axillary node dissection

denbralou
denbralou Member Posts: 66
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Has anyone had their masectomy and sentinal node biopsy, then to find after path report comes back that it has spread to nodes and had to go get another surgery for axillary node dissection?

I am 3 1/2 weeks after bilateral masectomy. About a week after surgery my surgeon called to tell me that unfortunately 3 out of the 5 nodes they removed during surgery showed signs of cancer. I am still sore from the surgery and am really worried about having another surgery on top of being sore.

Anyone that has gone through this, please let me know.

Thank you

Comments

  • greyhoundluvr
    greyhoundluvr Member Posts: 402
    #2
    Denbralou -
    I know some women on here have posted about having to have this done and I am sure you will hear from them. I can certainly understand how disappointing this is for you and how diffucult to look at another surgery when you are just getting over the first one. My surgeon took a little different approach with my double mastectomy. Although I was considered at very low risk for having node involvement, we got surprised. A sentinel node biosy was done at the time of my mastectomy and when that showed as positive, the surgeon removed 15 nodes. Fortunately, only two showed positive and there were clear margins so I didn't have to go back for a second round. One day at a time, one step at a time - you will get through this. Best wishes!

    Chris
  • Kat11
    Kat11 Member Posts: 1,931 Member
    #3
    I had a lumpectomy with a
    I had a lumpectomy with a sentinal node biopsy. They did the node dissection right then while I was still in surgery. Sentinal node was possitive. I knew before surgery that they would do this if it came back positive. I had to wait for the rest of the results, which came back 2 of 22 positive. My arm hurt alot after the surgery which was a year ago and my arm still burns today. It is numb in certain areas. Still you have to do it. Not everyone has a problem with this. I just happen to have a problem. It is doable. Sorry you have to go for more surgery. Hope it's over soon for you. Good luck.
  • DianeBC
    DianeBC Member Posts: 3,881 Member
    #4
    Kat11 said:

    I had a lumpectomy with a
    I had a lumpectomy with a sentinal node biopsy. They did the node dissection right then while I was still in surgery. Sentinal node was possitive. I knew before surgery that they would do this if it came back positive. I had to wait for the rest of the results, which came back 2 of 22 positive. My arm hurt alot after the surgery which was a year ago and my arm still burns today. It is numb in certain areas. Still you have to do it. Not everyone has a problem with this. I just happen to have a problem. It is doable. Sorry you have to go for more surgery. Hope it's over soon for you. Good luck.

    My node was negative, so, no
    My node was negative, so, no further surgery for me after the lumpectomy. Good luck!
  • denbralou
    denbralou Member Posts: 66
    #5
    DianeBC said:

    My node was negative, so, no
    My node was negative, so, no further surgery for me after the lumpectomy. Good luck!

    Thanks
    Thanks for your responses. I did have the sentinal node biopsy done at the time of my masectomy but when they did the quick path report while I was still under, the nodes didn't show cancer, but after they were sent out for the full path report, that is where they showed the signs of cancer.

    If anyone else was in this situation, please let me know and thanks again for your replies.
  • denbralou
    denbralou Member Posts: 66
    #6
    DianeBC said:

    My node was negative, so, no
    My node was negative, so, no further surgery for me after the lumpectomy. Good luck!

    Thanks
    Thanks for your responses. I did have the sentinal node biopsy done at the time of my masectomy but when they did the quick path report while I was still under, the nodes didn't show cancer, but after they were sent out for the full path report, that is where they showed the signs of cancer.

    If anyone else was in this situation, please let me know and thanks again for your replies.
  • denbralou
    denbralou Member Posts: 66
    #7
    denbralou said:

    Thanks
    Thanks for your responses. I did have the sentinal node biopsy done at the time of my masectomy but when they did the quick path report while I was still under, the nodes didn't show cancer, but after they were sent out for the full path report, that is where they showed the signs of cancer.

    If anyone else was in this situation, please let me know and thanks again for your replies.

    Axillary Node Dissection
    Just trying to bump this up, I am hoping to hear from someone who went through this also.
  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598
    #8
    denbralou said:

    Axillary Node Dissection
    Just trying to bump this up, I am hoping to hear from someone who went through this also.

    Hoping that someone can
    Hoping that someone can reply to you too Deb. I didn't have this, so, I am not much help.

    Good luck to you!

    Lex♥
  • jnl
    jnl Member Posts: 3,869 Member
    #9
    Alexis F said:

    Hoping that someone can
    Hoping that someone can reply to you too Deb. I didn't have this, so, I am not much help.

    Good luck to you!

    Lex♥

    Bumping up for you too.

    Bumping up for you too.
  • denbralou
    denbralou Member Posts: 66
    #10
    jnl said:

    Bumping up for you too.

    Bumping up for you too.

    Axillary Node Dissection
    Thanks jnl for the bump up. I can't seem to find anyone who had the same issues as I did yet.
  • susie09
    susie09 Member Posts: 2,930
    #11
    denbralou said:

    Axillary Node Dissection
    Thanks jnl for the bump up. I can't seem to find anyone who had the same issues as I did yet.

