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jaykay · 08-28-2015, 06:50 AM

Typically, a sentinel node biopsy (SNB) only removes 1-4 nodes, leaving the rest. Lymphedema is very much minimalized, which is why most docs do an SNB instead of a full dissection. If there are mets to the lymph nodes, they may suggest radiation to the nodes which does pretty much the same as a full dissection when it comes to lymphedema. That's what happened to me - 1 out of 4 nodes were positive. I only wear a sleeve when I fly (on a plane, of course!) but never give blood or get blood pressure measured on that arm

My hair fell out 4 days before my 2nd chemo. Everyone is different..

Good luck to your relative

Janis

08-28-2015, 06:50 AM	#9
jaykay Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 646	Re: Relative with Breast cancer Typically, a sentinel node biopsy (SNB) only removes 1-4 nodes, leaving the rest. Lymphedema is very much minimalized, which is why most docs do an SNB instead of a full dissection. If there are mets to the lymph nodes, they may suggest radiation to the nodes which does pretty much the same as a full dissection when it comes to lymphedema. That's what happened to me - 1 out of 4 nodes were positive. I only wear a sleeve when I fly (on a plane, of course!) but never give blood or get blood pressure measured on that arm My hair fell out 4 days before my 2nd chemo. Everyone is different.. Good luck to your relative Janis __________________ March, 2000: 48, Post menopausal (5 yrs HRT) Left breast, IDC 3mm/DCIS 1.6cm, ER+/PR-/Her2+++, mod differentiated, MIB low, lumpectomy, node neg via SNB, rads=33 Stage 1a June, 2000: Tamox 4.5 years,Femara for 5 years (end in Jan. 2010) Sept, 2012: 61, Via mamm, ultrasound, biopsy, right breast, 2.3cm tumor, ER+/PR-/Her2+++, poorly diff, KI67 60-70% BRCA 1 and 2 negative October, 2012: Bi Mast with tissue expanders, port placement Final Path: IDC 2.8cm, DCIS, 1/4 sentinal nodes positive (@#$%). Stage IIB Nov 29, 2012: Begin TCH/6x/every 3 wks, H for 1 year/every 3 weeks. March 14, 2013: Finished chemo April 9, 2013: Begin radiation 28x May 22, 2013: Finished rads June 1st, 2013: Started Aromasin for 5 yrs. July 15, 2013: Switched to Letrozole (Femara). Probably for the rest of my life October 16, 2013: Exchange surgery October 31, 2013: Finished Herceptin December 5, 2013: Port removed Glad this year is over!