I can quite understand your worry. I had a complete lymph node clearance from my groin & pelvis (23 in all) so I've always been interested in whether it changed my immune system. 

Firstly, can I say that a SLNB usually only requires between 1 & 4 nodes removed. Such a small number won't have much of an affect on your immune system. A full clearance, like for myself, will have some affect but not as much as for those who are having/have had chemotherapy as this involves the white blood cells which aren't involved in the lymphatic system.

From what I've read, to put it into context - the lymph nodes sieve out any nasties in the bloodstream. If the nodes aren't there, the remaining nodes in that particular area have to work much harder to sieve out more nasties than they normally would. This may not work 100% so the immune system will be slightly lowered making the patient slightly more at risk to infection but it's usually an infection in the area of the node removal ie. cellulitis. 

So, if you have had a small amount of nodes removed you shouldn't notice much difference where coronavirus, seasonal flu etc is concerned. For myself, in the 10 years following my node clearance I have had the flu jab & pneumonia jab. One winter I got flu because it was a different strain to the flu jab - I was very poorly (bed ridden) for 3 days but started to recover & was fine after a week. I'm keeping myself to myself as much as possible at the moment in the hope I don't get it. If I do, I think I will probably get it worse than most healthy 62 year olds but I will hopefully get over it without any serious effects.

I hope this helps,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient)

Hello NatalieJane583, 

You might be interested in reading our information on coronavirus and cancer which you can find on this page. Don't hesitate to give our nurses a call on this free number 0808 800 4040 and talk things through with them as it might help you feel a little bit less worried about it - their line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. 

Best wishes, 

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

Thank you Angie for taking the time to read my post, and for your time in responding. It is a worrying time, and I think everyone is trying to take practical steps, minimise risks, and keep a sense of perspective on things. Your words and sharing your own experience are really valued and appreciated.

Thank you again <3

Natalie

Hello... I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer 16 years ago, underwent mastectomy, reconstruction, chemo, radio therapy and a year of Herceptin. I was told all of my lymph nodes under my right armpit were removed. The sentinal showed signs of cancerous cells. I have since been healthy and well.

However, I am concerned that I am not on a register at my GP's as having a compromised immune system, and therefore have not had even my 4th booster covid jab. I was told 16 years ago that  I would always have a weakness with regard to fighting infections, which has definately proved to be the case over the years, despite always having  a flu jab. I recently had communications from my GP, who said that after this amount of time my system would have recovered, and therefore I was not at risk. I work as a volunteer in many care homes, and feel I should be able to have the Autumn booster as soon as possible.

Your thoughts please????? kind wishes