Lymph node removal

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Jalia
Jalia Member Posts: 6
edited March 2021 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

Hello all

I am looking for some support because I just don't know how to feel right now.

I was dx stage IV, right breast and spread to lymph node and lower spine. Had neoadjuvant chemo (A/C carbo, and taxol), tested positive for bcra1, double mastectomy on last Tues with 6 nodes removed. Biopsy came back and was told today 4 of the 6 came back cancerous. So we are removing all nodes next Tuesday. 8mm of cancer was still found in r breast. Left side is clear.


I guess I am confused and scared. The chemo definitely shrunk the tumor which was MUCH much larger. But my Petscan after chemo showed no evidence of cancer left in my body (roughly done a month ago). Now I have to remove all my nodes because cancer cells were still found...and I am at high risk of lymphodema. Plus I still have to do radiation after this.I am 36 years old, with a 1 year old baby. I am just so scared about my future and how long this recovery will take. I was so hopeful but, now going back to surgery, the thought of cancer still present or returning, I feel just tired and out of it.


I guess I am looking for folks who have been through something kind of similar or removed all their lymph nodes. I am trying to cling on to hope to avoid having a complete meltdown and being depressed. And trying to stay prayerful....


If this thread needs to be moved, please move it. Was not really sure where to post

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  • LivinLife
    LivinLife Member Posts: 1,332
    edited March 2021

    HI Jalia! I certainly have not been through what you have. Soooo feel for all you are going through and such a young child at home. I hope you have already been on the Stage IV forums... If not there are several so check them out for sure. There will be many on there who will relate to what you're going through. There are also a lymphedema forum and threads. Check those out too. You will be at greater risk with the number of nodes you will have removed. Even if you just have questions, want to express concerns, etc. those on the lymphedema forums will be there.... I wish you well and please check back in....

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  • Jalia
    Jalia Member Posts: 6
    edited March 2021

    Thank you for responding. I will try the stage iv forum as well

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