Hi there my name is Anna. i am having surgery next week , my anxiety levels are pretty high. i am very nervous about the sentinel node biopsy. the idea of having a needle near the nipple. i am reading about it, it doesn't mention having a local injection, like we did with the core needle biopsy. anyone please tell me about your experiences
Hiannabody67 I’m sorry you’re going through this, and can relate! I was really worried about that too.
My experience was two years ago. I had a local anaesthetic, and I noted down my surgeon told me the biopsy wound would also have a local anaesthetic dressing applied afterwards. My recovery after the lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy was very straightforward and manageable. I was offered some stronger pain relief to take home and Panadol, I managed just fine on the Panadol.
Wishing you all the very best
Thanks so much for your reply. Really appreciate it. Feeling alot less stressed. Having that local makes all the difference.
Thanks so much for your reply it was extremely helpful 😀
annabody67 I'm sorry too that you're going through this.
Is the needle near the nipple that you're concerned about a dye/radioactive tracer injection?
I had a radioactive tracer injection and a hook wire insertion in the morning before my lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy. That morning was a bit of a blur, I had a few tears but the people looking after me were caring and kind, took things slowly.
From memory there was a pinch on my breast - I'm pretty sure it was a local anaesthetic first before they did the radioactive tracer. I didn't experience pain, I just had to remind myself to keep breathing and stay relaxed. They put me through a machine to do imaging and they drew marks in my armpit to show the surgeon where the sentinel nodes were (though they said the surgeon rarely uses their marks because they use a Geiger counter).
For the surgery itself I had general anaesthetic.
It's good to tell the medical people if you're feeling nervous. They have done these procedures many times but they will try to adapt their approach to you e.g. if you want more information, or more distraction, etc.
I appreciate your very detailed answer. Thank you. It all makes it clearer what happens.
Is the needle near the nipple that you're concerned about a dye/radioactive tracer injection? Yes it is.
annabody67 ... my experience was the same as Tri's .... A local anaesthetic with no pain or discomfort for the Sentinel Node biopsy. I had to massage the breast after the dye had been inserted ... to make sure it had spread to all the nodes in the area.
My surgery was the next day and I had an event free recovery.
Feel free to check out this thread as it has a lot of info on the Forum, with some handy links as well - what to take to hospital with you, etc.
A big welcome to all New Online Network Members ..... | BCNA Online Network
Take care and all the best xx
Thank you. Your reply was greatly appreciated. Take care.
Hello! My actual sentinel node biopsy was done at the same time as the mastectomy, so under general, but I was also a bit freaked out beforehand about the tracer injection. It was a super fine needle and I honestly felt hardly anything. I would rate it as closer to acupuncture than any other biopsy or treatment needle. You've got this!
Good luck with everything. Thanks for taking the time to reply.
Hi Anna,
I'm Eileen and I've just been recently diagnosed as well.
I was meant to have lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy this week (now potentially to be rescheded, as I have to have extra investigations after a incidental finding on MRI). But I was feeling anxious about what would happen with the surgery and dye injection.
So thank you for posting this question.
Thanks to everyone else for sharing. It's so helpful.
All the best
I had my masectomy yesterday and the needle did sting alittle but for like 5 second's like a bee sting and less pain then the core biopsy for me which was super painful
Thank you. All the best with everything.
