Biopsy & Very Worried

CarolynT

My sister had a yearly ultrasound that showed a 2.5cm localized mass. Which they are sure is cancer. The doctor stressed is was caught early. She is going in next week for a biopsy of the mass and a sentinel lymph node biopsy When the doctor gave her a physical exam he said he felt a lymph node under her arm. Is this bad? What if the SLNB shows lymph node involvement. Can she still be helped? I am really worried now.

mkkjd60

I'm sorry about your sis, Carolyn. But she absolutely can be helped if it is cancer. Treatments range from lumpectomy to mastectomy, from hormonal therapy to chemo to radiation. And, of late, there have been new drugs added to the arsenal. Even if it is in the nodes, there is good reason to be optimistic. If you are like me, you just jump to the worst case scenario. Take a deep breath. It really is a marathon, not a race, so don't become all-consumed at this point or you will find yourself overwhelmed and mentally and emotionally exhausted. I will keep you and your sister in my prayers. Please let us know. Mary

CarolynT

Thank You

SummerAngel

As Mary said, positive lymph nodes are not a reason to panic. Look around the board and you will see that many women with positive lymph nodes are doing great. That said, my doctors felt enlarged nodes on both sides when I was diagnosed. They weren't able to biopsy before surgery because of close proximity to blood vessels. As you can see, I ended up having no positive nodes after all. Your sister could be the same.

CarolynT

Thank you for your reply!