No sentinel lymph node removal with early-stage breast cancer?

Posted by texas5 @texas5, Nov 29 3:50pm

Treated at MSK where a new protocol to not remove sentinel node for early stage breast cancer is negative on Ultrasound.

Anyone have similar experience?

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I need to add in i had a dbl mastectomy at the COH in Duarte Cal. Out the gate it was one side, a fast-growing tumor closer to the chest wall then the nipple. But I was not large breasted. I had a genetic test past the biopsy signifying cancer, and it said BRCA2. For margins, said by both my medical oncologist and my breast surgeon, the nipple area was just too close. I was ER+/PR-/HER2 +. Having the least amount of breast tissue in case or cells left behind. The nipple would need to go. I had that breast removed and an expander put in for 10 plus months. I was supposed to have radiation following the chemo then the surgery. Deemed to be little help long term by the radiology oncologist. If I was family, he would say do not do it. Your side effects could outweigh the small benefit. Well in late December of 2022 I had my other breast removed. I did not have to remove the nipple, as no cancer was on that side. Based on being in my sixties, I told the breast surgeon and the plastics doctor that i understand the plastics dr could try to keep the nerves in place to retain some feeling on the side but it may not work. I thought about two implants, one nipple and 1 barbie. Brca2/HER2 cell growth had been in play. I had both for 62 years. Goodbye sisters. For me, it was best for my body. We must do what is best for us, taking into account your diagnosis.

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@texas5

Thank you for such an informative response. And extremely happy you are doing. This is a long tough journey.
I was treated at MSK. They adopted a new policy of not removing sentinel nodes in patients who particular tumor characteristics.
Stage 1 - vGrade 1 - 14mm - ER PR +
Her2-. And clinically negative on US.
So no sentinel nodes removed.

Had my lumpectomy and achieved clear margins were achieved. Onco score was 4.
So I was also given a choice not to radiate or to radiate.
So I did not. I am 68.
Is any of this similar to your situation.
Not certain if I have made all the right choices.

What follow up does Mayo offer.
Mammogram at 1 year or 6 months with US?

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I'm 76,with 2 lumps pos. and 6 nodes ( 2 pos.)removed. They suggested radiation,but I chose not. Did not want to risk side effects and did not feel it would boost my odds of staying clear of reoccurrence. Time will tell. Good Luck

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@tonysmom

I'm 76,with 2 lumps pos. and 6 nodes ( 2 pos.)removed. They suggested radiation,but I chose not. Did not want to risk side effects and did not feel it would boost my odds of staying clear of reoccurrence. Time will tell. Good Luck

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If your tumor is hormone receptor positive are you on AI inhibitors?
Mine was so as you know, I forgo radiation also but I’m taking the inhibitors

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@texas5

If your tumor is hormone receptor positive are you on AI inhibitors?
Mine was so as you know, I forgo radiation also but I’m taking the inhibitors

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Yes,I am. That was one of the factors in my decision. I.m on Anastrozole. 6 months now.

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I’ve been on Letrozole 4 months.
At the moment, my only side effect is severe insomnia.

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