Hi. I’m looking for ladies (or men) who have had radiotherapy to axilla instead of clearance following 1 positive SLN. It has been planned for me but I have yet to find anyone who has also had the same.
Would be grateful for any positive stories regarding this. Put my mind at ease. Thank you
Hi @maystarter
Yes, I had a positive SLN on biopsy, but also had a couple of axillary nodes which became enlarged in the 6-8 weeks following mastectomy. I expected to have further surgery, but instead I had chemo then radiotherapy. I was deeply unhappy about it at the time, but was persuaded that radiotherapy was just as effective & much less likely to cause Lymphodema, which can be permanent. I’m 4 years on now, & doing well.
From what I read on the Forum, the decision seems to depend partly on the preference at your hospital. I hope you’re able to discuss your worries with your team, or you could also call the BCN nurse helpline for a chat.
Sending best wishes XX
Thank you so much for your reply and glad you’re doing well xx
I had 2/3 positive nodes following surgery in February 2024. Was offered clearance or radiotherapy. It was explained that studies (AMAROS trial) show virtually the same survival/recurrence rates (very low!) but radiotherapy had proven to have less risk of lymphoedema so improved quality of life. Over 2 years on and doing well, happy with my choice of radiotherapy.
Thank you. Did you have this after chemotherapy? X
Yes, I had mastectomy with implant reconstruction when SNB s taken. Then EC T chemo then 15 sessions radiotherapy then Letrozole which I’ve been on 2 years ( will be 5-7 years) It’s not an easy ride but you get through - try and stay positive, this treatment is with curative intent and there’s definitely light at the end of the tunnel xxx
Hello there,
Yes I chose radiotherapy over clearance too. I found it very uncomfortable after having the 2 SLN removed so when my surgeon gave me the option and reassured me the outcomes were the same I didn’t hesitate…I did then google to fact check though! I had a 2mm met in one node.
I had 15 rounds without any side effects at all. My skin was fine and I didn’t suffer with any fatigue and even started going to the gym after the first week of treatment. My last surgery was October as I had chemo so possibly had a bit of extra healing time though. My RT was throughout April.
I used the RT cream before I started and am finishing the tube. Good luck x x
Hi maystarter
I also had 1 positive node and 5 sessions of radiotherapy, also currently on tamoxifen.
Just had my 3rd follow up and all clear again.
Hope this helps.
Best wishes x
It’s so helpful to hear the different opinions of others going through similar things. I’m just dropping @jululemon here as they are currently having to make decisions about surgery/radio/lympnodes also
Very grateful for all your replies! Thank you! Xx
Thanks so much @foxgem! This was just the thread I was after.
I had at least 3 nodes with 7mm mets. Post Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy the nodes are looking MRI normal. The advice I have had from 2 consultants (surgeon and radiotherapy onco) is similar to the above. I will have SNB during my surgery but their view is to aim for extensive radiotherapy rather than a full ax clearance.
I am hugely anxious about a recurrence as I am young with babies. But equally I do not think I know better than two consultants! xx
Glad this thread was of help to you. I have been looking for a thread like this for so long but not getting very far, don’t know if you feel the same? All the very best with your treatment xx