HelloI was diagnosed with bilateral BC, early stage on Friday. My surgery is this Thursday and will include sentinel node biopsies on each side. From what I have read, I'm more worried about the isotope injection before the surgery into each aeorla - as some people say it's awful - than the surgery itself (I'll be asleep for that bit). Has anyone had a not bad experience of this bit?thanks!

I had a sentinel node biopsy LHS whilst stung a little the staff were great and was ok. I too was worried it would be dreadful from what I'd read but honestly was ok. Have faith in your treatment team - they have your best interests at heart and will do their utmost to look after you -they have done this many times before and know you will feel trepidation. Always remember it is momentary and many of us have had it done - you will be fine.

I had a bilateral mastectomy with node clearance on the left side in April. To tell the truth, I was in more of a state anticipating that injection into the nipple than the surgery itself. I was in full panic mode....racing heart, dry mouth, ringing in the ears, the full Monte. I find it easier to actually watch blood being taken and so on, as if I close my eyes or turn away, the needle comes as a surprise. I watched that needle approach my quivering nipple, and anticipated the very worst. Surprise surprise, I can honestly say I hardly felt it at all. The initial sting as it went in, but less pain than the flu shot, blood being taken, and most certainly less painful than a cannula being inserted.

AllyJay, I prefer to watch blood tests too!

Thank you both for your stories. My anxiety is much abated. I think it's just the awful idea of an injection into your nipple area, let alone twice! Thanks again xx

HI water_nymph, the doc who did mine was really gentle and hardly hurt at all so I hope you have a similar experience. (Mind you he was young and rather good looking so that helped!) Good luck with your surgery on Friday. xxCath

Sentinel node advice | BCNA Online Network

15 Replies

Artferret
Member
9 years ago
So glad to hear that the nodes were clear! Xx Cath
water_nymph
Member
9 years ago
Thank you all. Home today. Surgery over and sentinel nodes were clear - so the injections were worth it! In fact, they weren't too bad at all - just the bummer of needing 8 (4 each side) but really ok for me, so I am so lucky on all fronts. Thursday is my day back to the surgeon to discuss treatment- just waiting on HR etc tests.
Thank you all again for your kind messages
xx
melclarity
Member
9 years ago
@water_nymph I hope the Surgery went well and you found the Sentinel Node Injection bearable. Hugs Melinda xo
Hopes_and_Dream
Member
9 years ago
I had 3 injections - a quick sting. There was a lady waiting after me who was white with fear so I was able to put her mind at rest a bit. I definitely expected worse. Your surgery will be done by now @water_nymph, I hope you are feeling OK and resting comfortably. Jane xx
melclarity
Member
9 years ago
Seems most people manage it more than fine, unfortunately my experience wasn't like that, so I'm more than sure you'll be aok.. x
Spiv1803
Member
9 years ago
It wasn't too bad for me either.
iserbrown
Member
9 years ago
Mine was the night before - I was admitted to hospital the night before surgery. Discomfort was minimal for me, hoping you find it the same! Take care and best wishes x
primek
Member
9 years ago
Mine just stung a little. I just found it took ages for it to travel and meant my surgery was delayed a bit. Grr.
water_nymph
Member
9 years ago
Thanks Cath - @socoda - tomorrow's the day for the injections (morning) and then surgery (afternoon). I'm at the point of saying 'bring it' - just want it over :s
thanks again xx
socoda
Member
9 years ago
Hey @water_nymph , I found that mine felt like a nipple cripple (someone squeezing the nipple tightly rather than a pain sensation) and the technician let me hold and squeeze her hand if I needed to do so. Was a certainly a lot easier than anticipated. Big hug. Xx Cath