lymph node involvement

[susie448]

I recently had a lumpectomy with sentinal node dissection.  1 out of the 3 sentinal nodes were positive for cancer therefore surgeon removed all of the lymph nodes under my arm.  I don't have the report back yet but he said he wouldn't be surprised if 1-3 more lymph nodes show up positive for cancer.  He did make the comment that he received clear margins from the lumpectomy and it appeared contained.  He said the size appears to be 2.0-2.5 cm but doesn't have the full pathology report on it.  Should I be discouraged about the lymph node involvement

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,
It is important to have a copy of the report. Also discuss the report when it comes with your doctor in detail and its implications on your treatment plan.
You should carry on with regular breast exercises and breast massage as would have been advised to you by your doctor.
There would be pain post lumpectomy for some time. If the pain is too much to bear, take some OTC pain relief medications. They should help. Also get a follow up examination by a doctor post surgery in a few weeks time.
Hope this helps.
Good luck.

[lhughes]

I had 1 of 3 sentinal lymph nodes return positive with a 5 cm tumor, full mastectomy and removal of 14 more lymph nodes.  None of the other lymph nodes returned positive --- thankfully.

Hope you have similar results with the lymph nodes.  Have them send you somewhere to learn how to do manual lymph drainage and learn about lymphedema.