Why are axillary nodes removed if sentinel node found positive?

Here is the quick version. The sentinel node is considered the most likely place for the cancer to drain to if it is trying to spread, the closest so to speak. If the doctor removes the sentinel node and it is negative, in all likelihood it is contained in the breast and a treatment plan would be devised. If the sentinel node comes back positive, then they might remove the axillary nodes to determine if it has started to spread, if only the sentinel is positive, the treatment plan might be different than if 10 nodes are positive.
Does this explanation answer your questions? Are you having axillary node dissection? How are you doing with all of this?

Hello Chris. My first days after being diagnosed were the hardest. Some days are good. Working on accepting the reality and stay optimistic. My cancer is invasive ductal carcinoma in situ, HE2R negative, ER positive, two tumors in my left breast.

My pray is that my sentinel nodes are clean and no need for removal of 20-30 axillary lymph removed. I am a fiber artist and need to work with my hands, not only but I love what I do. There are chances 20-30%to get lymphedema if you have the axillary nodes removed. I am going to meet Dr.Alexandra s. Heerdt for a second opinion on October 13th. My first meeting was with Dr. Elisa Port from Mount Sinai.

I also do fiber arts, so I understand the angst over lymphedema, the good news is that axillary node dissection is avoided whenever possible these days. I get a little lymphadema but not much, and it has never affected my spinning, felting, or knitting.
I am glad you are getting a second opinion, that is always helpful. Please wander around the breast cancer conversations, and many people just like you, there are quite a few DCIS conversations and you will find everyone is very helpful.

Thank you dear Chris. I am beyond joyful to hear that you still do your fiber work. How old are you? I will be 47 next week.

Just reading about Multifocal and Multicentric Breast cancer. Guessing that this is what I have. The surgeon didn't say anything.

I am 56, I was diagnosed at 38, and I am still around to complain about it. 😂
May I ask what kind of fiber arts you do? I find the continuity of the craft, comforting, and the rhythms, soothing, how about you?

I did soft sculptures, brooms, wearable art etc. This year was about teaching and sharing my skills.
Please check my work here:
Poți deschide și pe al meu:https://www.instagram.com/atelierpoliana/?fbclid=IwAR1PXRW_r2KpNCHPKJEDV5wAAXbmcAbWTRDbVDz4YdKErsAp4mSrwE7PQHw

😳😳 That is amazing! I only got to look so far since I don’t have instagram, but what I saw did knock my little hand knitted socks off! I can see why this is so important to you. I love that you share your gifts, I have done knitting and spinning classes, but demonstrating spinning is the most fun for me. When people come and watch and ask questions, or might want to give it a try. This is a healthy way to distract myself from pressing health or family concerns.

Thank you so much. You are very kind!

I read that women who have lumpectomy don't need axillary node surgery. Is it true?

I would definitely talk to my doctor about this, and how important this is to you. If the sentinel node comes back positive, you might need to revisit. Depending on your biopsy, the doctor might just order sentinel node to start. Have you brought this up to your doctor at all?

I am scheduled for bilateral lumpectomies in 2 days. Left is for invasive lobular and right is papillomas with biopsy with possible DCIS? Since it is a confirmed carcinoma on the left, the surgeon will take sentinel node/nodes for biopsy on the left. Fingers crossed!!