Forum Discussion
Afraser
8 years agoMember
I can't comment on how many lymph nodes will be removed (but you should certainly ask your surgeon) or on removal of the nudes by hormone therapy and/or radiation as mine were removed surgically. If you are concerned about lymphoedema, then you need to ask specifically about the incidence with that kind of treatment. The stats for lymphoedema caused by an axillary clearance are about 20% - 50% depending on how many nodes are removed. So you may not get it, but onset can occur years after surgery. That's the bad news. The good news is that when detected early and managed properly, it isn't that bad. I've had a lymphoedemic arm for over 4 years, I do wear a pressure sleeve, massage and exercise but I have no pain or heaviness, swelling is minimal and doesn't affect what I wear, and care is not onerous. The big question is how does the fear of lymphoedema balance with the fear of cancer spreading? I had one clearly malignant node and several others that looked extremely suss on ultrasound. I lost 17. No regrets. So I would suggest you ask specifically about how many nodes will be targeted and the stats for this type of treatment of the nodes before making what is ultimately your decision. It's hard though, just one more thing to have to think about. Take care.