One step forward, two steps back

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Crystal_sola
Crystal_sola Member Posts: 13
edited April 2018 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)

This is my first post, and let me say that this forum has been absolutely invaluable to me. Especially on sleepless nights when the questions won't stop. Reading the stories and comments has felt like having someone sitting next to me holding my hand. After the positive biopsy, I opted for the bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. Sentinel node tested positive, and he found another lump behind the primary tumor. (Inner quadrant of breast, near chest wall) Pathology report shows this lump is actually a lymph node that was essentially replaced by cancer. MO says this intramammary node is considered axillary and is not cause for added concern. Oncotype score is 3, and we decide to forego chemo and start rads. I'm confident at this point and ready to be done. I have the Ct scans and planning session for the rads, CT scan shows 2 more nodes in the center of my chest, on the cancer side, near breast bone, that are enlarged and suspicious for metastasis. PET scan this morning and now I'm waiting for results...again. these nodes are actually larger than the one that was removed in surgery. MO says if these are cancerous, it changes everything (staging, oncotype, treatment plan) Thinking positive, it could be inflammation from everything this breast has been through, I also had an infection in the breast 2 weeks after mastectomy and had to be reopened to be cleaned out and had more skin removed. Has anyone had any experience with intramammary or internal mammary nodes? Any information or advice is appreciated!

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  • bluepearl
    bluepearl Member Posts: 961
    edited April 2018

    I am thinking your nodes are inflamed by all your poor breast has gone through....and hoping this is the case. The only thing that makes intramammary nodes of concern is that they usually aren't found. Normally the lymph nodes drain into the nodes under your arms, but NOT necessarily. A node is a node and if the sentinel node is positive, it isn't impossible that another is and I am glad they picked this up. Yes, if there are more nodes positive, your stage will change and so will your treatment. Sneaky little Grade 1 cancer! Hoping for the very best outcome for you!!! (((HUGS))))

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  • VL22
    VL22 Member Posts: 851
    edited April 2018

    Wow Crystal - so stressful! I also had a intramammary node with micromet and was told the same as you. It was discovered during surgery.

    Before this was found I had an MRI pick up suspicious node by my breast bone - my cancer in same area and breast as yours. This node was benign - inflammation from all the biopsies, etc.

    Fingers crossed you find out the same.

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  • Crystal_sola
    Crystal_sola Member Posts: 13
    edited April 2018

    my MO is really good with calling me personally with any news. But today, her nurse called (said dr is off today) and tells me my PET results are back, and they see a few things concerning, however there are differences of opinions about the results. My MO would like to see me on Monday to discuss, because it's too much to talk about over the phone. (But of course, don't be alarmed) ARGGH! doesn't sound good. However, my daughter's senior prom is tomorrow and so I refuse to think about this until Monday, okay maybe Sunday. The not knowing is so hard!

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  • VL22
    VL22 Member Posts: 851
    edited April 2018

    Crystal - that phone call would have me annoyed. I admire your attitude to enjoy your daughter’ day and focus on enjoying the day! That’s a great mindset, because why miss out? Fretting won’t change anything.

    Have a great weekend and keep us posted!!

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