Remove all nodes or just a sample?

Public Archive
1

Hi ladies

I have my surgery on Saturday and have to make the decision whether my surgeon takes all my lymph noes or just a sample! MRI showed no swelling in any which apperently is a good sign but who can tell?
He says that if the thingie shows in any then he will have to go back in and remove all so I don’t really see that I have any real choice…
Any thoughts???

Hope you are all doin good
Ali x

2

Well only you can decide. I chose to have a sample taken but then had to have a second op to remove all as some were affected. I don’t suppose I’ve helped. Just wanted you to know it’s a common dilema.

Good luck

Irene

3

shame you can’t have sentinel node biopsy - this is good if they think you have negative nodes as it involves taking out only a small number of nodes. I’d go for the sample - it is a bit risky but if they are ok you will have less chance of lymphoedema in the future as lymph nodes which are healthy are good to keep

Mole

4

Ali,

It seems to be normal practice where I stay that a few nodes are removed initially.If there are any affected nodes then a full clearance is done.In my case I had 5 removed.2 were affected so I had full a clearance 2 weeks later.I understand that the reasoning behind this is that everyone used to have a full clearance which was often unnecessary as there were no nodes affected. The downside is having to go into hospital just as you are starting to recover and have to go through it all again.
Just 4 weeks after the second op I’m feeling absolutely fine,just about to start chemo as I had more affected nodes. Good Luck whatever you decide¬
Tricia

5

Thanks Irene, Mole and Tricia for your advice. I just think that as there’s only 5% chance on lymphodema then why noy just take them all? My thingie is large and I think cos its large then it’s gotta be in sum of them so why risk another op???
Thanks again
Ali x

6

Have been asking myself same questions, Ali, but I think the lymphodoema risk is actually about 28% - I could be wrong, you must check this out for yourself. There’s some stuff on the ALMANAC trial on the Cancer Research site which may be of use. But then, there are probably worse things than lymphodoema risk. The helpline on here is very good, try giving them a ring. I have, over a similar issue, and the voice on the other end of the line was very helpful and knowledgeable.

Whatever you decide, hope it works for you. Like you say, if the beast is large and a bit of a bully then you might have more peace of mind getting the lot removed.

Best of luck, girl. Rootin’ for ya!

L x

7

Hi Chewbacca and Lanterna

As I understand it, you are both right about the risks for lymphoedema. I think I’ve read somewhere that without radiotherapy the risk with a clearance generally is about 5% and that radiotherapy increases it to around the 28% that Lanterna mentioned. Also that the figures tend to be a bit vague - some people get it so mildly they never notice and it’s not reported. Don’t know if this helps at all…

8

chewbacca

hi
all i can say is that i had four taken out …and one was infected…
but now i have to go back in and have them all out …
this did pee me off but better to be safe then sorry… that is my swing on thing’s

sal x

9

Hi ladies

Thanks for your comments, I really appreciate it! I think I am going to go for getting them all removed as all this waiting and preparing for surgery is a nitemare. Hopefully this time tomorrow I should be done. Do you think I can have a few drinks tonight or is that a bad thing?

Hope you are all well today

Ali x