Diagnosed with treatable small cancer

Thank you for allowing me to join this chat.

I have been diagnosed with a small breast cancer. I feel very lucky that it is treatable.

I am finding it difficult to decide on whether to have sentinel lymph node dissection.  I am doing research to enable me to make an informed decision.

The risks of lymph node dissection look unpleasant but I do not want to increase my risk of the cancer spreading, or to put my husband through the experience of his wife being very ill or passing away earlier than expected.

Would appreciate feedback from anyone who has been in this situation.

Thank you for your time in reading this.

  • HI Small_Cancer_Lady,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I am sorry to hear that you are facing this dilemma. Instead of trying to find advice online, speak to your consultant. They have the benefit of experience and some well-researched information. We all react differently to cancer treatment. Your consultant wouldn't suggest lymph node dissection unless they thought that this would improve your chances. You do not say what type or stage of breast cancer you have. This should be an important factor in your decision making. There are sadly no guarantees with cancer treatment, but it makes sense to do all that you can to prevent recurrence.

    Whatever you decide, I hope that it is the right decision for you.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx