I don't think your doctor is talking about lymph nodes. I think he's talking about nodes, meaning a small cyst or other benign mass. Please don't let the terminology scare you as a node is any small lump, often benign (NOT malignant). I have two in my unaffected breast, one in my lung, and one somewhere else--kidney maybe?--that I've forgotten because mine are all benign. I don't have mammograms anymore because they're too painful; instead I have a bilateral breast MRI. If your onc or radiologist has any concerns at all, they will recommend an ultrasound and an MRI as a precaution. They will look at these carefully and determine whether a biopsy is needed. Often it is not because the radiologist can determine from the mammo, ultrasound, and/or MRI whether the node fits the criteria for a malignancy. I remember when I was first told I had a node in my unaffected breast (after treatment)and after a mammogram and an ultrasound. (This was a couple years ago. I had been out of treatmnt for two years at that time.)I waited for the results, and the radiologist put my pics up and showed me exactly where the node was and why she believed it was not malignant. She advised me to have an MRI if I wanted to be more certain. I went to my onc and arranged for the MRI and requested the MRI report, which said "benign." These nodes are not uncommon, but I understand your concerns. My hope is that telling you my story will help alleviate your fears. I am a 5 and 1/2 year bc survivor of stage 3 and have not had a recurrence.
Hugs & prayers,
Mary
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