Bad News, Found out I needThird surgery afterMastectomy?

Anonymous

Bad News, Found out I needThird surgery afterMastectomy?

Houston2016

Hello, I completed my Neoadjuvant chemo from April to September 01; had a left breast MX, on 10/5/16, and a reexcision on 10/24 due to positive margin. The PATH also stated LVI, so the OC, BS, recommended radiation. During surgery the BS only took out two SNL and test showed no lymph nodes tissues so he said they're negative chemo blasted them.

After surgery I consulted with OC and RO from MD ANDERSON and when the RO looked at the PATH report she said BS from Kelsey Seybold did not take any lymph nodes out, IDK why she said that even though PATH said specimen was taken...Now, a week after I went to see them, the RO from MD Anderson called my OC to let her know that I need to have more lymph nodes taken out?? My OC suggested I talk to the surgeon about this. I told her I just went through two surgeries in the span of 8 weeks with continuous fever and bad reaction to the antibiotics. I am not going to subject myself to more surgery because the guy screwed it up. I initially did not have a good impression about the BS. Why didn't the OC said anything to me about the PATH report? So more surgeries take out more lymph nodes for what ? Wouldn't radiation supposed to kill those lymph nodes? I'm exhausted with these doctors giving me the run around and they are more try to cover each other up than looking out for my care. Is there another alternative than surgery? Please I'm opened to any advice or suggestions. BTW, I do planned to talk to the BS on what's his take on the situation but I will definitely not have another surgery under him.

Jennie93

I would NOT agree to that, no way!!! You need a different doc! Even though I did have positive nodes, they told me that it is no longer standard practice to go back in and remove the rest. They radiate them instead, and it's actually better. And less risk of lymphedema.

Houston2016

Hi Jennie, that is what I think. I thought the purpose of removing the lymph nodes to see if there are any abnormal looking nodes and decide on treatment. Is there a standard number of lymph nodes needed to be removed? Did the BS screwed it up by taking only sentinel lymph nodes? Maybe I have to get a third opinion. Thanks.