_Jelen90 wrote:Hi everyone,
My husband just got his path report from the APR surgery he got 2 weeks ago for rectal cancer.
So his tumor was completely gone due to chemorad and everything was clear EXCEPT one positive lymph node. So my question is : is he automatically gonna get mop op chemo ? And second question : they only got 7 lymph nodes out...from what I am reading here a lot if ppl got at least 12?
Hi Jelen90. Know that my response is based on what I've learned through my own experience and questions. I am not a doctor nor an oncologist.
I also had only 1 harvested lymph node positive. I had more taken overall, but the idea is that if the cancer spread to one lymph node, generally they will want to do mop-up chemo to ensure there are no stray cancer cells remaining in the lymphatic system, since this is the superhighway that travels throughout the body, and so one area they want to keep free of cancer.
With regard to the general total of nodes taken, I've read other posts discussing how this varies. Mostly it depends on what the surgeon has access to during surgery, and taking enough to get a good sampling. If you're unsure about this, the best thing you can do is ask the surgeon during a follow-up visit, or call and ask them if you can have the surgeon answer this question. They should be able to give a better idea of why they went with the number they did, and if they feel it was enough to get a good status.
I did a six-month course of mop-up chemo due to my one positive lymph node, and also how far into the colon wall the cancer had penetrated. I did mono-therapy (Xeloda without the Oxa due to pre-existing neuropathy) and opted for oral vs. IV so that I could minimize impact to normal lifestyle. I did fairly well with it for the most part, and am now 3 years NED. So even if hubby does need to have a course of chemo based on his results, try not to let it get you down. I know as soon as I saw my results my eyes zeroed right in on that 1 positive node, and what it meant regarding chemo, but if it means beating the last of those little buggers out, that's a good thing. Keep the faith, keep breathing, and take it one day at a time. And of course, ask lots of questions like the ones above.
Smiles, hugs and prayers,
Tracy