Should I clear all of my nodes?

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seaniebopp
seaniebopp Member Posts: 41
edited July 2014 in Lymphedema

hi ladies,

I have an upcoming blm and I am not sure what to do about having positive nodes. When diagnosed I had 2 of 3 positive nodes.  My surgeon keeps telling me it's my choice to keep the nodes and do radiation but I'm not sure what to do. Please help.  All advice, opinions, and experience I want and need.

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  • vlnrph
    vlnrph Member Posts: 1,632
    edited July 2014

    Not sure what your "stats" are so it's difficult to know it we share similar situations.

    My surgeon gave me no choice in the matter. With two separate tumors, I was OK allowing that but now I have lymphedema (since you're posting on this forum, you are probably well aware of the risk factors)

    Your age, general health, occupation, hobbies and future plans might all need to be weighed when making a decision like this. 

    Is chemo a requirement, given the nodal involvement?

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  • seaniebopp
    seaniebopp Member Posts: 41
    edited July 2014

    I just finished chemo in May. I was originally dx with dcis.  That changed after lumpectomy and node biopsy.  Chose to do chemo first.  Nothing invasive was found in breast only nodes 2/3 positive.

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited July 2014

    To me, "clear all of my nodes" refers to doing MLD (Manual Lymphatic Drainage), not what surgery might require removing.  It is done to move fluid for us who deal with  LE.

    a bit more info on what you meam would be helpful

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  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited July 2014

    Agree with kicks. Are you asking about manual lymphatic drainage or axillary node dissection? I think that since this  is posted in the LE forum, it adds to my confusion.

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  • bhd1
    bhd1 Member Posts: 3,874
    edited July 2014

    i wish i had done surgery.  Preventing recurrence is more important than lymphedema.  

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited July 2014

    Since the OP is asking in relation to BMX I am thinking the reference is to ALND.  Were your positive nodes micromets, or were they larger?  I had this surgery due to a positive SNB and being Her2+.  My BS and MO were not moveable on this subject even though they are both progressive docs who do not advocate complete node removal for everyone.  I was glad I did the surgery as they found a much larger positive node further up.  I do have mild LE, but agree with bhd1 that, for me personally, removal of cancerous nodes trumped lymphedema risk.

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  • vlnrph
    vlnrph Member Posts: 1,632
    edited July 2014

    I  was also assuming she meant complete axillary dissection. Congrats on having the chemo done already!

    Seems like a 2nd or even 3rd medical/surgical opinion would help since we don't know the pathology or complete history. Of course no one can predict the future however recent studies leave options open that may not have been on the table a few years ago.

    Reconstruction plans may be influenced by potential radiation damage too but again, survival and cancer eradication should be primary goals, not concern over "cosmetics" or LE (which may never develop even with all nodes gone & can be treated if it does occur).

    Is there another clinical center available for referral, perhaps a university or teaching hospital which could provide consultation services?

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