I’ve had a mastectomy with sentinel nodes removal and my results showed the first node wasn’t clear but the second was. So I now have to go through surgery and recovery again as they are going to remove all of my lymph nodes to check they are all clear. Feel frustrated that they didn’t do it all in one operation and I have to go through it all again. Has anyone else gone through this? The consultant said I might lose sensation around my armpit and the top of my arm. Has anyone got any advice? I still have to wait another 3 weeks before they will operation as I lost a lot of blood during my first operation and I’m suffering tiredness due to being anaemic. Just feels like one thing after another.
Hi Cath
I was diagnosed in January 2012, my initial ultrasound suggested by lymph nodes were clear, I had a WLE and SNB, but, like you, one came back positive for cancer, a tiny micromet so the cancer had just started to travel. I then went back in 6 days later and had the rest removed, they were all clear. I found the second operation much harder and more painful but to be honest most of that was caused by the drain, once that came out I was fine. I suffered loss of sensation in the armpit, the top of my arm and shoulder blade and this has not returned, it used to really bother me, but it doesn’t anymore. I know it’s a pain having to go back in for further surgery, but it’s better than leaving any potentially cancerous ones in there wreaking havoc.
Wishing you the best of luck with your surgery and ongoing treatment.
Take care
CC x
Hi Cath
Welcome to the BCC forums
Along with the support you have found here, our helpliners are on hand with further practical and emotional support for you so please feel free to call, lines are open weekdays 9-5 and Sat 10-2 on 0808 800 6000
You may find some of our other support services helpful along the way, here’s a link to information about these:
breastcancercare.org.uk/breast-cancer-services
Best wishes
Lucy BCC
Hi Cath,
Thank you for posting on here ! I’m sorry it’s frustrating news x
This post has helped me, I’m in the same position although I had my chemo first to shrink my lump ! Had my surgery on 17 April, healed well and results came back Friday not enough clear margin and one of the four nodes they took was cancerous, so I’m now booked in for 13 may for more tissue and node clearance ! Then another two week wait for results. Was a shock and was really upset and I’ve been through so much already and just as you think you’re getting better …
I have lots of questions ill be asking my breast care nurse this week as it was all a bit quick and unexpected on Friday !
I am lucky that I have good support from hubby, family, friends and the hospital I am under have been fantastic all the way through my treatment !
Any advice that people have to get through this I am always happy to hear as sharing always helps !
Good luck with your operation keep us posted on how you get on,
Kay x
Hi I was diagnosed with DCIS in Jan 2013 had to have mastectomy on 12th Feb 2013as tumour was 10 cm. Also had SNB.
Post surgery results were surgery got all the tumour and node clear. I went on waiting list for reconstruction and had DIEP March 2014. During that surgery they found an abnormal lymph node. Two weeks later my appointment with consultant was brought forward and he confirmed there were cancer cells found in the node.
I went back to my original consultant who said it was missed last year as the procedure to locate sentinel node is only 95% accurate and were re-examining the pathology results to find the invasive cancer. Hadd ANC on 29/04
I was due to see consultant on 22/05 but just got call from hospital bringing appt forward to this Thursday at 5.30 pm so tagged onto end of his clinic.
Cant think of any reason for this other than more nodes are involved and they want to get treatment started quicker.
I had a clear CT two weeks ago so know its still local but am very scared yet again and now having to deal with comments of “well you knew there was a chance you’d need chemo” feel like hitting someone…
Thankyou for updating us Cath. I have been dreading this op on 29th as I am in so much discomfort with this mastectomy and saline whoopee bag implant already. The thought of yet more has been making me feel aghast!
Hi cath
Glad you are doing well !
My second op was more difficult and is a lot slower healing, got a little infection where it was so swollen at the wound site of the node clearance !
Saw my consultant today, it’s healing ok, they found cancer I’m 5 of my 14 nodes, the clear margin from the lumpectomy and 2nd op was finally ok so I’m onto radiotherapy now 
They are zapping the breast and up near my collar bone just to cover the higher nodes and make sure nothing has spread even though it was only five !
I have a sore numbness at the back of my arm and get some weird needly pains but some of the feeling is coming back a little
It’s the first good news we have had In a very long while, so ladies there is always light at the end of that tunnel and there is always hope xxx
Just got back from hospital today. The pain from this operation has been worse, dragging and sharp but I seem to be back on my feet a bit more quickly than with the mastectomy with implant at start of May. Very tired. Hate feeling so weak.