Few nodes

[wizard33]

I had a level 2 ax disection after 2 surgeons could not find the sentinal node using radiation and tracer dye.  They were only able to find 4 nodes. They were 1.5 cm each but negative

tumor 2cm
er/pr -
proliferant markers
her2/neu -
poorly diff
Invasive ductal carcinoma

What impact do you see in only being able to find 4 nodes if any?  The surgeon stated that in the chunk they took they would expect 10-15 nodes.

Looking for what you would think that the treatment should be.

Thanks

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear Wizard33:  The number of lymph nodes does vary from person to person, although this number is small.  Since you have had a lymph node dissection,however, one would have to assume that your cancer is lymph node negative. As such, we would treat based on this information.  If you had a lumpectomy, we would do radiation therapy.  Depending on your age, chemotherapy may or may not be recommended.

[wizard33]

I had a mast and they are looking at AC followed by T. I am 33

My main concern is that the surgeons could not id the sentinal and am a little worried that they are "hiding" somewhere else.

Thanks for your response.