Should I Have an Axillary Node Dissection?

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LD

Community Member

9 months ago

Soooooo I’m back. ER/PR positive HERS neg DMX 9/2024 with 5/8 positive nodes Surgeon advised against axillary node dissection because the PET scan after sx was “so good” Oncologist and rad onc want dissection done. Surgeon still says no-so chemo done every three weeks for four cycles Then radiation for 30 days-I’ve completed 10 as of today. The fact is-I’m unhappy my team is not all on the same page so I asked Dana Farber in Boston for a second opinion. Emailed my oncologist and told her while I was happy with her and the rad onc, I wanted one more doctor to tell me no need for dissection. She called back in 20 minutes and told me it was an excellent idea but she could find me a wonderful surgeon (whom she’d already spoken to) closer. This surgeon will operate…. I’m confused. The oncologist said the surgery was the difference between curative and not. It’s just gotten so Im completed confused-do I need it or not-if so why? As I was told by the original surgeon “it will increase survival by 2% and the risks don’t outweigh the benefits, for example, decreased range of motion and lymphedema. Two rather large side effects! So I guess my question is-do I have the axillary dissection or not??? I’m completely confused at this moment!

6 comments

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Accepted Answer

Having your medical team disagree about treatment options can feel incredibly overwhelming and stressful. The confusion you're experiencing is completely understandable when different specialists have different recommendations about the same procedure. It sounds like getting that second opinion was a wise decision to help clarify the best path forward for your specific situation. Many patients find it helpful to write down specific questions about the risks, benefits, and long-term outcomes to discuss with the new surgeon, so you can make the most informed decision possible with all the expert input you're gathering.

3+ patients found this helpful

JG

Community Member

6 months ago

If Dana Farber will see you soon I would get a second opinion.

LD

Community Member

6 months ago

Welp-already started radiation, axial dissection no longer an option.

JG

Community Member

6 months ago

you can alway get a second opinion at any time. I went for a second opinion after surgery and radiation and ended up changing med oncs bc I liked her so much more and had a lot more experience. Just a thought…. Good luck to you

KB

Community Member

6 months ago

I would see the second surgeon and discuss the surgery, the potential post op problems versus the benefit and then make a decision

JM

Community Member

6 months ago

Why did the surgeon not recommend the ALND????

CA

Community Member

2 months ago

Having your medical team disagree about treatment options can feel incredibly overwhelming and stressful. The confusion you're experiencing is completely understandable when different specialists have different recommendations about the same procedure. It sounds like getting that second opinion was a wise decision to help clarify the best path forward for your specific situation. Many patients find it helpful to write down specific questions about the risks, benefits, and long-term outcomes to discuss with the new surgeon, so you can make the most informed decision possible with all the expert input you're gathering.

Should I Have an Axillary Node Dissection?

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