    I will bump this for you too
    I will bump this for you too Denbralou. I wish someone else would reply to you with information.
  • denbralou
    denbralou Member Posts: 66
    #12
    susie09 said:

    I will bump this for you too
    I will bump this for you too Denbralou. I wish someone else would reply to you with information.

    Thanks Susie09
    Thanks don't know why can't find any responses.
  • KissyKnit
    KissyKnit Member Posts: 2
    #13
    Axillary Node Dissection
    Debralou, I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy in February. Had 1/1 nodes positive for lobular carcinoma. After these results, I debated having the recommended axillary dissection with my "team" of doctors. I am very physically active and long-distance swimming is my preferred activity. I was afraid my arm (movement) would be comprised and I was afraid of developing lymphedema. But ultimately, I decided to have the dissection, which was the recommendation of my oncologists. My axillary dissection surgery was 7 weeks after my lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy. I had 6/10 nodes positive for a total of 7/11 unfortunately. This surprised me and my "team." I almost decided not to have this surgery and I have BC Stage III.

    The surgery for axillary node dissection was more difficult than my lumpectomy and SNB. I had one drain placed and had a good deal of swelling and soreness and bruising. I moved my arm and did the recommended exercises beginning 2-3 days after surgery. My surgeon knew that I wanted to swim post-treatment and was careful when he dissected the needed nodes. He also suggested the exercises after surgery. (He recommends that I continue exercising my arm to encourage mobility and minimize scar tissue during treatment.) The drain was removed 2 1/2 weeks after surgery. I ate well, rested during the day, and napped in the afternoon to encourage healing since my oncologist wanted to start chemo as soon as the drain was removed. I started Chemo three weeks after the Axillary Node Dissection.

    I have a small numb area under my arm, but no other pain or tingling or swelling at this time. But I am very careful with my arm when cooking and gardening--I wear gardening gloves and practice "mindfulness" when using knives in the kitchen. I do not want to develop the "dreaded" lymphedema.

    I hope this helps. I did not have a mastectomy, but thought I would share my experience with the surgery for axillary node dissection. (I registered just this morning so I could respond) Best wishes to you. Hugs.
  • denbralou
    denbralou Member Posts: 66
    #14
    KissyKnit said:

    Axillary Node Dissection
    Debralou, I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy in February. Had 1/1 nodes positive for lobular carcinoma. After these results, I debated having the recommended axillary dissection with my "team" of doctors. I am very physically active and long-distance swimming is my preferred activity. I was afraid my arm (movement) would be comprised and I was afraid of developing lymphedema. But ultimately, I decided to have the dissection, which was the recommendation of my oncologists. My axillary dissection surgery was 7 weeks after my lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy. I had 6/10 nodes positive for a total of 7/11 unfortunately. This surprised me and my "team." I almost decided not to have this surgery and I have BC Stage III.

    The surgery for axillary node dissection was more difficult than my lumpectomy and SNB. I had one drain placed and had a good deal of swelling and soreness and bruising. I moved my arm and did the recommended exercises beginning 2-3 days after surgery. My surgeon knew that I wanted to swim post-treatment and was careful when he dissected the needed nodes. He also suggested the exercises after surgery. (He recommends that I continue exercising my arm to encourage mobility and minimize scar tissue during treatment.) The drain was removed 2 1/2 weeks after surgery. I ate well, rested during the day, and napped in the afternoon to encourage healing since my oncologist wanted to start chemo as soon as the drain was removed. I started Chemo three weeks after the Axillary Node Dissection.

    I have a small numb area under my arm, but no other pain or tingling or swelling at this time. But I am very careful with my arm when cooking and gardening--I wear gardening gloves and practice "mindfulness" when using knives in the kitchen. I do not want to develop the "dreaded" lymphedema.

    I hope this helps. I did not have a mastectomy, but thought I would share my experience with the surgery for axillary node dissection. (I registered just this morning so I could respond) Best wishes to you. Hugs.

    Axillary Node Dissection
    Thank you so much KissyKnit. I really, really appreciate the info. I am really afraid of this surgery and whether it will limit my mobility. I am scheduled for surgery in 2 weeks. Are you back to swimming now? Thanks for the well wishes and hugs to you also.
  • KissyKnit
    KissyKnit Member Posts: 2
    #15
    denbralou said:

    Axillary Node Dissection
    Thank you so much KissyKnit. I really, really appreciate the info. I am really afraid of this surgery and whether it will limit my mobility. I am scheduled for surgery in 2 weeks. Are you back to swimming now? Thanks for the well wishes and hugs to you also.

