Study: Removing all lymph nodes doesn't improve survival rate
Article Source: msnbc.com
from:msnbc.comSome breast cancer patients can skip radical surgery
Seeded on Tue Feb 8, 2011 6:47 PM EST (msnbc.com)
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I was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer six and a half years ago. I had a lumpectomy with the sentinel node biopsy (just two or three lymph nodes were removed for biopsy). My phenomenal breast surgeon in Annapolis Maryland was. I believe, one of the first to routinely use this procedure. Everyone I know that has had a similar diagnosis has also had this treatment. It's hard for me to believe that it's just now coming out that this is probably the best treatment option for women like me. Why does it take so long for things like this to become "news" ?
Actually, sentinel node biopsy and lumpectomy have been done for several years now with good success in many areas of the country, even the rural South. It is as effective as more radical surgery in properly selected patients but still investigational in patients with more advanced disease. For example, a large primary tumor, or a tumor in which there appears to be extensive axillary node involvement would probably not be a candidate for this type of surgery.
Good for you Sharon. Cancer specialists have been sharing this information with patients with early breast cancer for quite some time. It has just not made the "news" as much as it should.
One more thing. It is very important that the pathologist checking the sentinel node(s) checks very closely. The slices examined should be taken every 1 to 2 mm through the entire node since small areas of tumor involvement might be missed otherwise. Again, be sure that you ask your surgeon if this was done and also ask for a copy of the pathology report.
Hello Sharon! Glad to see your posting!
I was diagnosed in Sept 2008 my wonderful surgeon was very advanced in her approach to treatment. I was lucky in having her.
I too had a lumpectomy (3 procedures for obtaing needed clearance) with 2 nodes removed; both tested positive, but thanks to the support given to me I chose no chemo but did do radiation. I do suffer from usual problems but what concernes me is the weight gain, swelling and the sensation on my fingers in that left side of my body.
I tried Tamoxifen, Femara, had joint problems with both besides swelling; I have been on Aromasin now for almost 1 year and I don't like what is happening to my body. But I try to remember how lucky I am to be alive, years ago it would not have been possible.
Take care Sharon 3034558
Cancer treatments don't work. They cook the numbers and include people who survive only 5 years as part of the CURED numbers.
Chemotherapy has a 2-3 percent success rate and yes, that includes those who only live 5 years then die from the cancer.
If you really want to cure cancer, start eating healthy food. FOOD=HEALTH
You are, and always have been what you eat and drink. Big pharma knows this, why do you think they keep pumping out new diseases and drugs that don't do much but harm you? Money baby!!! You are a paycheck to big pharma!!
GMO's and drugs... ah, a marriage made in HELL.
Even the 'miracle drugs' only help 1 in 100's over a period of years and that's if you believe their own studies, of which I don't since they have been caught lying so many times.
Then there is the war on organics, supplements and vitamins. Now you know why. Healthy people don't pay doctor bills because they don't use them very much. They want that to change and they are working on it daily.
Say hello to GMO alfalfa and now GMO beets. There is a reason GMO's are banned in over 2 dozen countries and yet we get these fed to us and the truth suppressed.
Sheeple = Big pharma profits.
Pay the farmer or pay the doctor.
This is such great news for ANYONE undergoing lymphadenectomy, regardless of whether there is a breast cancer concern. I had the procedure, twice, in the same area. I had no serious long-term affects from the first procedure, but the second proceed resulted in not only painful scar tissue, but also nerve damage and lymphedema. Talk about BLOWN quality of life! Managing the pain and swelling is very stressful. Anything that can be done to prevent this from happening post-lymphadenectomy should be considered a welcome alternative and a blessing!