HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - Would like to hear from any Er-, Pr-. with lymph nodes involved?

Debbie L. · 10-06-2010, 06:01 PM

Hi KitCat,

Big node freaked me out, too. But that was nearly 10 years ago (and I'm NED without recurrence).

My largest lymph node was 6cm and was the reason we noticed the breast cancer. I had 4 other big positive ones. You can see other details (like no Herceptin) in my signature. Being a control freak (recovering), I tried to do research on this (size of lymph nodes) and basically what I found out was exactly what my community-practice onc had told me: "the significance, if any, of the size of an affected lymph node is not known".

Keep talking, about what scares you. It might still scare you when we're done talking, but at least you'll know you're in good company.

Debbie Laxague

10-06-2010, 06:01 PM	#6
Debbie L. Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 463	Re: Would like to hear from any Er-, Pr-. with lymph nodes involved? Hi KitCat, Big node freaked me out, too. But that was nearly 10 years ago (and I'm NED without recurrence). My largest lymph node was 6cm and was the reason we noticed the breast cancer. I had 4 other big positive ones. You can see other details (like no Herceptin) in my signature. Being a control freak (recovering), I tried to do research on this (size of lymph nodes) and basically what I found out was exactly what my community-practice onc had told me: "the significance, if any, of the size of an affected lymph node is not known". Keep talking, about what scares you. It might still scare you when we're done talking, but at least you'll know you're in good company. Debbie Laxague __________________ 3/01 ~ Age 49. Occult primary announced by large (6cm) axillary node, found by my husband. 4/01 ~ Bilateral mastectomies (LMRM, R elective simple) - 1.2cm IDC was found at pathology. 5 of 11 axillary nodes positive, largest = 6cm. Stage IIIA ERPR 5%/1% (re-done later at Baylor, both negative at zero). HER2neu positive by IHC and FISH (8.89). Lymphovascular invasion, grade 3, 8/9 modified SBR. TX: Control of arm of NSABP's B-31 adjuvant Herceptin trial (no Herceptin, inducing a severe case of Herceptin-envy): A/C x 4 and Taxol x 4 q3weeks, then rads. Raging infection of entire chest after small revision of mastectomy scar after completing tx (significance unknown). Arimidex for two years, stopped after second pathology opinion. 2017: Mild and manageable lymphedema and some cognitive issues.