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Lien · 08-12-2008, 01:56 PM

My onc explained to me at the time, that they check the excised lymphatic and blood vessels for stray cancer cells. If none are present, the cells are still contained within the tumor. If some are present, but none are in the lymph nodes, they haven't gone very far, and you got the tumor out just in time. It does mean that this type of cancer is able to spread, so it's probably a good idea to have chemo and rads. That way, any remaining stray cells can be eradicated.

Lien

08-12-2008, 01:56 PM	#5
Lien Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Haarlem, the Netherlands Posts: 835	My onc explained to me at the time, that they check the excised lymphatic and blood vessels for stray cancer cells. If none are present, the cells are still contained within the tumor. If some are present, but none are in the lymph nodes, they haven't gone very far, and you got the tumor out just in time. It does mean that this type of cancer is able to spread, so it's probably a good idea to have chemo and rads. That way, any remaining stray cells can be eradicated. Lien __________________ Diagnosed age 44, January 2004, 0.7 cm IDC & DCIS. Stage 1, grade 3, ER/PR pos. HER2 pos. clear margins, no nodes. SNB. 35 rads. On Zoladex and Armidex since Dec. 2004. Stopped Zoladex/Arimidex sept 2009 Still taking mistletoe shots (CAM therapy) Doing fine.