Hi,
I believe they were removed from each side of my body because I had a cancerous node on each side. Specifically, in the pockets of each clavicle. One was slightly larger that the other.
I found them on my monthly self examination process and immediately decided to have them
checked. My surgeon decided to take more just to be sure that no other nodes had been affected. Even though, the radiologist had determined that the cancer had remained in just the first 2 nodes that were removed. Post surgery, radiation, day to day living was challenging but
I either did that or die. I chose the living path. Lingering effects after 6 years post treatment are:
throat always has a lump of mucus which must be cleared often, loss all but 2 of my lower set of teeth/ my dentist calls it radiation spray, all foods must be chewed to a very smooth/liquid consistency or I will choke ( or some will go into my lungs) you get used to it. Further, nothing tastes the same so I eat less, get full quickly and loss about 55-60 lbs since the start.
I hope that this helps you during your most difficult times. I personally from pray and God to be
my strong medicine. Either way, hang in there. Believe it or not things do get better!