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
I’m 2 years clear and had radio over a full clearance (I also had TC Chemo, on ovarian suppression /letrozole, Zometo and Ribociclib)
My surgeon passed me 2 trials to review (one named above & another) and I pleased with my decision
I’ve not had lymphodema (knock on wood) but I do get cording on and off
Good luck x
This is so helpful - thank you @idcand49. I had my MX and TAD recently and awaiting the results to see whether I can proceed with radiotherapy only (including to the axilla) or whether more surgery is required. How many nodes did you have out in the TAD?
How have you found Ribociclib? How did you decide between that and Abemaciclib? Forgive spellings…
Delighted to hear you’re 2 years clear and long may it continue! x
I had 2 nodes taken out and 1 came back positive
It didn’t show up on the US either !
I didn’t qualify for Ambeciclib but did for Ribo.
First few cycles were meh but now my body seems to be ok with it
I feel tired and achy but think that’s the Letrozole
I’m definitely counting down the days until I complete all my treatment x