The Dreaded Lymph Node Question.....

MelanieBC
MelanieBC Member Posts: 74
edited October 2015 in Caring for Someone with Breast cancer

Rant On

I am really starting to hate this question... "Did it spread to the lymph nodes" and when you say yes, you get this look of fear from the person who asked.

I know that when cancer spreads to the lymph nodes, it isn't a good thing. I also know that with my moms surgery, the surgeon got all of the cancer out, I also know that if you have no lymph nodes then the cancer would spread throughout your body and you would be in a worse situation.

So I wish that people wouldn't ask this question because it makes me feel like they believe it is a death sentence, when I firmly believe it isn't.

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  • art15
    art15 Member Posts: 66
    edited October 2015

    Melanie, I'm surprised nobody responded to you. I am guilty, as a husband-caregiver of sometimes putting my foot in my mouth, but i'll try...

    If the cancer hasn't spread to the lymph nodes, the prognosis is overwhemingly better than if it has. If it's only spread to the first lymph node, which is the first line from the breast ducts, towards the armpit, the first lymph node is called the "sentinel" lymph node, that means "first" and if it's just in that node, like my wife's was in 2008, they locate it using nuclear dyes, and they can diagnose while in surgery for a lumpectomy or more major mascectomy, the pathologist can do this during the surgery, which is amazing, they determine if the cancer has moved to the sentinel node while the patient is under. If it's positive for any cancer, the surgeon usually removes it, some others. But not always. There is recent research where they are trying to avoid removing all, because of the complication called lymphedema, which my wife has from having all her armpit nodes removed, in her arm.

    To answer your question, even if several lymph nodes are cancerous, it is NOT a death sentence, some can be removed, and radiation can kill some affected ones, as it is targeted very precise now. The prognosis is better if less or none are involved.

    Usually the doctors recommend chemo if any lymph nodes are involved, because there are micro-cells that maybe passed thru the nodes further in the body, and the chemo targets infant cells that might be trying to multiply.


    hope this helps.

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  • Holeinone
    Holeinone Member Posts: 2,478
    edited October 2015

    Melanie,

    It's tough, because most people do not understand the difference between DCIS & stage 3.

    I was dx 2 yrs. 3months ago. The reaction from friends, family, casual acquaintances has been surprising, odd. I have gotten the look, " you are going to die" many times. Also, the "no biggie" attitude from folks.

    I am very aware that my prognois is "uncertain". Makes living in the moment more difficult, but also makes me appreciate the good days. I think being aware of our mortality is important. Helps to remind us to live more fully. You are a thoughtful daughter to be by your moms side

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