Surgery Monday, getting scared.

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Balance101
Balance101 Member Posts: 29
edited April 2018 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

Hi everyone. I was diagnosed with Stage 1 ILC in my right breast last week and have been doing ok with it until yesterday. Yesterday, I got the results of my breast MRI and they said there was abnormality in the lymph node on the other side (left), and although not super suspicious, they would like to do a needle biopsy on both sides during my double mastectomy on Monday. The thought of it spreading to my lymph nodes has me very worried and I'm more afraid to get them removed than I am my breasts because of lymphedema. Are there people here who have been through the same experience and have been ok, either with benign results or with removal of lymph nodes and no lymphedema? I just feel like I need some uplifting news. Thank you.

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  • Runrcrb
    Runrcrb Member Posts: 577
    edited April 2018

    better to have a few nodes removed than to worry about spreading cancer. Take it easy after surgery. Don't do too much too fast especially lifting and strength workouts. Lymphadema is hit or miss. My very moderate lymphadema came about at the end of radiation. And I swear it wouldn't have happened at all had I note fallen and broken the elbow on that side. Oh and spread 4 cubic yards of mulch two weeks later.

    My swelling was moderate and not noticeable to others.

    All lymph node removals do not result in lymphadema. Try not to stress about it.

    Oh yes MRIs are know to result in biopsies whose results are benign. My surgeon warned me of that but still wanted the MRI to ensure we only had to do surgery once.

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  • fifthyear
    fifthyear Member Posts: 225
    edited April 2018

    Like runrcrb said, Lymphedema is a hit or miss thing. I had 4 nodes removed and before I went into surgery, the surgeon said to me if he can NOT find the sentinel nodes he will remove the whole thing. I was scared but fortunately he only removed 4. The thing is, even if I got only 1 removed, I could have lymphedema. Or someone who has the whole bunch removed and never did. So far so good, and my surgeon is adamant about NOT having blood draw or blood pressure on the effected arm. He said to me " does not matter who said what YOU DON'T LET THEM TOUCH YOUR RIGHT ARM". I am protecting my right arm religiously. YMMV.

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  • NotVeryBrave
    NotVeryBrave Member Posts: 1,287
    edited April 2018

    It is highly unlikely that the lymph node they are questioning on the opposite side is cancerous.

    However - since you are having a BMX - there will be no way to find the sentinel nodes if needed later. Locating them and testing them on both sides now will give you that confirmation.

    Good luck!


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  • star2017
    star2017 Member Posts: 827
    edited April 2018

    I had eight nodes removed and no lymphadema. Wishing you all the best

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  • Balance101
    Balance101 Member Posts: 29
    edited April 2018

    Thank you everyone. Every one of your posts helped me. Feeling a bit better. I can do this!

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  • Balance101
    Balance101 Member Posts: 29
    edited April 2018

    I just got back from the hospital today. Bilateral node biopsies were clear, so just the sentinel nodes came out. I was so relieved to hear that, but then I was told by the nurse navigater that when they go over the removed tissue and nodes they may still find some cancer. Is this true or did I misunderstand? I thought I was finally ok.

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  • letsgogolf
    letsgogolf Member Posts: 263
    edited April 2018

    I had 8 nodes removed and also had radiation to my axillary and supracclavicular nodes and have had no lymphodema or swelling. Best wishes!

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  • NotVeryBrave
    NotVeryBrave Member Posts: 1,287
    edited April 2018

    The testing that they do intra-operatively is not as comprehensive as what is done with the final pathology. So - while it is not the final answer and you can't be completely sure that you're okay - it is good news. If anything was there - it wasn't obvious. And you'll soon have that final answer!


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  • Ingerp
    Ingerp Member Posts: 2,624
    edited April 2018

    Right, Balance--my BS removed one sentinel node, cut it in half, sent one piece immediately to pathology for a quick read, and the other piece for more thorough testing. Our plan was not to take any more lymph nodes if the quick read was negative (which it was, and the more thorough testing confirmed a few days later).

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  • Balance101
    Balance101 Member Posts: 29
    edited April 2018

    I got the call yesterday. Pathology showed my left breast and lymph nodes on both sides were clear. I'm so thankful, I can't even find the words. I'll get the details on Tuesday when I see her in her office in followup. Thanks everyone that took the time to post here. It helped me and I appreciate you all!


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  • Engine104
    Engine104 Member Posts: 301
    edited April 2018

    That is wonderful news, Balance101.

    I'm hoping for the same for my wife.

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  • Balance101
    Balance101 Member Posts: 29
    edited April 2018

    Engine, I'll hold her in my thoughts and hope for the same. xo

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  • Engine104
    Engine104 Member Posts: 301
    edited April 2018

    Thanks so much!

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