Positive Internal Mammary Node

AnnBR

In April, I was diagnosed with a local, regional recurrence of B/C when my PS removed an enlarged internal mammary lymph node as he was performing my DIEP procedure. Pathology confirmed 'a single lymph node containing metastatic adenocarcinoma measuring 9.5 mm'. I am now on Femara and will have infusions of Zometa every six months. I am under the care of two MOs ( long story) and both have indicated the cancer has a significant chance of returning, either locally or distantly. I recently saw my local MO who told me to remain positive as 'the cancer was found, the cancer was removed and you had the proper radiation treatments'. When I asked about chemo, she told me it would only decrease my chances by a small amount and it would be better to play that card later. I would like to connect with others who've been diagnosed with a positive IMN.

Thanks!

Ann

LovieLovie

Hi AnnBR - I'm sure you don't feel 'lucky' that it was found during surgery but mine are considered inoperable as the location is considered too difficult to reach.  I would hope for your sake that monitoring by frequent scans and CA blood tests will give you some peace of mind. 

Morwenna

Sorry to hear of your recurrence, but this is something I find hard to stop stressing about too. 

I am waiting for bilateral flap reconstruction surgery following right PMx (provisional date in Jan), and I have been developing lumps on my mastectomy (left) side since the spring. I had a benign biopsy in March, but have got lumpier since then. I want to be sure there is nothing going on as I don't think I would put myself through the trouble of my planned recon if there is! Ultrasound apparently showed nothing, but most of my original tumour was not visible on mammo/ultrasound, so I have requested an MRI, which is booked forOct 22.

For now, I'm finding it hard to think about anything else. I also have a cough so I am of course worrying about lung mets too!! (Would MRI of chest wall reveal lung mets and enlarged IM nodes too??? 

I was wondering, if they start recon and find recurrence, do they just carry on?

Hard to imagine this fear will ever end!

AnnBR

Thank you lovie and morwenna for responding. I was diagnosed with stage I IDC in Nov. 2012. I had a BMX, was put on Tamoxifen and did not give cancer another thought. Imagine my surprise when this was found almost a year and a half later. I too, have a slight, dry cough and a tightness in my lungs. I called my local MO last week who ordered a few tests including a CAT scan, lung X-Ray, an EKG and some blood work. All came back negative but she ordered two more tests on Monday. Trying hard not to let this consume me.

Ann

Morwenna

Did you have radiation after the IM node was removed Ann?

Actually the radiation itself can cause lung symptoms such as your dry cough and chest tightness. Radiation pneumonitis. 

AnnBR

Morwenna, my 30 radiation treatments consisted of a fixed beam and rapid arc therapy. My RO used a deep breath technique to help protect my heart and lungs. When this began happening to me I thought it was probably a SE of radiation. I see my MO tomorrow so I will ask about radiation pneumonitis. 

Thanks,

Ann

tangandchris

I have a question about internal mammary node dx. What were your symptoms? Did you feel it enlarged or was it picked up on a scan? I have been dealing with inflammed internal mammary node on my non-cancer side. Dr's want to take a watch and see approach, but I worry some. I feel hardness sometimes throbbing. Anyway, just curious as I've had a hard time finding anyone with this issue. thx