Did you have sentinel node or axilla dissection?

[Tankweti]

I am in a somewhat different position. I have Stage I BC, triple positive. Went to first surgeon and she wanted an axillary dissection. I knew that this could cause lymphedema and said to myself, "What am I doing this for when I am Stage I?" Found another surgeon who informed me that that was the older way of doing things and that now they so axillary sampling, taking from 2 - 12 nodes. She only took 2 from me and both were negative. (Sorry about the bold - I can't seem to get it to shut off.) However, my cancer is earlier than most of you posting here. If the cancer is more advanced, it might be prudent to consider an axillary dissection. I posted this to let everyone know that axillary dissection appears to be the surgeon's choice and an older method, which may still be appropriate in some cases (if that isn't confusing enough).

[linzer]

I had axilla because there was involvement prior to chemo. The surgeon said the same thing about false negative and urged me to do the ALND... that said, I had 9 total nodes in level 1 and 2 and three had scar tissue. All of the nodes as well as my tumor had PcR... in hindsight, I would have preferred to not have them removed, but I get why she said I should. I think that as NAC becomes more common, there will be workarounds to prevent ALND. I'm 10 months out from surgery and have not developed lymphedema. I do have some cording and my hand swells a little bit after running or walking but nothing outrageous.

[thinkpositive]

Thanks for your responses.

Linzer- Did you have a PET/CT scan or any other tests after completing all your chemo to see how you had responded? I ask because my surgeon said that because my MRI and PET/CT scan done after chemo showed no remaining cancer she decided to do only SNB. I'm glad your doing well and having no real side effects from ALND.