recurrence---near/around collar bone

Hi Janice

I just recently (two weeks ago) was diagnosed with a recurrence to the lymph nodes below the collar bone near the area towards your shoulder.  I have two cancerous lymph nodes which lie between the pectoral muscle and the rib cage.  My oncologist told me that they could no operate on this area as there are many many major blood vessels and nerves in this area that could be damaged and even cause paralysis of the arm and fingers.  I originally had six months of chemo, followed by mastectomy and five weeks radiation.  Followed up by a full year of herceptin as I am HER2+.  I am starting chemo again (taxotere) this wed. for six rounds and then will be getting radiation again (they originally did not radiate this area).  My chemo is going to be done in conjunction with Herceptin again, and the Herceptin will carry on for another full year.  I was 4 years 8 months out of treatment when this happened.  Just listen to the reasons why they want to do this, what are they afraid of that might happen to you.  I can't imagine taking out your collar bone, are they going to do chem and rads.  Keep us informed about what is happening to you and don't forget second opinions however hard to get are sometimes worth it, just for peace of mind.  Take care.

 Betsy