axilliary node dissection - they want to take all of them?

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Kimmer33
Kimmer33 Member Posts: 386
edited August 2015 in Lymphedema

Hi Ladies

I hope this is in the correct forum. I had my surgery consult today, chose mastectomy over a lumpectomy, and they also said because they know that there are cancer cells in the node that they biopsied (sentinel node I think), they want to take all of them out. Thinking about this now throughout the day, does that mean ALL of them, like ALL? Or all of them in one area? I wish I would have thought of this when I was in the appointment, so I thought I would throw this at any of you and maybe you could shed some light?

I was under the impression from reading on these forums, that they like to take as few as possible, to reduce the risk of lymphedema, so this is opposite of what I've been thinking. Does anyone have any info they could share? Thank you!

Kim

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  • ElaineTherese
    ElaineTherese Member Posts: 3,328
    edited August 2015

    Kimmer,

    Your surgeon could be taking out all Level 1 nodes, or all Levels 1 and 2 nodes. Typically, surgeons leave the Level 3 nodes intact. I had all of my Levels 1 and 2 nodes removed because one of my nodes (prior to chemo) had tested positive for cancer. So, that meant I had 20 nodes taken out (everyone has a different number of nodes). Yes, I was a bit perturbed because of the lymphedema risk, but I haven't developed lymphedema yet, even though I had six weeks of rads. Why don't you call your surgeon's office for a clarification and explanation? There was a lot of discussion between my surgeon and my radiation oncologist about my case before they decided to do all Levels 1 and 2.

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  • Kimmer33
    Kimmer33 Member Posts: 386
    edited August 2015

    thanks elaine

    Wondering what level 1 is, level 2 etc.. Are those part of the axilliary lymph system? The axilliary nodes is what they said they are going to take out...

    Kim

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  • ElaineTherese
    ElaineTherese Member Posts: 3,328
    edited August 2015

    Yes, they are part of the axillary lymph system. SpecialK has a picture which shows where the Levels 1, 2 and 3 nodes are located. Typically, surgeons take out Levels 1 and 2 because they are the nodes which are closest to the breast, and thus, the ones which are most likely to provide a pathway for cancer cells to leave the breast.

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