Radiations needed with one positive node

scaredashell07

I am finishing up my chemo at the end of March. I have a doctors appointment with the radiation oncologist next week. My surgery showed that I had one positive lymph node. I was told it on my report which was not discussed with me until I started my chemo with my oncologist that I have LVI. I still don't know if that means in the lymph node or where the tumor was. Because of that they seem to think that I need radiation where is originally the surgeon didn't think that I did the L VI I guess gives me a higher chance of recurrence and metastatic cancer. I don't know what to think. Has anyone been told same. One node positive usually means no rads but they seem to think because of the LVI I will need it. And also is the prognosis that much worse with LVi.

scaredashell07

I guess I'm asking of the LVI refers to the Tumor area in the breast? Or could The LVI be related to tbe lymphnode and the invasion into the blood vessels in by the lymph node.

pupmom

I'm not sure what you mean when you say that one node usually means no rads? People with invasive bc, who get a lumpectomy, usually have rads regardless of node status. The presence of LVI would just increase that possibility. But, if you had a mastectomy, rads are not USUALLY indicated. There are exceptions.

BG46TN

I have no advice about your specific case, but I wanted to share my story, I have NO positive nodes and I"m having a double mastectomy in April and had a tumor smaller then 5cm all those things should mean NO radiation...but my MO and RO are requesting it for me...they say I fall into a "gray area" since I"m borderline they would rather me get it to catch any stray cells that could be floating around. It sucks....I was really hoping I wouldn't need it and all my research said I wouldn't...

but I am also triple negative and have the BARD1 gene...so they say because of those 2 they think I should also get rads to prevent reoccurance etc.

gb2115

I had one positive node and was given radiation to the lymph nodes, both the ones under my arms and the ones up near the collar bone.