Only 3 nodes removed in auxiliary dissection

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GPH
GPH Member Posts: 8
edited November 2017 in Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results

My wife had an auxiliary node dissection last week after a mastectomy. We heard from the surgeon this week that only three nodes were found in the tissue she removed during the process; of these, one tested positive. During her mastectomy and sentinel node dissection, three of four nodes tested positive. The surgeon presented the results of the auxiliary as good news, but we are now worried that more nodes might be involved and should be removed. Looking at other posts, many people here seem to have had far more nodes taken out and checked. We are told that the treatment - chemo and radiation - would not alter at this point, regardless of the number of nodes that are positive (in our case, four out of seven nodes total have tested positive).. We feel adrift and worried...Thank you for any insights you might have.

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  • Michelle_in_cornland
    Michelle_in_cornland Member Posts: 1,689
    edited October 2017

    The more lymph nodes that are removed, the greater the chance for lymphedema in the trunk and arms. Since they know that there are positive nodes, the chemo and radiation should take care of those and any areas of infiltration. Doctors that are concerned about the long term consequences of node removal, are more conservative in how many are removed at surgery. Don't worry about the nodes at this point, that is what your doctors are for. Be thankful that they did not strip your lymphatic system. Many women suffer from lymphedema as a result. It is very natural to feel adrift and worried, as a matter of fact it is par for the course. When do you start chemo? Try to stay as active and as positive as you can, because it will help you get through the days ahead. Prepare meals for freezing, take some long walks (when recovered), get into some Netflix shows. I am currently watching Flea Market Flip, because I like working with my hands and repurposing furniture/decor, etc. If you have a passion, it could be a great time to do some reading on that topic.

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  • NotVeryBrave
    NotVeryBrave Member Posts: 1,287
    edited October 2017

    Were only three removed because there were only three?

    The weird thing about lymph nodes is that there are no set or standard number of them. Some people have many more than others.


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  • GPH
    GPH Member Posts: 8
    edited November 2017

    Thank you for your message. We did talk to the surgeon again and she explained that basically, yes, there were just three nodes to take. We are glad about the reduced risk of lymphodema and are now focusing on chemo, which my wife started yesterday, and which has left her very fatigued. It is so helpful to hear from other people who are going through this.

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  • marijen
    marijen Member Posts: 3,731
    edited November 2017

    A Pet/CT scan would show if the armpit has any hot spots

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  • SusanaQ
    SusanaQ Member Posts: 23
    edited November 2017

    I had similar situation after madtectomy....surgeon removed only sentinel node and it had a macromet (>2mm) and two nodes in the breast were negative so I was staged 1/3. However, I was upset she didn't take a few more to determine reach of the spread, etc. They assured me this wouldn't change my treatment or outcome, and the risk of impairment of my arm from lymphadema would be greatly reduced. I still wonder if my Stage was worse than my actual diagnosis, what I felt it had spread to or 5+ nodes? I'll never know, I just have to trust my docs and the data. There is a study that is used for this treatment decision and the study is called The AMAROS trial.

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  • SusanaQ
    SusanaQ Member Posts: 23
    edited November 2017

    I had similar situation after mastectomy....surgeon removed only sentinel node and it had a macromet (>2mm) and two nodes in the breast were negative so I was staged 1/3. However, I was upset she didn't take a few more nodes to determine reach of the spread, etc. They assured me this wouldn't change my treatment or outcome, and the risk of impairment of my arm from lymphadema would be greatly reduced. I still wonder if my Stage was worse than my actual diagnosis, what if it had spread to or 5+ nodes? I'll never know, I just have to trust my docs and the data. There is a study that is used for this treatment decision and the study is called The AMAROS trial.

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  • Legomaster225
    Legomaster225 Member Posts: 672
    edited November 2017

    On a positive note... I had a positive node (biopsy confirmed) pre chemo. That node was removed after chemo at my surgery and was negative. Yes, everyone’s cancer is different but I wanted to let you know that chemo can be very effective so don’t feel hopeless. I guess the one advantage of preadjuvent chemo is that you get a good indication on how effective chemo can be.

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