No Lymph Nodes

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flahers
flahers Member Posts: 3
edited April 2015 in Lymphedema

Had a lumpectomy for small cancer last December and when surgeon went to take nodes he literally could not find any lymp nodes under my arm but did some kind of a tracer test. I had the Oncotype test which was low so no chemo and four weeks radiation. I am now feeling scared because nobody I have spoken to has ever heard of anyone who had no lymph nodes and am feeling scared that he just didn't find them. Also, if there were no nodes would I still be open to Lymphadema.

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited April 2015

    No nodes at all? Nodes are a major part of the lymphatic system and are 'pumps'. It is possible to developed LE after any surgery rather or not any nodes are removed. Also after any traumatic injury. We are each unique. I have a friend who had minor, noninvasive knee surgery and she has more problems with her LE than I do and I had a UMX with 19 positive nodes. It is possible.

    No TX from Dec til April?



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  • vlnrph
    vlnrph Member Posts: 1,632
    edited April 2015

    Was there a dye used or did you have a radioactive injection? I understand some protocols employ both methods for node detection. Perhaps you had a general surgeon (not a breast specialist) and therefore the technique used was less than optimal since they simply don't do enough cases to be really good at it every single time. I would try not to worry too much because the radiation should have taken care of any stray cells that might have escaped the lump.

    Unfortunately, any trauma can allow lymphedema to develop but your risk is probably very low. Take sensible precautions so you can enjoy a full recovery to excellent health!

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  • flahers
    flahers Member Posts: 3
    edited April 2015

    Had a very good breast surgeon in top Dublin hospital. I had the radioactive dye injected and then he injected another dye during the surgery to be sure. I cant understand the whole no nodes thing and why I have not experienced swelling over the years. Will chat to him again during my first check-up.

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited April 2015

    Perhaps he meant that there were no Positive nodes. That is not the same thing as no nodes in the area at all.

    Unfortunately there are MANY 'greart' Ds who do not understand/know anything realpy about LE is really is and how many of us do deal with it. Also that LE is not exclusive to BC survivors.



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  • SusanSnowFlake
    SusanSnowFlake Member Posts: 165
    edited April 2015

    I'm confused now. I thought the oncotype test was done on the cancer found in the nodes. I guess I have some reading to do.

    Flashers, sometimes I don't understand my Doctor's, seems like we have very different communications styles I leave the cancer center and think WHAT? Then I call the nurse who clarifies things for me. Maybe a discussion with the nurse would be helpful.

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  • vlnrph
    vlnrph Member Posts: 1,632
    edited April 2015

    Hi again flahers - I'm happy to hear you were with a specialist there in Ireland. Do ask for a copy of your pathology report and have it "translated" (some of the terms used can be confusing). Then rest in the likelihood that radiation got rid of any straggling mutant cells and you will enjoy a long healthy future.

    Susan: do you really like snowflakes? We get many more here than in central Indiana, I'm sure! The tissue sample sent for Oncotype testing is from the tumor itself, from what I understand. I suppose it's possible to also submit lymph nodes if there is a concern but I don't think that's commonly done.

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