Lymph Glands removed or not ?

I was diagnosed with cervical cancer stage 1A2 yesterday. I’m having a simple hysterectomy on Wednesday and have been given the choice of having my lymph glands taken out.  I was told the chance of the cancer cells spreading to my lymph glands as very unlikely and is around 5%. I’m really concerned about having them taken out because of the risk of developing lymphoedema. I was told the risk is around 10%. I am very active and keep fit, love running and my job is physical. The nurse I spoke to about living with lymphoedema was not that specific about keeping it st bay if I was unfortunate enough to get it. 

I’m now considering not having my lymph glands taken out but would love to hear from anyone with the same situation as me or anyone who has lymphoedema? 

Thanks s x 

  • Hello,

    a different Part of the body to yours Kate, following a biopsy my husband had melanoma removed almost four weeks ago and it was recommended the nearest lymph nodes be removed as a caution to find if the cells had spread to the area. He should get his results on Monday. He decided to have them removed rather than keep thinking what if. We are now worrying like yourself if the results come back positive does he continue and have further lymph nodes removed knowing the risk of lymphodema ?. It's a bit of a catch twenty two. I am trying to gather as much information to enable him to make the right decision for him, but it's not an easy one. 

  • Hi,

    I was diagnosed last year with stage 2 cervical cancer which had spread to the lymph nodes above my belly button.

    Instead of having them removed I had radiotherapy on them at the same time as the radiotherapy for the cervix.

    This left me very all at the time as radiotherapy on the stomach is very hard but I have come out the other side with lymph nodes still intact!

    Hope this helps!

    Sharon

  • Hi

    i had a radical hysterectomy thirteen weeks ago for grade 1 stage 1b endometrial cancer. After histology results the cancer was upgraded from 1 to 3. I asked why the lymph nodes were not removed at the time and was told at the original  diagnosis it was not deemed necessary. I was offered a second op to remove the nodes or 25 sessions of radiotherapy. So nearly three weeks ago I had the second op because I wanted to know if further radical treatment was necessary. The second op completely knocked me for six. Two major ops with major anaesthetics has made me very tired and lacking in energy. I get my histology results tomorrow and if the nodes are affected I will need both chemo and RT. Did I make the right choice? Ask me tomorrow. The thought of more radical treatment is scary in my present tired state, However if they had suggested removing them in the original op, I would probably have agreed so I knew that the treatment was specific to the spread,

    Sundial