Sentinel node advice

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.