You are here:
Breast Cancer/Lymph Nodes
Advertisement
Question
Hello Dr Nordquist,
I was diagnosed with invasive duct carcinoma in July 2011. I also showed one lymph node involved at the time.
I started chemotherapy in October to shrink my breast tumor. I did 4 rounds of AC and 2 rounds of Taxol. I had severe neuropathy side effects from the Taxol so I couldn't quite finish at the time and had my lumpectomy on Jan 10, 2012 - as the tumor had shrunk considerably.
My pathology results were positive as far as the tumor in the breast - the margins were clean, and no positive nodes in the breast. I did unfortunately, have 4 of 5 positive lymph nodes removed in the axillary.
I guess the good news is that they are out.
I have asked both my surgeon and oncologist about the possibility of removing more nodes in the case that there are more positive ones. Neither one thinks that would be a good idea.
They feel that I should finish my Taxol, do my radiation and then do my hormone therapy (Tamoxifen). My tumors are highly ER PR positive. They feel this is the best treatment for me. I am 48 years old.
I would like to understand why it would not be beneficial to remove more nodes - or do you think it would be?
Thank you for your time,
Cecile
No I agree with your doctors. The main reason for the lymph node evacuation during surgery was to find out if your cancer had spread. We already have the answer to that. Radiation therapy in combination with chemotherapy and hormonal therapy must be regarded as just as good - or better - as/than surgery to take care of this problem. Besides a too big removal of lymph nodes by surgery in your case may result in very serious side effects - like for example extensive lymphedema in the arm on the operated side. So that is not an option I can recommend! Good luck!
You can also reach me at: http://www.liveperson.com/professional/expert-profile.aspx?gsBMQvSJ0S4K1haAm6AtH
There is no limit to the number of questions there. Please note: NEW SITE!
Donations are also always welcome! No amount is too small, no amount is too big!
- Add to this Answer
- Ask a Question
| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you so much Dr Nordquist. You have been so helpful through this difficult process. This is such a great service to those of us trying to find our way through this challenging process. | ||
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D.
Expertise
I`m a doctor of medicine and a specialist in radiation therapy and medical oncology. I have long experience in diagnostics and treatment of breast tumours.
Experience
I'm a Doctor of Medicine and specialist in Medical Oncology and Radiation Therapy educated & trained in Sweden. Now retired. Background in Radiation Therapy, Medical Oncology, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, Gynecological Oncology, Clinical Pathology, Clinical Cytology,Hematology and Internal Medicine. M.D. from the faculty of medicine, Royal Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Have also been an exchange student at the Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem Israel. Former medical consultant, Swedish National Board of Radiation Protection. Former Police Surgeon and Medical Examiner, Stockholm Police Department. Former Chief Medical Officer, The Royal Guards, The Royal Horse Guards and the Royal Household Brigade, Royal Swedish Army Medical Corps.You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128 I have no restrictions on the number of questions there.
I also answer questions about
Oncology (General Cancer),
General History,
Military History,
Brain Tumors,
Colon Cancer
Education/Credentials
I'm a medical doctor and specialist in medical oncology and radiation therapy.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.