Sentinel Node Biopsy support

Ask our Nurses your questions
1

Hi team, so I got my results yesterday and they found two areas of IDC very minimal (not got my letter yet so can’t remember sizes but we are talking 1.7 mm) with 60mm DCIS.

It was oestrogen positive so tamoxifen for 5 years. I’ve now got to have a sentinel node biopsy. My surgeon seems to still be quite positive about everything and says I have got the big step out of the way.

Again, this is where the little voice comes in and starts to scare me. Is the big part out of the way or is this a doorway to more horrors!

She has said if they find any in my nodes they will clear them and potentially chemo after. Will this ever end?

2

Hello motherducky,

Thanks for posting.

It can feel as though each appointment or investigation produces more questions and fear, as if it’s never ending, as you say. You are not alone in feeling this way.

I wonder if it’s the confirmed diagnosis that the surgeon means when they refer to ‘a big step out of the way.’

Assessing the lymph nodes in the armpit (axilla) after a breast cancer diagnosis is routine practice. Depending on the results of the sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), there may be no further treatment, more surgery to the axilla or sometimes chemotherapy, as the surgeon suggested. Our information on the previous link explains more about this. Often the wait can be the most difficult time.

You mention that you are going to be on tamoxifen. You may be interested in a Speakers Live we have coming up about hormone therapy.

It might help to call us to talk all this through, so you are welcome to call our helpline. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.

The number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.

If you would prefer one of our nurses to call you. Please complete this form ticking the box agreeing to a call back.

Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday.

We will be closed for the bank holiday on Monday 25 August.

Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.

Also talking to someone else who has had a similar diagnosis and treatment can help. We offer a service called Someone Like Me that you may be interested in. All are services are here.

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Best wishes

Jane

Breast Care Nurse

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