Hello. I had a double mastectomy and one side lymph node clearance 14 days ago. Everything went great and I am recovering well. But I have been scared by my results. 9/15 lymph nodes still had cancer even after I have had 6 x chemo. Next steps are recovery and then 3 weeks radiotherapy. Are there any positive stories out there about lymph node involvement. They are all removed and in the Bin in the path lab. I just want to feel happy that my surgery is compete! Thank you xx
Hi Rachel and welcome to the BCC forums
I am sure you will have shared experiences and support here very soon and in addition our helpliners are on hand with practical and emotional support for you on 0808 800 6000, weekdays 9-5 and Saturdays 10-2 so please feel free to call
Here’s a link to further information and support ideas from BCC which you may find helpful:
Take care
Lucy BCC
Rachel999, I had lymph node involvement and like you was scared to bits. I have got over that now and from what I have learned there are more ladies who have lymph node positive disease than the opposite. I have been having treatment over the last year and have met ladies with what you describe as heavy lymph node involvement and they are all doing well. As long as it has not spread beyond then your treatment will be just as effective as those with fewer or none. I have asked on numour occasions why some tumours shed cells which move to the lymph nodes and other although larger in some cases do not. I was told this is something they dont know and it is certainly nothing we had control over. Are you having any additional treatment for your cancer. I was Her2 positive and have been having Herceptin over the last year. My advice is to listen to your medical team and if in doubt ask questions until you are blue in the face or indeed they are. You are entitled to get as much information as you want but you need to remember that getting information which you dont really understand adds to the anxiety. Take care and enjoy you day.