Hi,
I like to hear about other women’s experience who :
1 had SLNB and cancer found macromets
Is it decided for you to have ALNC? is it by default all nodes?
Are you given a choice between ALNC and radiotherapy?
2 had ALNC. Any bad side effects that affects usage of your arm? Hand/fingers
3 a 3rd option? SNLB cancer macro mets,more tests(biopsy?CT?PET?MRI?) that can determine exactly which nodes have cancer and only remove those nodes that have?
Hello I had a fine needle biopsy on one node that was positive. It was decided by my surgeon that I would have anALNC , 4 / 13 nodes were found to be cancerous & I’m having chemo & radiotherapy. I had numbness in 2 fingers for the first 3 days & my armpit & arm were stiff but useable. Also my bicep area was quite numb. However I have done the recommended exercises 3 times every day & over the last 9 weeks & I have greatly improved. I use my arm as normal but I’m aware not to overdo it. Occasionally tightness & mild pain in the upper arm & elbow & I’d say 95% range of motion is back & still improving. Hope that helps.
I had full clearance as had one node biopsy positive. None of the others were when they were removed but personally I’m glad they are out. I had limited movement and some numbness around the armpit to start with but did the exercises starting the following day and all came good. Have full movement and no numbness. Obviously that could change but 
. I am also having radiotherapy and 12/15 done now. So far so good with symptoms returning from that
Hi Kellya, I had full clearance of 36 nodes as two were found to be infected during my surgery. One node was at first level and one at second level. The clearance was done at the same time as my surgery through the same incision. They did not show on mammogram or ultrasound. My surgeon told me beforehand that a full clearance would be necessary if any positive nodes were found.
I developed a seroma which persists two and a half years later. It is uncomfortable rather than painful.
I also have mild lymphedema which started after radiotherapy and am prescribed a lightweight sleeve to wear daily. It has not got any worse and my arm and shoulder mobility is good.
I think to some extent alnc is down to the surgeon’s preference but also definitely our own personal histology. For example my tumour was grade 3, I am at high risk of recurrence and still having additional preventative treatment.
I am glad now to have had the full clearance. Last December I had my second yearly mammogram - nothing suspicious found! Wishing you all the best through your treatment Kellya x
Hello, I had a biopsy on one LN after it appeared slightly enlarged on both ultrasound and MRI. It turned out to be cancerous. I was given the option to undergo ALNC or participate in a clinical trial comparing radiotherapy to ALNC to see if radiation alone would be just as effective.
I chose to go ahead with ALNC along with radiotherapy, and I’m glad I did—7 out of 19 lymph nodes were found to be cancerous. I know, I would have worried that radiotherapy alone might have left some cancer behind.
I also did physiotherapy, and now, nearly two years later, I feel almost completely back to normal. I’m still at risk for lymphedema, but so far I haven’t had any issues—and I don’t regret my decision at all. Wishing you all the best
Not in your 3 categories, but just want to say that I had SLNB that was negative. Its then presumed that it puts you at low risk of lymphoedema and, indeed, I was fine after surgery. Sometimes, its the radiotherapy that can cause issues not node removal. I’ve gone through cording, breast oedema - and I suspect I may have pushed it too far at the gym last week as my hand is tingling, achey arm on that side, thinking I may have to contact my BCN for a physio referral and get some elasticated support .
My mother had chemo, radiotherapy and ALNC but hasn’t had any issues- she did have a mastectomy though, so maybe less rads?
Hi there
I was given the choice after 1 node came back + (3mm not seen in any scan)
I didn’t have ECE or LVI so this was important to know before my making my decision
I opted for radio vs a full clearance due not having it
There are 2 huge trials that supported my decision too
Z11
AMAROS
I know I’m still at risk of lymphoedema from the radio but it’s much less.
I was 49 just 50 & love to train so that also played into my decision
Good luck xx
Thank you, so helpful, from responses ALNC seems a no brainer - if necessary - despite any risks of lymhedoema.
It seems chemo and radiotherapy is hardly avoidably.
@caroleanne I also have grade 3 and senitnel+ w ECE.
Radiotherapy seems a better option to avoid lymphedoema but I am terrified of hearing loss caused by radioT and Chemo.