SNB & Possible Metastasis To Lungs

Shar2020

My initial breast cancer diagnosis was stage two. However, a CT scan before chemo showed multiple pulmonary nodules. An oncologist said the results were highly suspicious for metastatic disease, but the nodules were too small to biopsy so the recommendation was TCH, and do another CT scan in November.

The second CT scan showed that many nodules are gone, two have reduced to 2 mm and seven have reduced to spots too small to measure. YAY! Staging and diagnosis still can't be confirmed. I was told it may be cancer cells that responded to TCH or an untreated infection that responded to the steroids for the chemo side effects.

The surgeon recommended a sentinel node biopsy and a lumpectomy to remove the remaining breast tumor. I asked the reason for a SNB if we already know it may have spread, and the response was that it could be used as a prognosis tool.

Do any of you know of benefits to having a SNB if it's possibly stage four? Thank you for any thoughts and information you can share.

buttonsmachine

Shar2020, my personal opinion from a purely patient perspective is that it might be better from a quality of life perspective to avoid removing any lymph nodes, if the doctors really think it has already spread.

Lymph node removal can sometimes be the gift that keeps on giving, and not in a good way. After my first SLNB I got cording and breast lymphedema, and then with subsequent SLNBs I got more cording and arm lymphedema. It's a real pain! Of course maybe none of that may happen to you, and we hope it won't.

Best wishes whatever you decide - I think it's valuable to discuss in depth with your doctors about how beneficial this would really be, and whether knowing any of this would actually change the treatment plan.

Shar2020

Thank you very much, Buttonsmachine, for sharing your thoughts and experiences. You made several good points and I really appreciate it.

The lymphedema and cording sound miserable. I am sorry you are experiencing all that.

Thank you very much, Buttonsmachine, for your helpful response.