Can lymph nodes grow back?

[katarina777]

This is a question perhaps best suited for out great researchers here on board.
When I had my mastectomy on the right side, the surgeon wiped put all of my axially nodes plus as many others surrounding the breast as well. (They were seriously affected and all matted and sticking to nerves and other structures)

Now I just got my report from a very recent CT scan and it confirms what I just said, yet states that small bilateral axially lymph nodes are present. It doesn't say a few on the right, and a lot on the left but just that although the right side had been dissected, etc, on the right, both sides show small axially lymph nodes.

I guess I just wonder a little because it said the same thing when I had a CT scan and breast MRI before surgery, and that the lymph nodes looked unremarkable even if they were almost all cancerous.

Thanks, KAT

[SueYoung55]

Kat,

To my knowledge they do NOT grow back. However, when you have lymphedema issues you CAN have them moved from one part of your body to where your issues are to alleviate the problems.

Dr. Marga Massey is in NOLA and she does lymph node "transfers".  New Orleans now has the first hospital in the country with a complete and total treatment program for a condition that many patients don't like to talk about, often leaving them suffering in silence.

You can watch a video about it here : http://breastcenter.com/news/20090803_wwl.php

Kat, I know how frustrating this can be to deal with. I hope you get some relief :)

[katarina777]

Thanks, Sue, yes, it is a little frustrating because I have a lot of symptoms re: inflammation, etc, on the right side, and having had IBC, you know how it is when things don't show up.

It also says that the radiologist, stated as I, is concerned about new stuff going on in my liver. I will have an ultrasound follow up on Thursday.

Thanks again, Katrin

[katarina777]

It also states, and I am only telling this to share with 'my friends', here, that there is scar tissue in the right lung most likely as a result of radiation?

[SueYoung55]

Kat,

What have they told you? What's this about your liver?

[katarina777]

Ok, here it is:

1) status post mastectomy (I had that inDec.07, so not just recently)
2) No evidence of metastatic disease in chest
3)There are some hepatic lesions which are stable; however, I am concerned there are two developing hypodensities. One is in the central liver adjacent to the right portal vein and the other is at the inferior liver tip. In addition there is a hemangioma posteriory which is unchanged. A new smaller enhancing lesion at the dome of the liver is probably also hemangioma and may not have been visualized on the previous study for technical reasons. A liver ultrasound targeted to these area should be considered especially if the presence of metastatic disease would change therapy.

And Sue, be real with me like always. I am an informed patient I I know this doesn't mean anything either way at this point. Katrin

[katarina777]

The oncologist called me after he got the scan results and said there was some concern about my liver and that he would schedule an ultrasound and which is thursday.

[SueYoung55]

Kat,

When I first read your post I thought you were interested in everything Lymphedema. Then I saw your other posts and re-read and kind of freaked out about the liver issues. The lungs sound like mine, radiated and scarred. I'm not familiar with the liver but I am worried FOR you because I can tell you're worried. I wish life was easier than it sometimes seems.

I'm glad they are doing the ultrasound this week so maybe you'll get results soon. Remember to try not to worry until you have something to worry about (I know those words stink, sorry). Let me worry for you and that way only one of us will have to color our hair :)

[katarina777]

Thanks again, Sue, what a sweet comment and it really, really helps, and the fact you aren't just saying it's nothing!!

It is quite typical of me to present something really not that important and then get top the real stuff. As a counselor I know this behavior all too well from clients when they bring up what really matters when they are out the door, Cheers, Kat

[bluebutterfly2222]

Hi Kat,

Doctors once believed removing as many lymph nodes as possible would reduce the risk of developing distant metastasis and improve the chances for long-term survival. In recent years, it was found that removing the lymph nodes probably does not improve the chances for long-term survival, and that systemic treatment is the best chance to kill cancer cells that have spread beyond the breast.

There are 30-60 lymph nodes in each axillary area, and they normally remove 10-20 when an axillary dissection is done. Since yours were attached to one another and/ or the surrounding tissues, your surgeon probably took more than usual, but maybe s/he didn't actually take ALL of them?  (Just a thought, and one which might explain why your scans still show bilateral axillary lymph nodes...)

So much for the research; now on to a more personal note: I am very concerned about you, due to the all the recent developments that you've shared. However, I'm still keeping my fingers AND toes crossed (despite how difficult that makes it to type and walk!) that the rest of your tests will turn out okay...

Meanwhile, PM me and let me know how I can help, okay?

♥♥♥♥
bluebutterfly

[katarina777]

This is what I call real help, as you and Sue have done. I mean it. Perfect help; sharing, being heard, listening, not alone! Kat

[katarina777]

Being acknowledged! saying you are concerned and worried does make me feel less worried and concerned. KAT

[katarina777]

You guys crossing your toes and getting grey hair for me, that is real caring! Amen

[zouzi]

Dear Kat,I am willing to cross my fingers for you..but my toes? I would get terrible cramps!! LOL.I am also willing to get gray hair for you...Really. May all your tests be good Kat..that's a sincere wish.

                                                    Sue.

[katarina777]

Thank, Sue (zouzi) I would do the same for you, and I would only be upset if you didn't tell when you have problems. I could so easily contact you guys privately, but I am trying to set an example for 'us' and that we also share, and want to know about each other? It's more a stength than a weakness, right? KAT

[bluebutterfly2222]

Absolutely!!

(Plus this way we all get to read each others silly comments and enjoy a good laugh...)