give me the best chance.  He's very well respected around here and has a great deal of experience, so I trusted him.  I did have many positive nodes.  I agree with Elizabeth about asking your doctor to elaborate (or maybe even get a second opinion) if you aren't comfortable with something.  

Best wishes...