appt. with surgeon to see about enlarged lymph node/nodes

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Swede68
Swede68 Member Posts: 5
edited June 2014 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

I am pretty sure surgeon will want to do biopsy on enlarged lymph node(s) in right armpit. when I had bilateral mastectomy eight yrs. ago, the left breast was biopsied, then removed with 11 lymph nodes. The right breast was removed prophylactic with no lymph nodes removed. Question: how do they biopsy the enlarged lymph node? Do they just remove the lymph node, test it, then remove more if they need to or just do a needle biopsy on the enlarged one? Will chemo. Follow if it tests positive? In my mind a good outcome (other than nothing being wrong except a swollen lymph node) would be oral chemo. And herceptin (my previous tumor diagnosis included HER+. I know you aren't dr.s, but I am just so scared tonight.

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  • margodae
    margodae Member Posts: 48
    edited May 2012

    Hi Swede,

    I have one enlarged lymph node in my left armpit and one above my left collar bone.  This is my cancer side.  My surgeon has been "monitoring" them for 6+ months.  My surgeon and radiologist told me that lymph node biopsies are often inaccurate, giving false positives.  I was given the option of having them removed prophylactically or continue to monitor them.  I have chosen to continue to monitor them with 6 month check-ups.  Lymph nodes can become enlarged for many different reasons, so far they appear to be stable, not growing any further in size or hardness.

    I know our diagnoses and treatments are different, but just wanted to share my somewhat similar situation. 

    Hope you get some answers soon! 

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  • Swede68
    Swede68 Member Posts: 5
    edited May 2012

    thank you so much for sharing what is happening with you. That gives me something more to discuss with my surgeon this afternoon. My gut feeling tells me not to mess with the lymph nodes until absolutely necessary. thank you again and I will keep you posted. Wishing you the best.

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  • MaxineO
    MaxineO Member Posts: 555
    edited May 2012

    swede- I had a lymph node biopsy at the start of this journey. It was done surgically (with anesthesia); they removed the whole node to test it (it was palpable).  I would guess that if your biopsy test comes back positive they will want to take the whole lot of them, but I don't really know.

    I'm sorry you are having to go through this. Wishing you all the best.

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  • brazos58
    brazos58 Member Posts: 261
    edited May 2012

    Swede68 I keep you company being scared. My lymphnodes are a concern in my neck and I sit waiting for the Dr to call regarding the UltraSound and what happens next. My only thought to you is that an excisional biopsey of a lymph node gives more clarity than a FNA/ Fine needle aspiration.

    One breath at a time....and its very hard not knowing.

    Hugs

    xo

    brazos

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  • sanbar8771
    sanbar8771 Member Posts: 281
    edited May 2012

    I had an enlarged lymphnode on my rt side (high grade DCIS) and I had an ultrasound guided biopsy and it was clear. I have been watching it for months and it has not changed in size... if anything it may have gotten smaller.

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  • Swede68
    Swede68 Member Posts: 5
    edited June 2012

    I met with surgeon, he examined right axilla and couldn't feel the two enlarged nodes very well due to a lot of tissue. I am scheduled for another sonogram on 6/15, with biopsy scheduled immediately following. Surgeon said he will mark nodes and remove unless they don't show or have shrunk in size. I have a breast MRI (every Sept.). Does a breast MRI show axilla lymph nodes? Other question-does anyone think underwire bras affect lymph nodes under arm? One more question-if lymph nodes are removed from both sides, where do you get blood drawn from, blood pressure readings, etc. I have been told not to have blood pressure taken or blood drawn from "lymph node removal side"? I am sorry for rambling, but the thoughts are just racing through my head right now.

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  • margodae
    margodae Member Posts: 48
    edited June 2012

    Swede -

    Yes, breast MRI's do show axillary lymph nodes.  I, too, have yearly breast MRI's as my initial tumor was not seen on mammogram.  The swollen lymph node in my left armpit, I mentioned above, can be seen on MRI.  This is one way that my surgeon and radiologist have been monitoring it. 

    Wishing you all the best in your upcoming appointments.  Keep us posted!

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