Community Member
2 days agoHi! NEW to the community. I am Stage 2 (unsure of grade) Breast Cancer diagnosed in Feb. Triple NEG-aggressive form. So my treatment is aggressive in that I have 16 rounds of chemo followed by radiation postsurgery. Partially through my tumor has shrunk to the team being barely able to locate it. Surgery has told me that there is zero cancer in the lymph nodes, but has told me he will be removing 3 lymph nodes from axillary-?complete dissection. So far my levels have been off to include Potassium. I've also corrected that by diet. And most recently my Thyroid has gone for a loop of don't have to treat to -Get on this Levothyroxine. My experience so far is that I have not been told alternatives and just being told what to do. Surgery the same. Ask my Oncologist Lymph node questions and she directs it back to Surgery whom told me and I quote-'This is what you are going to do."-And walks out. NP: '' If I was you I would."-removal of Lymph nodes. Nurse: "If I was you I would."- related to Levothyroxine " No real answers to my questions. Just very dismissive. How has your journey been? Q. Can I forego complete Axillary Lymph Node dissection if there is no cancer and radiation treatment will follow surgery. Or have you noticed it as necessary and common practice to remove all 3 axillary lymph nodes ?
Community Member
a day agoThis sounds incredibly frustrating to feel dismissed when asking important questions about your treatment options. Many patients find themselves in similar situations where they want to understand the reasoning behind surgical recommendations, especially when it comes to lymph node removal procedures. While each person's medical situation requires individualized decisions that only their medical team can make, it's completely reasonable to seek clarity on why certain procedures are recommended and what alternatives might exist. Consider asking for a second opinion or requesting a more detailed discussion about the specific medical reasons behind the surgical plan - you have the right to understand your treatment options and feel confident in your decisions.
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