    Your Welcome
    Your most welcome denbralou. No, I am not back swimming . . . yet and I miss it terribly, but I have to concentrate on cancer treatment for now. I am in the middle of chemo and the fatigue is taking a toll. I also have had trouble with the incision that was done to place the Port-A-Cath (body is not absorbing stitches). I will finish chemo in September, rest three weeks and begin radiation. I like to take treatment one day at a time; otherwise I am overwhelmed with thought and worry. Good luck with surgery.
  • susie09
    susie09 Member Posts: 2,930
    #16
    denbralou said:

    Thanks Susie09
    Thanks don't know why can't find any responses.

    Glad you got some responses.
    Glad you got some responses. I hope they help!
  • denbralou
    denbralou Member Posts: 66
    #17
    KissyKnit said:

    Your Welcome
    Your most welcome denbralou. No, I am not back swimming . . . yet and I miss it terribly, but I have to concentrate on cancer treatment for now. I am in the middle of chemo and the fatigue is taking a toll. I also have had trouble with the incision that was done to place the Port-A-Cath (body is not absorbing stitches). I will finish chemo in September, rest three weeks and begin radiation. I like to take treatment one day at a time; otherwise I am overwhelmed with thought and worry. Good luck with surgery.

    KissyKnit - Thanks
    Again, thanks for your information. I hope all is going well with your treatments. Chemo does make you very tired and you need your rest.

    How long were you in the hospital with the axillary node dissection?

    Thanks, Hugs to you.
  • Maize
    Maize Member Posts: 76
    #18
    denbralou said:

    Axillary Node Dissection
    Just trying to bump this up, I am hoping to hear from someone who went through this also.

    I had a lumpectomy and they
    I had a lumpectomy and they removed 2 sentinel nodes and 1 axcillary nodes. Path done doing surgery indicated all were free from cancer. When they received the final report, it indicated microcopic cancer cells in the 2 sentinel nodes-like .1 and .2 mm. After much discussion and praying, I finally allowed them to remove more axcillary nodes. They removed 9 more. They were all cancer free. My treatment did not change from what the oncology proposed at first so I still do not know the reason that the 2nd surgery was neccessary. I finished chemo 6/2 and am now doing radiation now. So far, so good. Chemo was hard, but doable. I had it easier than most-my taste buds are still not right, discoloration of hands, feet, face, and loss of hair. I am thankful. So far, I have had 3 radiation treatments and no side affects. They told me that I will begin experiencing so skin irratation and tireness after 3 weeks. Good luck and God bless.
  • DianeBC
    DianeBC Member Posts: 3,881 Member
    #19
    denbralou said:

    Axillary Node Dissection
    Thank you so much KissyKnit. I really, really appreciate the info. I am really afraid of this surgery and whether it will limit my mobility. I am scheduled for surgery in 2 weeks. Are you back to swimming now? Thanks for the well wishes and hugs to you also.

    Good luck to you denbralou
    Good luck to you denbralou with your surgery! Keep in touch!

    Hugs, Diane
  • denbralou
    denbralou Member Posts: 66
    #20
    DianeBC said:

    Good luck to you denbralou
    Good luck to you denbralou with your surgery! Keep in touch!

    Hugs, Diane

    Axillary Node
    Thanks Diane, I appreciate it. Hugs to you also.
  • Megan M
    Megan M Member Posts: 3,000
    #21
    KissyKnit said:

    Axillary Node Dissection
    Debralou, I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy in February. Had 1/1 nodes positive for lobular carcinoma. After these results, I debated having the recommended axillary dissection with my "team" of doctors. I am very physically active and long-distance swimming is my preferred activity. I was afraid my arm (movement) would be comprised and I was afraid of developing lymphedema. But ultimately, I decided to have the dissection, which was the recommendation of my oncologists. My axillary dissection surgery was 7 weeks after my lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy. I had 6/10 nodes positive for a total of 7/11 unfortunately. This surprised me and my "team." I almost decided not to have this surgery and I have BC Stage III.

    The surgery for axillary node dissection was more difficult than my lumpectomy and SNB. I had one drain placed and had a good deal of swelling and soreness and bruising. I moved my arm and did the recommended exercises beginning 2-3 days after surgery. My surgeon knew that I wanted to swim post-treatment and was careful when he dissected the needed nodes. He also suggested the exercises after surgery. (He recommends that I continue exercising my arm to encourage mobility and minimize scar tissue during treatment.) The drain was removed 2 1/2 weeks after surgery. I ate well, rested during the day, and napped in the afternoon to encourage healing since my oncologist wanted to start chemo as soon as the drain was removed. I started Chemo three weeks after the Axillary Node Dissection.

    I have a small numb area under my arm, but no other pain or tingling or swelling at this time. But I am very careful with my arm when cooking and gardening--I wear gardening gloves and practice "mindfulness" when using knives in the kitchen. I do not want to develop the "dreaded" lymphedema.

    I hope this helps. I did not have a mastectomy, but thought I would share my experience with the surgery for axillary node dissection. (I registered just this morning so I could respond) Best wishes to you. Hugs.

    Wishing you good luck
    Wishing you good luck denbralou!

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