How do I know the surgeon took enough lymph nodes during my surgery?

Oops, 3rd mass showed up barely on an MRI.

That makes sense. If one's cancer was easy to find I'm sure they probably wouldn't have the questions we do. I'm just so scared of them leaving lymph nodes that had cancerous tissue that could cause problems later. I'm going to ask my oncologist next week if they can do an ultrasound or biopsy on the remaining ones in the auxiliary just to make sure but then again are you ever sure?

Thank you for your response. I am glad they found yours and I hope you have a blessed day.

I do have a patient portal. I can see all of my test results. I see my oncologist next Friday so I'm going to question him more in depth. Thank you

I had 19 lymph nodes removed, 4 were cancerous. I lost ALL lymphatic function in my right arm. I ended up needing a VLNT transfer of abdominal nodes to my arm (13 hour surgery) to restore lymph function in that arm. Not covered my Medicare because it is considered experimental. It worked but I have a blockage in my elbow area so a lesser surgery may be coming. Lymph node involvement is a very slippery slope

Wow you've been thru it. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Can I ask how long ago your surgery was?

I had two removed and both had scarce cancerous tissue. I guess I just wonder if they got it all. I now have a knot in the fatty part underneath my arm and my arm pit is hard. I'm not sure if that is from the removal of the lymph nodes but I'm going to find out. I know I aggravate my doctors but one thing I have learned you have to be an advocate for yourself.

I had a mammogram and ultrasound at the breast center and honestly, I thought I was going to have to help the older lady turn on the ultrasound machine. The doctor did not even look at my chart before she came in. I had an in-depth convo with my oncologist. If I get that feeling this time I will change breast centers. They have always been really good with me, but the last time was a bad experience.

Mine was a year ago. Lump found on mammogram and biopsy showed idc. Surgeon had pre surgical MRI done and it showed abnormal axillary lymph node so biopsy done there (reactive). Then at surgery, she only removed the remainder of the axillary node and 1 sentinel node. I questioned at post surgical why only one, they indicated usually took 3 or more, and she said they only take what shows up on the radioactive tracer and the dye and only 1 sentinel node showed the dye. Luckily, the fewer they take, less lymph problems but they still treat the area if positive.

Actually I think "now" is the perfect time for you to "think of all these things". I'm guessing "now" you have a more optimistic outlook about your future than you were capable of "before now". It's as if a switch clicked in your brain, perhaps bringing with it more energy and a determination to be in control of your destiny.

The "knot" in your armpit might be a seroma:

"A lump under the armpit after a mastectomy could be a seroma, which is a buildup of fluid in or around the incision area. Seromas are normal and can feel like a lump a few days after surgery. They can grow to feel like a golf ball or egg and can cause swelling, pain, and an increased risk of infection. Seromas may resolve on their own over time, or they may need to be drained. You should tell your doctor or nurse if you think a seroma is developing."

I had one and had a ultra sound guided aspiration.

I am also 77 years old and just had a lumpectomy on Tuesday (August 20). I am waiting for results of sentinel nodes. I’m very anxious and hoping that if my nodes come back with cancer cells I have the same treatment as you are having. I don’t know anything about letrozole but I will research that.
I think our age makes a difference in our treatment and I was glad to read your experience. Thank you for sharing. Now I just have to start the process, I’m just 2 days post-op so I’m assuming it will be a few weeks.
I’m lacking follow-up information to thank God for this blog.

I hope you get good results on your sentinel nodes. I was shocked when they told me mine had sparce cancerous cells. I did not have to have chemo, but I did four weeks of radiation. I had no problems with the radiation. I started on Anastrozole, and I had the worst side effects, so my oncologist changed me to Letrozole, and I've done a lot better with it. I can't take Tamoxifen as I still have all my reproductive organs. I was 54 when I was diagnosed.

Keep me updated on your results. If you need anything reach out to me.....