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
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.
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.
