Breast cancer/ lymph node's

I have had breast surgery for cancer had my results back and they have found cancer in my lymph nodes .absolutely devastated. But they have said the treatment is to take away all the lymph nodes by surgery or radiotherapy I know the risk is higher of complications with surgery. But with radiation, you can't be certain that they get everything iv had a lot of problems with recovery after my breast surgery and healing. I just don't know if I can go through it again I'm so confused I want to do the right thing. If you can offer me any advice it would be much appreciated. 

Parents
  • Sorry to hear your diagnosis. I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy which was positive. I had the axillary clearance and because more nodes are positive. i am now expecting chemo. If you are node positive and premenopausal you usually need chemo too. If you have radiotherapy instead of surgery, you will not know if there was more cancer on the nodes. Personally, I chose the ALND because I wanted to know how much spread there was. For me, the not knowing was worse. Most people don't get lymphodema though it is a risk. So far, I'm OK. Let us know what you decide. X

Reply
  • Sorry to hear your diagnosis. I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy which was positive. I had the axillary clearance and because more nodes are positive. i am now expecting chemo. If you are node positive and premenopausal you usually need chemo too. If you have radiotherapy instead of surgery, you will not know if there was more cancer on the nodes. Personally, I chose the ALND because I wanted to know how much spread there was. For me, the not knowing was worse. Most people don't get lymphodema though it is a risk. So far, I'm OK. Let us know what you decide. X

Children