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

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.

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

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

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

Hello 🌠

Perhaps you consider requesting a stay at Hope Lodge on the campus of Mayo Jacksonville?

It is EXCELLENT + really helps patients who live a distance away.

The Hope Lodge is an amazing program of the American Cancer Society + this fine organization is another valuable resource for breast cancer patients.

The referral to the Hope Lodge on the Mayo Jacksonville site is made after a patients medical appointments for cancer are scheduled.

I hope this helps 😇🙏💖

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

I went to JAX clinic. I live in Austin, TX, so we flew.

@lissawest, if you would like to seek a second opinion with Mayo Clinic breast cancer experts, you can self-refer. Start your request here:
http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63
How are you doing?

I had hormone pos as well, had lumpectomy on left breast, did not take radiation or hormone therapy bc of the bad side effects and am now 1 year clean, asking how do I know the hormone therapy works, was told “ you don’t” just follow up on all checkups as I’ve done.

@texas5 re: no sentinel node removal. Yes, that was my situation. (I don't think I responded to this earlier. If so, apologies!) My ILC was relatively small, .06 cm x .04 cm, and the ultrasound and breast MRI didn't pick up on any positive nodes. I'd done some reading on lymph nodes and one article mentioned that in older women (I'm 78) they do not suggest removal because of possible complications. (It may have been stated differently.) I opted for the suggested radiation, 3 wks instead of 1 because of the lobular diagnosis and I'll go on an inhibitor. I would think that MSK has data as the basis for their protocols.