lymph node removal
I am 79 years old and have lobullar ILC breast cancer, stage 1 in both breasts. They are doing a lympectomy in a couple of weeks and also removing lymph nodes that are not cancerous, just for safety sake. Also have to do radiation for 3-6 weeks.
How is the recovery for this type of surgeries? And the likely hood it will not come back
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Hi @portland1946 , welcome to the community. We’re sorry you’re going through this, especially with surgery and radiation ahead.
Recovery after a lumpectomy with lymph node removal can vary, but it’s common to feel tired, sore, and have some stiffness or tightness in the arm and shoulder on that side. Radiation can also add some fatigue and skin changes over time, but many people are able to continue most daily activities with adjustments during treatment.
Here’s a helpful page on lymph node removal:
Wishing you a smooth surgery and steady recovery.
The Mods
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@portland1946 Just had my lumpectomy in May on my right breast and a sentinel node biopsy in June. I'm 70 years old and had no problems. I came home with a drain from the lumpectomy and really no issues. The drain removal was not a big deal. After the node surgery, they wanted me to keep my elbow next my body. So I had a pillow in my armpit. And again, not a big deal. I had radiation in 2009 on my left breast and right after radiation treatments, I rubbed aquafor all over the area. Took a shower that night and was ready for the next day. The fatigue sets in towards the end of treatment and continues for a bit. So short naps will happen naturally. Remember….a good attitude and a sense of humor is the best medicine!
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Thank you so much for your reply, I guess all we can do is take it one day at a time.
I have lobular breast cancer and my Dr said it is a very sneaky one that likes to travel elsewhere, so the extra protection of lymph node removal and RADIATION is a good choice
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I have two more chemo infusions for HER2 breast cancer. Am concerned that my doctor is NOT referring me for eval for radiation on the lymph nodes. I think that is a thing. Wondering if that is what the surgeon will do after the mastectomy. So two questions: is radiation common for lymph nodes (they have cancer in them) and how common is bilateral mastectomy with only one breast compromised with tumor?
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Hi @portland1946 , You're very welcome. 💗 Taking it one day at a time is often the best approach.
Your doctor is right that invasive lobular cancer can behave differently than some other breast cancers, which is one reason your treatment team considers several factors when making recommendations about surgery, lymph nodes, and radiation. It sounds like you've had thoughtful discussions with your doctor about the plan that's right for you.
We're glad you found us, and we hope you'll continue to keep us posted on how you're doing.
Hi @gurney22 , welcome to the community, though we're sorry you have reason to be here.Those are great questions. Whether radiation is recommended to the lymph node areas depends on several factors, including how many lymph nodes contain cancer, the response to chemotherapy, the type of surgery, and your overall treatment plan. In many cases, the surgeon and radiation oncologist make that decision together after surgery, once the final pathology is available.
As for a bilateral mastectomy, it's not uncommon for someone with cancer in one breast to choose removal of both breasts, but it's a very individual decision based on factors like genetics, personal preferences, family history, and discussions with the treatment team.
You may find these Breastcancer.org resources helpful:
- Radiation Therapy:
- Mastectomy:
Hopefully, other members who have been in a similar situation will share how those decisions were made in their own care. Wishing you all the best with your remaining chemo infusions and your upcoming surgery. 💗
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