? About having more nodes taken.

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Rachel1
Rachel1 Member Posts: 363
edited June 2014 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
I was diagnosed with IDC stage 2, 2 nodes out of 6 positive, grade 3, ER +. The originaI surgeon in WY only took 6 nodes. The surgeon in Denver likes to see at least 10, so I have to go through another surgery to get more nodes.  Has anyone ever had this done??Also, the Denver Breast Center are looking at all my path slides.  I'm so scared that they'll have more bad news -- like I'm worse. Oh, ladies I'm so scared. Does it get better? Rachel
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  • Beanius
    Beanius Member Posts: 1,697
    edited June 2010

    Hi Rachel, So sorry you are going through this. My sentinel node biopsy also showed 2 nodes positive out of 6. I agonized over what to do next. I tell you I agonized, did a lot of research and got a lot of opinions. I can't tell you what is right for your situation, but for me I ended up having the additional surgery - this was after they also found calcifications in my other breast. My advice is to get several opinions and keep getting information until you feel comfortable that you know what is right for you and best for your health. This is a scary time and I'm so sorry to see another woman have to go through this. Do hang in there, as it does get better the more you learn about what you have and what treatment options are available.

    Good luck to you,

    Beanie

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  • msmpatty
    msmpatty Member Posts: 818
    edited June 2010

    I'm not familiar with a second surgery for more nodes unless the first ones were postive sentinel nodes or, if more were removed, all of them showed cancer.   I had two positive sentinel nodes, so had a second surgery to get more...none of which were affected.    Looks like Beanie may have had the same experience, 2 of 6 on the first surgery...none in the 15 additional nodes removed.   Have you asked why he needs more nodes other than he "likes to see 10"? 

    It DOES get bettter!   Once you get over the initial shock, all the pathology reports come in and you get going on a treatment plan, you'll start feeling like you have more control.  Hang in there! 

    Patty

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  • Seabee
    Seabee Member Posts: 557
    edited June 2010

    Rachel--It may help you to consider that they need to know as much as possible about your condition in order to treat you effectively. "More bad news" may in the long run be the best news. And yes, it does get better after that initial period of uncertainty.

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  • NYC-Mom
    NYC-Mom Member Posts: 7
    edited June 2010

    You can google MSKCC Breast Nomogram. You can use it to calculate the likelihood that cancer has spread to additional nodes, then discuss with your oncologist/surgeon. Be well!

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