Question about one node listed as N0(i+)

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ByFaith
ByFaith Member Posts: 270
edited June 2014 in Stage I Breast Cancer

Three years ago I was diagnosed with IDC stage 1 (T1c), grade 2, 1 cm (more accurately, at least 1.0 cm but less than 1.9 cm as it was removed in two sections during surgery to get clear margins).  I was told I was node negative after surgery.

Technically, one radioative SNL tested keratin-positive for < 10 possible cancer cells, and I can see on reports is categorized as T0(i+). My trusted breast surgeon and my oncologist said the T0(i+) was clinically insignificant and might not even have been cancer cells. The surgeon said if she had been concerned, she would have had the < .2mm keratin-positive node (< 10 cancer cells) removed. Perhaps it was removed; I'll have to ask. I do know the surgeon felt absolutely certain there was no need to go back and excise more lymph nodes. 

My surgeon and oncologist are very well regarded and respected, and when I ask them they always reassure me not to be concerned.

Would you be concerned? Since I always thought BC could metastasize regardless of node status, I suppose I'm overreacting, but just wondering what others think .... or if anyone else had a similar circumstance.

If it helps, after a lumpectomy, I required radiation, but no chemotherapy was needed. I've been on an AI for 3 years now. 

Thanks.

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