How do people know nodes are clear straight after surgery :)

Thanks everyone for the feedback with their experiences with this. 

Looks like my surgeon hasn't wanted to say much before the pathology comes back, which is probably a good thing.

Not too long too wait, going back on Tuesday for results.

Learning patience, lol.

Thanks Kathy for the message sent this arvo..xx

Hi Kazza

This is Kathy from BCNA's policy team. The information about the grade of the cancer, and whether there is cancer in the lymph nodes, will be included in your pathology report. It requires a pathologist to look at the tissue sent to him or her by the breast surgeon, and run a number of tests etc on it. This takes some time. Your surgeon will have made a follow-up appointment for you at which time he or she will have the pathology report and be able to talk to you about your cancer and the next steps.

I know it is a hard time waiting, but I'm afraid there is no other way to get this information any earlier.

BCNA's pathology fact sheet may help you to understand more about breast cancer pathology, and how to understand your pathology report when you get it. You can ask your surgeon for a copy to take home.

Best wishes. Let us know if you have any other queries.

Kathy

Exactly what Hazel has said.They can take a quick look,but full pathology comes back after they send everything away to the lab.Cheers Robynxox

Hi,

Hope you're recovering well.  My nodes from the sentinel node biopsy were initially clear during surgery.  Full pathology, however, came a few days later with what they consider micro-mets in 2 of 5 nodes.  Effectively that hasn't changed my treatment plan, as my medical oncologist was explaining to me she's basing my chemo on the initial size of the tumour, grading and type.  (That informaiton can take up to 10 postop)

Hi there, my surgeon came to see me as soon as I woke up and told me they had a quick look under the microscope in the operating room and the node they took looked clear. However, he said they couldn't be certain until the pathologist examined them in the lab and that would take some time. I found out the grade etc after the initial biopsy. All the best, 

Hazel xx

Hi there

in my case the surgeon rang me at home as soon as she got the pathology back after the lumpectomy. I think it was a couple of days after. We already knew the grade and type of cancer from the initial biopsy. Since you have had a biopsy this info should be available so maybe ask you surgeon for it? 

All the best

Lisa

Hi there, I didn't get my report until I had my follow up appointment about a week after surgery. I actually had a clump removed as well  the dr thought the second was what was called a "hot node"  he ended with six nodes. It was actually a good thing as the first node was positive but the others were all negative so that was a real comfort to me  

Paula