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Deciding whether to have diagnostic sentinel lymph node removal
Breast Cancer | Last Active: Jan 25 7:26am | Replies (19)Comment receiving replies
I am trying to get input from people that are or have been in my position. It seems that the people that respond are talking about having it done with breast cancer surgery or for breast cancer surgery. I understand that it is something I can do that would benefit me IF I have a cancer that no one knows about. If I do not have any cancer which is probably the case, then I do not want to set myself up to have lymphedema. I would like to hear from someone that has had a lot of time after their cancer facing the same decision and wondering what their personal experience is/was.
Replies to "I am trying to get input from people that are or have been in my position...."
I just saw this. I had the bilateral mastectomy 4 years ago. My decision was made after genetic testing and finding out I had the CHEK 2 mutation. That was 4+ years after getting and being treated for IDC and 11 years after having DCIS. I did not have sentinal node dissection before the this surgery and found out after the surgery that there was no cancer in my breasts. So far I have had no problem, but I have fear everyday that I will get cancer again, because it is possible. I am glad I had the surgery. I am glad I had the surgery knowing I have done everything I could to prevent it. I don’t think the fear ever goes away. Good luck.
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I’ve seen four surgeons and they all say the risk of lymphadema is low… but I feel like their cookie cutter approach doesn’t work for sensitive people