Excision biopsy

[aloneifly]

The nodes under my armpit are up to 5cm

I'm on Venetoclax and just started the 200mg dose. There is no great improvement on my enlarged nodes in neck and axilla so consultant has referred me for an excision biopsy to check for any possible transformation.

Saw a breast surgeon yesterday and the procedure going ahead in 10 days. Has to be done under local anaesthetic as my swollen neck nodes would cause breathing difficulties for a general or sedation.

Not looking forward to it. Anyone else had to experience this?

[Jm954 Administrator]

I'm sorry to hear you're having such a tricky time at the moment with not just one but two issues to deal with.

It sounds as though both your doctors are on top of things and, although not nice, the excision biopsy is the best way to be sure of what is happening with your lymph nodes.

What are you having done with the breast surgeon, not sure if I missed this.

All the best and let us know how you are.

Jackie

[aloneifly in reply to Jm954]

Sorry it's a breast surgeon who is doing the excision biopsy.

My nodes are indeed similar to small breasts! Though of course that's not the reason. She seems to best person to do it apparently

[Jm954 Administrator in reply to aloneifly]

Well, she will definitely be familiar with the anatomy and nodes in the armpits so she's a good choice.

Jackie

[johnl]

If I remember correctly Venetoclax works better in the blood and bone marrow than the nodes. Ibrutinib works better clearing the nodes.

john

[Etheldreda]

Hi, I had a node biopsy in my neck under local anaesthetic and it was odd, but fine. I took a friend right into the room with me and we had a good chat while they worked on my neck. A bit surreal, but it helped to have the friend. A breast surgeon sounds perfect for under arm nodes.

[mrsjsmith]

Good luck.

I initially had a cone biopsy of my neck nodes but they decided it was inconclusive so I then had what they called an ‘awake’ anaesthetic because they were also concerned about my breathing. Interesting mine was done by a Max Facial surgeon.

Mine came back negative and hopefully yours will as well. 🤞

Colette x

[Shepherd777]

A biopsy is a good idea. My experience was Imbruvica for three months than venetoclax for almost a year. Imbruvica cleared out all my nodes in three weeks and the venetoclax than cleared out the CLL in the blood about a month later. Venetoclax will clear out the nodes as well, but takes longer.

[studebaker]

Yes, I had excision of the node in my neck under local anaesthetic and the doctor was very skillful and was adding anaesthetic locally when she had to go deeper. Other than it took longer than I expected, it was not that bad.

Good luck with excision and hopefully good results 🤞🏻

Dana

[Yidarmy69]

I am on Acalabrutinib and venetaclax the Acalabrutinib shrunk my noades within days now on venetaclax and it’s clearing out the rest good luck with your biopsy

[Sepsur]

Yes I’ve had 1 x 3 neck node biopsies 2 x 3 chest & lung & 1 x 3 armpit node biopsy - I can’t say yippee but they were fine. Administering Local anaesthetic was more uncomfortable than biopsies

[aloneifly in reply to Sepsur]

Thanks. My goodness you have been through quite an ordeal.

[Sepsur in reply to aloneifly]

Hope your biopsies come back ok, it’s the constant waiting around that is difficult.