DCIS with sentinel node biopsy

[donadol]

I had DCIS in my left breast and had a bilateral mastectomy two weeks ago.  The sentinel node biopsy was negative as it was tested in the hospital during my surgery.  The oncologist office called and told me that no invasive cancer was found.  I had very good margin.  The right breast no cancer.  However, when they did the staining of the sentinel lymph node it came back with a less than .2mm postive cell.  How can this be when initially they said it was negative.  Is there a false postive for this staining test.  What can I expect?  Will I have to be on Chemo or radiation?  This has been such a let down after being told there was no cancer and I will live a long normal life.

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear donadol, With a non-invasive cancer (DCIS) it is curious that the sentinel node would come back positive. This information will need to be put into context for you and the best person to do so would be the oncologist who will have access to all of the details of your case.   What would be recommended in terms of further therapy would need to be considered with all of the information.  

[Sai387]

It scares me a lot. Even my sister is diagnosed with DCIS, she has Micro Calcification with clusters and blood discharge from her right breast. Doctors performed the Mastectomy and told us that her sentinel nodes are clear and sent the extracted mass for the pathology test and all came negative surgeon told her that she doesn’t need to use any medication or any treatment either Cemo/Radi. The report came a week ago and all of our family members are in a joyful mood after a month long struggle. Now I’m again going back to that faze after seeing your posting. Oh my GOD nobody should get this situation. I can understand how you feel now and I’ll pray for you.

[HazelLynn]

Hi I am so sorry to hear you news - I dont know the answers for you but I really feel and understand.  I had DCIS that became invasive (due to lost notes and a terrible admin woman, they kept me waiting and then told me that I didnt have cancer) - then just before New Year they said I had, so I understand how devastating it all is - its mental torture.  I had a mastectomy after a lumpectomy - in which they caught the one and only 1mm of microinvasion - but that was enough to freak me out.  I had the modified radical mastectomy and Tamoxifen and have now been more or less dismissed as cured - I hope to god that they are right, because I will be devastated once more if they are wrong.  They should check, check and treble check.  I hope you get sorted out really quickly, dont let them keep you waiting - time is of the essence here!  My heart goes out to you.
Hazel

[donadol]

Thank you all for your prayers and concern.  I spoke to my breast surgeon and he said that the result of this staining test on the sentinel lymph node is of little or no significance. They tested the nodes at the time of my surgery and the both came back negative. He told me that I had nothing to worry about and would not need chemo or radiation.  He said the cancer is non invasive and is gone.  Apparently this staining test was done when the breast tissue was tested.  He said the staining test of the lymph node amplifies microscopic cells.  He told me to stop worrying about the cancer because it is gone and I will be fine.  This is the scarest thing that I have ever been through.
Thanks again and good luck to you Hazel and Sai.  Thank you for your response Cleveland Clinic this is wonderful that you answer our questions.  Many of us are so terrified and your advise and guidance is certainly appreciated.

[HazelLynn]

Hi, I am so happy to hear that you are ok.

Best wishes
Hazel

[Sai387]

Hi, Congratulations and try to wipe off the scary thoughts from your mind and  be happy. Enjoy the life and my prayers are always with the people who are in need. I know how hard it is to handle the situation, my sister is diagnosed with DCIS and we all are in a terrible stage all the month long.

All the best and try to be in touch with the people who are in need and give them support to handle the situation.

---Sai.