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| Forum | Questions | Ask a Question | |
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Lumpectomy with Sentinel Node Biopsy Questions about Lumpectomy with Sentinel Node Biopsy. |
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| Asked | Publicly Submitted Question | ||
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| 4/3/2012 | i was diagnosed with stage 1 idc grade 3 er/pr positive her2 negative. Had lumpectomy on 3/29/12 and lymph node positive in 3 doctor removed 10 lymph nodes.Saw my oncologist prior to surgery and was told would need chemo and radiation if in lymphnods and started on tamoxifen . My question is since it was present in 3 nodes and removed 10 will take tamoxifen to prevent any of those cancer cells from growing why would chemo still be needed? I understand the reason for radiation. | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 4/3/2012 | chemotherapy is designed to kill any rogue cells that may have traveled beyond the breast and lymph nodes. relying on hormonal therapy usually isn't adequate for such pathology results. look at tamoxifen as being for prevention of recurrence after treatment is completed. it is prescribed after chemo and radiation are completed. | ||
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