Hello everyone x I got my results this week and was told I had a positive in one lymph node. the tumour had been removed and I’m now waiting to see the oncologist to discuss radiotherapy… I’m really confused as they mentioned the trials POSNOC and even though they have talked to me about it they are expecting a decision whether to be entered into the random selection for further treatment.
If I decide yes and am then not selected I’m on the understanding that all well be left and I will just have radiotherapy to the breast ???
Does that mean I’m at risk of the cancer spreading if I’m not selected as a further op was never mentioned?. Its so confusing and scary thank God you are out there - you’ve been a lifeline and as long as we can all ‘Fight like a girl’ we can be strong
Hi Midge,this is a big trial looking at how women with one or 2 lymphnodes affected are treated ,my surgeon told me that I would be offered it if I had lymphnode involvement ,a lot of hospitals are taking part .They are looking at whether node clearance surgery really helps outcomes more than radiotherapy to armpit .You don’t have to take part you can opt for standard treatment.
Adjuvant just means the preventative treatment after surgery /chemo.I think that you may be offered Auxilaary node clearance if you didn’t go on trial but you may get that any way on the trial as it’s random who gets which treatment .May be worth asking your questions in the ask the nurses section .
I have joned the posnoc trial. The reason being I did not want radiotherapy to the axilla (armpit) area due to concern re lymphodema. The only way to possibly avoid this was to join the posnoc trial. Fortunately I was selected on the random trial not to have the additonal readiotherapy to the lymph nodes. I would suggest you research lymphodema (not sure if spleed correctly) , it cannot be cured and although occurs in varying degrees can be painful and distressing. Reading the info on the posnoc trial suggests that it is not known if treatment to the lymph nodes in certain circumstances is required henc the need for the trial. I had just one lymph node where the cancer had gone to so was a candidate for the trial. If you elect not to take the trial then the standard procedure of radiotherapy includes radiotherapy to the lymph nodes in the armpit. I so hope this helps you as I went through a very trying time over this but now after complting radiotherapy treatment, I am very happy with my decison. xx