Who has had lymph node radiation?

Skeptic · February 2016

Has anyone here has their lymph nodes specifically targeted in addition to whole breast radiation? If you did, did your doctor tell you why this was necessary? How long ago did you have this done? What long and short term side effects did you have?

It is my understanding that regular whole breast radiation only covers part of the level one axilla and the internal mammary nodes, and that to cover all of the level one and two axilla, ( and sometimes level three as well, which is up closer to the collarbone, depending on what the doctor is thinking.) It's been hard enough for me to come to terms with the idea of being radiated at all, let alone get hit with this additional component. If I was terrified before, I am doubly so now.

RebzAmy · February 2016

No radiation to lymph nodes, despite having a huge lump there. Had all lymph nodes removed though. Always wondered about that and why it wasn't radiated and consultant told me they don't do radiation to that area.

LM070917 · February 2016

I'm having radiation in early March to the chest wall and upper lymph nodes in my arm. I think if you've had your axillary lymph nodes removed and they were cancerous, it's pretty standard to have the lymph nodes located higher up in your arm radiated as well. It's a precaution to prevent recurrance. I'm not too bothered about having it done if it means reducing recurrance, more bothered about lymphedema starting due to the radiation.

littleblueflowers · February 2016

i had radiation to my chest wall, axilla, and supraclavicular nodes. I think its pretty standard. Think of it as building a ring to contain a fire. Really not that bad. You will be fine!

marijen · February 2016

So little blue flowers you had no problem with radiation? I am getting the deluxe treatment - whole breast, axilla and clavicle. One node positive (removed) was 3mm of cancer cells equals thousands. I have an occult primary so they don't know what they are radiating, so covering the entire right side. DCIS also completely removed with clean margins on the third try.

Kicks · February 2016

The areas where the positive nodes had been was irradiated.

Molly50 · February 2016

I finished my radiation in early December. WBR, axillary, intra mammary and supra clavicle nodes radiated. It wasn't too bad. I got very dark red under my arm and under my Foob. Be sure to lotion up your upper back/shoulder and neck.

ElaineTherese · February 2016

I had whole breast radiation plus radiation to the lymph node area, even though all 20 Levels 1 and 2 nodes had been removed (and had tested negative for cancer after neoadjuvant chemo). I didn't mind; I was going to get WBR anyways because I opted for a lumpectomy. It just added to the area that was zapped. I turned pink during radiation, but had no other side effects except for soreness toward the end. I just stopped wearing a bra when it became too sore.

littleblueflowers · February 2016

Nope no problems beyond the road rash that radiation causes, and a stupid looking tan. We will see what happens in 10,years, but my RO said he would make sure I didn't die of breast cancer, and that was good enough for me at the time.

KBeee · February 2016

I had radiation to whole breast (chest wall), axillary nodes and supraclavicular nodes. Since you cannot be radiated more than once usually, they needed to get everything because mine was a recurrence. I did burn pretty badly in the axilla, but it did heal quickly.

Hopeful82014 · February 2016

I had WBR, axillary nodes and suprclavicular nodes as well. I was terrified that the S/Clav area in particular would fry but my skin did extremely well and the S/Clav area in particular - go figure.

Do start moisturizing the area NOW rather than waiting until RT starts and do be consistent during treatment. Be picky about the products you use during treatment - the fewer ingredients and additives the better.

I applied a cold back and aloe immediately after each treatment (in the dressing room) and that did seem to make a difference.

Having VERY soft, loose materials against your skin will probably help. Jockey Ellance (sp?) camisoles are very soft and wash/dry well. I bought them in larger sizes so there'd be no clinging and I ended up sleeping in them towards the end.

RT is kind of mentally grueling to get through as you don't know for sure what the SE will be or how they will change from one day to the next. The idea of doing it voluntarily was tough, for me, but I knew that in my situation it would be stupid not to, so I did it.

Good luck with it. You'll get through it and it's o.k. to be terrified.

MEG2 · February 2016

I had 21 lymph nodes removed during single MX ~ two that we knew had cancer from MRI and core biopsy. I did chemo first to kill all cancer cells systemically, then did my MX surgery followed by 35 rounds of radiation. As it was explained to me this was a safety net, to kill off any lingering cells that might be hanging out there. I was willing to throw everything available at my cancer to give me the best chance of survival w/o recurrence. I had a great RO who explained the process very well and helped me understand that this was just another layer of defense in the fight against cancer. I did 35 sessions and my skin did get red towards the end of RT, I followed their instructions to the T in putting EMU oil on the skin at night and aloe at other times during the day to keep the area moisturized. I am very fair skinned and was surprised that I didn't get burned earlier in the process. Everyone is different so it's hard to tell what the outcome with your skin will be but I found RT to be a breeze compared to chemo. Just ask lots of questions, keep an eye on the area and expect some fatigue and discomfort but it is typically an easy process. No regrets here.

As with most of our treatment plans everyone is different, everyone has a different reason for choosing one option over another. Go with your gut, do what feels right to you. You'll make the right choice and be glad in the end. Best to you!

7of9 · February 2016

I am on day 10 of thirty rads. Four regions,whole breast, axillary, chest wall and super. This is for an axillary recurrence. My RO pulled up my cat scan and should me the zones they were targeting. Very cool. Already had surgery. Just started turning little pink. Have to do chemo after....major bummer

Who has had lymph node radiation?

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