Improved
6112 HealthChanged
3786 LivesSaved
3568 Lives0 lives impacted in the last 24 hrs Learn More
New Study Says Lymph Node Removal May Not Be Needed to Treat Breast Cancer
By
Pat Elliott
Expert
HERWriter
Guide
Blogger
February 9, 2011 - 3:30pm
A new study published in the Feb. 9 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association indicates lymph node removal may not be needed for breast cancer patients.
Learn more about this from Dr. Ben Anderson, a surgical oncologist from the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, in this interview posted today on Patient Power. http://bit.ly/fmPhWp
By
jancats
February 14, 2011 - 10:19pm
Had great pre-surgical meeting w/surgeon, Elizabeth Livingston. Her philosophy in regards to lymph node removal is "Less is More". She is 100% in agreement and comfortable with my decision about not doing any radiation or chemo, and was encouraged that I'm doing so much nutritionally and with my other naturopathic therapies. So wonderful to have validation from her!
February 14, 2011 - 10:19pmThis Comment
By
jancats
February 12, 2011 - 4:39pm
Thank you so very much, Pat. Since we are essentially all forms of energy, the more positive energy that surrounds me, the quicker I will be able to heal! I truly value and appreciate your feedback, and it will certainly help sustain me through this uncharted stage in the journey. Releasing fear and anger are big issues right now, and this is so helpful! Thank you again.
February 12, 2011 - 4:39pmThis Comment
By
Pat Elliott
Expert
HERWriter
Guide
Blogger
February 12, 2011 - 4:05pm
Hi jancats - You definitely are NOT a statistic. I'm so glad you're in charge of your own health. So many patients don't get how important it is to take the time up front to choose your own medical team and find those who will support you and work from the standpoint of personalized medicine instead of cookie-cutter approaches. You're on the right path, and I hope your journey goes well. Stay in touch!
February 12, 2011 - 4:05pmThis Comment
By
jancats
February 12, 2011 - 3:50pm
Thank you, Pat. I meet with her on the 14th. My other wrinkle is that I've been working with 2 naturopaths to detox other parasites and issues from my body prior to surgery - I have Lyme disease and other issues compromising my immune system that had actually masked the actual cancer unit I was faced with a huge outside stressor. Due to a number of factors, at this time I have chosen to forgo radiation and other chemical therapies after the lumpectomy. So many changes are happening right now in the area of traditional care for early stage cancer, that today I just cannot justify doing it because I'm told that statistically my odds are better if I do. I AM NOT A STATISTIC! I am an individual who hasn't fit any traditional medical mold, and I own my own power to trust my my intuition to follow traditional and non-traditional methods of care to help me best heal with grace and ease.
February 12, 2011 - 3:50pmThis Comment
By
Pat Elliott
Expert
HERWriter
Guide
Blogger
February 12, 2011 - 3:25pm
It could, and you should discuss this with your surgeon.
February 12, 2011 - 3:25pmThis Comment
By
jancats
February 12, 2011 - 2:46pm
This sounds absolutely earth shaking for some of the current protocol for treating early stage breast cancer. My lumpectomy is scheduled for 2/17, and I'm now wondering if the node issue could become relevent in my case.
February 12, 2011 - 2:46pm
Hi jancats - Sound like you have a great relationship and partnership with your surgeon, and the same is most likely true for the rest of your medical team. Thanks so much for continuing to share, as many people still don't realize the ways they can pull together their own best team to get the personalized care they want and need. Keep in touch, and as they say, you go girl!
February 15, 2011 - 10:28amThis Comment