Radiation after level 2 clearance? ?

rubyredslippers

Diagnosed in 2008, I had a lumpectomy amd snr.

Turns out that there was another sentinel node/s. So, I've now had one extracapsular node involvement but 16 more removed that were healthy.

I'm being told now to have 5 weeks of radiation. I'm scared that this increases my lymphodema risk to1 in 3.

Any advice would be appreciated!

Shellsatthebeach

My recommendation would be to set up an appointment with a lymphodema specialist. Even if you feel fine. I did and the specialist said I had slight lymph fluid in arm and trunk. When caught early, things can be reversed.

pupmom

I had 21 nodes removed in 2011, followed by 33 radiation treatments, and have no signs of lymphedema. My advice is that you worry more about the cancer coming back than lymphedema.

muska

HI Rubyredslippers, I am sorry you have to deal with this again. If you filled in your profile it would be easier to understand what happened. What treatment exactly did you have back in 2008? Radiation is usually recommended after lumpectomy, why didn't you have it in 2008? Are you being treated for a recurrence now?

With regards to lymphedema worries I second pupmom's comment above: you need to deal with cancer. Increased risk doesn't mean you will get lymphedema. I don't have it after BMX, chemo and a full course of rads in 2014.

Good luck!

rubyredslippers

Thanks everyone.

Muska, I had chemotherapy and radiotherapy in 2008. Had a lumpectomy and snr.

Came back in a node. Had three nodes removed,mthen had further surgery whivh was a level 2 axillary clearance.

Kathleen26

Were you told that your risk is that high? I had every level I and level II lymph node that they could find removed because they were all essentially matted together with cancer, and I followed that with 30 radiation treatments, with special attention to the axillary area. The rad onc said he went as high as he could without involving the brachial nerve. But they told me that my risk of lymphedema was 1 in 6. I know others may have special factors that can make it higher, but even 1 in 3 means 2 out of 3 don't get it.

Still, I made an appointment to see a lymphedema therapist to learn how to reduce my odds, and deal with anything that came up. It was very helpful, and I never ended up having any problems.

I wish you the best of luck dealing with your recurrence.