I dont know if I’m posting this in the right place ?
I had 5 lymph glands removed for biopsy and the results have shown, after 6 rounds of chemo that cancer is still there. So the plan now is to remove the rest of them when I have the mastectomy in June. My question is, has this happened to anyone else ? I think I had convinced myself that I was going to get the all clear.
Morning DebbieB
I don’t know I only had one removed and it was there so chemo was put into treatment plan but I was not checked to see if there where any more there. I hope you get some more help come along soon. You could always run the help line they are really good.
Take care Silver x
Bumping so someone else can see. Xxxx
Hi Debbie,
I was the same. It’s unsettling isn’t it? But then my surgeon went on to say, after the pathology had come back, that the results were ‘as good as they could be,’ and that he would be pleased if he were me.
You have to remember that many people have their surgery first, and so never know what effect the chemo has had, or not had.
You obviously have responded very well to the chemo, and the surgery will remove the rest - that’s why we have it!!
Hope you are ok, x
Ps My friend was also in that position, and she is 4 years NED this week!
Thank you for your replies. I hadn’t thought about what would have happened if I had surgery first, so thank you for that, thats helped me feel so much better. 
Sometimes this disease can make me feel so lonely but then I come on here and get reminded I’m not alone after all. xx
Debbie even if your nodes were clear but showed evidence that cancer had been in them earlier on and chemo had gotten rid of it they normally still remove them all anyway… I had surgery first and had all my nodes out.
Lxx
Hi everyone - not sure if I am sending this to everyone but here goes. I’m newly diagnosed with BC - April - already had a mastectomy and am waiting for first chemo date, but have also been told as they found one of lymph nodes infected will need another op to take out more lymph nodes - which is really scaring me, in fact this whole thing is freaking me. Staying as strong as I can. I’m being looked after by a great team at UCH in London and they truely are really supportivde. Family, hubby, friends being brilliant but boy is this hard. I thought having the mastectomy would “cure” me, so them telling I need another op - is this normal, does this or has this happened to others. I just don’t know any more what is normal even though I know we all go down this road if slightly different ways but its a reassurance thing I need. I’ve already spoken to a couple of great women on line thanks to this web site so thank you all for listening.
Janet
Hi Janet62
I’m sorry to hear that you are having a pretty
tough time at the moment. I’m sure the users of this site will be along to
support you soon.
In the meantime maybe you would like to talk to a member of our helpline staff
who are there to offer emotional support as well as practical information. The
free phone number is 0808 800 600 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9.00
to 5.00 and Saturday 9.00 to 2.00.
You may also find it useful to have a copy of the BCC resources pack, it contains lots of information on diagnosis and treatments, which may be helpful. If you would like to order a pack just use this link:-
Best wishes Sam, BCC Facilitator
Hi Janet, I was diagnosed in early march, 2 lumps it was a mx, but because the lumps were small ( not to me ) and because I was getting a mx they said all along, they thought other therapies VERY unlikely. I had my node biopsy in April, it was in 2… That then meant a full node clearance at the time of op, to be followed by chemo and rads… I was devastated. My op options changed too so now it means another reconstruction after rad scarring clears. Seems never ending. Start chemo next week.
I’m ok, recovered well from op. Like you I just felt the situation just kept getting worse. Now however, the cancer ( lump ) is gone, full clearance… Turns out only one more node was involved an now the chemo / rads will deal with anything lurking. As horrid as it is… I think the prognosis is good and I’m glad they are so thorough.
Elli x
Hi Janet, I was diagnosed in early march, 2 lumps it was a mx, but because the lumps were small ( not to me ) and because I was getting a mx they said all along, they thought other therapies VERY unlikely. I had my node biopsy in April, it was in 2… That then meant a full node clearance at the time of op, to be followed by chemo and rads… I was devastated. My op options changed too so now it means another reconstruction after rad scarring clears. Seems never ending. Start chemo next week.
I’m ok, recovered well from op. Like you I just felt the situation just kept getting worse. Now however, the cancer ( lump ) is gone, full clearance… Turns out only one more node was involved an now the chemo / rads will deal with anything lurking. As horrid as it is… I think the prognosis is good and I’m glad they are so thorough.
Elli x
Hi Ellie
Thanks for your response. I am also waiting for chemo and then after that they will take more lymph nodes away. It is all very daunting isn’t it, but like you, I am really pleased they are being so thorough. You sound so positive and its great to be able to speak with other women in this situation, its a real bummer isn’t it - comes right out of the blue and turns everything on its head. I am working towards a trip to Australia next year to visit my daughter - so don’t really have time for all this palavar !!! Anyway glad you recovered well from your op - I am in 2nd week of recovery of mastectomy but getting there. Not looking forward to chemo - buying a few nice looking scarves and learning how to tie them to look cool !!! Anyway thanks again for replying - best wishes.
Janet x
I also had chemo before surgery. A biopsy and MRI prior to chemo showed cancerous lymph nodes. They shrunk during chemo - but the pathology report after surgery showed cancer still in the lymph nodes. I was really upset but my surgeon and (usually very pessimistic!) oncologist seemed really pleased with the results…so I’m clinging onto that!!
That is so true Debbie. I think it depends on our consultant’s as to if we have more surgery. Mine said I didn’t need it and yet some ladies have to go back for more surgery. My mind is all over but I have faith in my consultant so I happy too.
Take care every one
Silver x
Hi Janet
Yes it’s quite normal, all hospitals seem to have slightly different procedures some do the SNB first then MX and node clearence (if req) and others do MX with SNB with full node clearence if needed after.
I had the same as you, I had my MX & SNB in Sept and of the 4 nodes removed 1 was cancerous. I discussed all the options with my consultant and oncologist and decided as I was to have chemo, rads, herceptin & tamoxifen that I wouldn’t have a full node clearence. I’ve now completed chemo & rads and on the road to recovery, it’s all so daunting at the start but you will get there. If you’re worried about the second op give your BCN a ring and talk to her or speak to your onc. Like you said we’re all slightly different and they will know your full pathology and advise what is best for you.
L4W
Hi L4W
thank you so much you response has really helped - I’m going to fight this - I’ve a date with Australia in 2013 that can’t be missed. This site is so good for positive answers - thanks again
Janet x
Dear all
I am so grateful for this site - everyone who has responded to me is just great and positive - guess this is really just sinking in - its a lot to take in isn’t it. Buts thanks again.
Janet x
HI all,
My experience was chemo first (dx with primary and secondaries all at the same time and was in my lymph nodes) the chemo shrank it all down so much that when they did the mx and lymph clearance they took 13 nodes and only 1 had a tiny bit of cancer in it. I understand how all you ladies are feeling but chemo really does work as well as rads and surgery and a bit of hope and faith.
Love to all
sarahlousie xx
SarahLouise
Thank you for positive response - I felt so scared when I first posted my note, as I said I’ve had the mastecomy and was aware I’d probably need chemo - which I do - but was not expecting a 2nd op re. lymph node removal, but as I say from what you and others have said this is not usual.
Janetxx
Hi ladies, I dont know where to post this comment but I will try here. I had all lymph nodes removed at the same time as my mastectomy, i had 18 removed with 11 affected. I am obsessed with this information and in my mind this seems a awful lot. I desperately need to hear from women that have had as many as that and hear that they are ok
Hobo xx
Hi Hobo
Not me but a friend at work had about 18 nodes affected, had adjuvant chemo then mastectomy and arimadex, and is absoultely fine more than 5 years on, probably 6 by now as she was 5 when I was diagnosed. She was my poster girl when I got this, and I think if she can do this then so can I. X