Breast cancer
posted by larkinpark
20 July 2015

Surgeon unable to find Lymph nodes

Discovered I had early stage IDC last November and had two lumpectomies within two weeks, second one to get clearer margins and remove nodes. I have since had radiation and taking the dreaded letrozole since February with side effects and tiredness kicking in now.

When I returned for my results I was astonished when my surgeon told me they were unable to find any Lymph nodes under my arm despite being in theatre for longer than normal while he searched. Anyway he did a second tracer test in the lymphatic system and assured me that the cancer didn't spread but he himself said he never came across this before even though it is possible.

Unfortunately this is hampering my recovery because I keep rthinking 'What if he missed something' and I'm feeling fearful all the time. I dont know whether this still leaves me open to Lymphodema and I dont think they know either. I had an excellent surgeon in one of the main centres in Dublin. Has anyone else experienced or heard of anyone who had similar?

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