Morning all - I have a question that somebody else maybe going thru and be able to help me.
In June I had MX with immediate implant and SNB - 2 nodes were taken and a micromet was found in 1 (smallest amount possible I’m told). I was recommened to have chemotherapy (just had my 3rd cycle) and then I would need Node clearance OR radiotherapy - not both, but the choice is mine. I’m told that as effective as each other, both risk lymphdema, and both have side effects. I thinks its unfair I have to make this decision, I have a surgeon and oncoligist who know all my circs, I am the lay man and have to make the desision. Its what I think about when I wake up in the middle of the night. Anybody else going thru this?
I had micromet found in one of my nodes after mx & recon surgery, though my SNB was clear. I saw my oncologist two days ago and as well as chemo (6 x EC) he has said he doesn’t know about radio yet but did mention something about a clearance. After having two lots of surgery so far, I really do not want a clearance due to lymophodema risk. I had been told previously my case had been discussed at meeting and clearance wasn’t recommended for me so I am confused.
You need to go back and discuss the risks with your Oncologist before you can make a decision, or just tell them that you want them to decide. I agree its a hard decision and you are not really up to this while you are undergoing chemo as well xx
I think it’s unfair that you’ve been left with this dilemma. I went to a younger womens forum in Julyand the surgeon there said there are different schools of thoughts as to a full clearance is necessary. I remember seeing an article about it in the New York Times. I’ll see if I can post the link for you.
I had 3/3 nodes affected on snb followed by 3 fec and 3 tax chemo. I had full clearance and mx after chemo and there was no trace of any cancer. I will never know how many nodes were affected as it could bejust the original 3 on snb or it could have been a whole lot more and the chemo did it’s job and killed the cancer cells. I wonder whether the full clearance was necessary but onthe other hand I’m gladthat I have done evreything possible treatment wise.
It’s such a difficult decision for you. Have you thought about asking for a referral to another Onc for their opinion?
Thank you both for your replies -sorry I’ve not acknowledged before - actually manadged to get into work a little over last 2 weeks!
The Ny Times artice is very interesting.
After talking to my surgeon again I have actually opted for radiotherapy. She told me in a roundabout way that if she thought I needed surgery she would tell me so and not give me a choice. Also slightly higher risk of infection, lymphdema, scarring with surgery and may not find any more cancerous nodes at all. Feel much better now I’ve made the decision.
Got my first T chemo tomorrow.
Best wishes
Kayieb xxx
Hi katieb
Hope your first chemo has not been too awful.
I’m in a similar position to you, mx followed by chemo. I had 3 nodes removed and only one had micro traces of cancer. But I had a grade 3 tumour and I was given no choice, I’m having rads after chemo. I actually didn’t ask but I think it’s because my tumour was grade 3 .
My chemo has been delayed because of infections and seromas around my tissue expander which has now been removed.
I’m pleased that I didn’t have to have full clearance because of the risk of lymphodaema.