Positive Internal Mammary Node
In April, I was diagnosed with a local, regional recurrence of B/C when my PS removed an enlarged internal mammary lymph node as he was performing my DIEP procedure. Pathology confirmed 'a single lymph node containing metastatic adenocarcinoma measuring 9.5 mm'. I am now on Femara and will have infusions of Zometa every six months. I am under the care of two MOs ( long story) and both have indicated the cancer has a significant chance of returning, either locally or distantly. I recently saw my local MO who told me to remain positive as 'the cancer was found, the cancer was removed and you had the proper radiation treatments'. When I asked about chemo, she told me it would only decrease my chances by a small amount and it would be better to play that card later. I would like to connect with others who've been diagnosed with a positive IMN.
Thanks!
Ann
Comments
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Hi AnnBR - I'm sure you don't feel 'lucky' that it was found during surgery but mine are considered inoperable as the location is considered too difficult to reach. I would hope for your sake that monitoring by frequent scans and CA blood tests will give you some peace of mind.
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Sorry to hear of your recurrence, but this is something I find hard to stop stressing about too.
I am waiting for bilateral flap reconstruction surgery following right PMx (provisional date in Jan), and I have been developing lumps on my mastectomy (left) side since the spring. I had a benign biopsy in March, but have got lumpier since then. I want to be sure there is nothing going on as I don't think I would put myself through the trouble of my planned recon if there is! Ultrasound apparently showed nothing, but most of my original tumour was not visible on mammo/ultrasound, so I have requested an MRI, which is booked forOct 22.
For now, I'm finding it hard to think about anything else. I also have a cough so I am of course worrying about lung mets too!! (Would MRI of chest wall reveal lung mets and enlarged IM nodes too???
I was wondering, if they start recon and find recurrence, do they just carry on?
Hard to imagine this fear will ever end!
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Thank you lovie and morwenna for responding. I was diagnosed with stage I IDC in Nov. 2012. I had a BMX, was put on Tamoxifen and did not give cancer another thought. Imagine my surprise when this was found almost a year and a half later. I too, have a slight, dry cough and a tightness in my lungs. I called my local MO last week who ordered a few tests including a CAT scan, lung X-Ray, an EKG and some blood work. All came back negative but she ordered two more tests on Monday. Trying hard not to let this consume me.
Ann
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Did you have radiation after the IM node was removed Ann?
Actually the radiation itself can cause lung symptoms such as your dry cough and chest tightness. Radiation pneumonitis.
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Morwenna, my 30 radiation treatments consisted of a fixed beam and rapid arc therapy. My RO used a deep breath technique to help protect my heart and lungs. When this began happening to me I thought it was probably a SE of radiation. I see my MO tomorrow so I will ask about radiation pneumonitis.
Thanks,
Ann
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I have a question about internal mammary node dx. What were your symptoms? Did you feel it enlarged or was it picked up on a scan? I have been dealing with inflammed internal mammary node on my non-cancer side. Dr's want to take a watch and see approach, but I worry some. I feel hardness sometimes throbbing. Anyway, just curious as I've had a hard time finding anyone with this issue. thx
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