Sentinel Node Dye Injection

2

Comments

  • Cairmaid
    Cairmaid Member Posts: 64
    Mama G said:

    I don't get it....
    Did you have a numbing shot first? Mine was the worst pain I've ever experienced in my life, and that includes 4 llloonnnggg and natural childbirths. I had nightmares about it for weeks. I can still cry when I think about that horrendous pain I had to endure!!!
    Somebody explain, please! The man that injected me told me it would be the most pain I've ever had in my life and he was right, so I know it's not just me. NO numbing at all. 4 horrible injections around my nipple. What the heck?

    Are we comparing apples to oranges?
    I'm just wondering if everybody is comparing the same procedure. There's the radioactive (clear liquid) tracer and the blue dye. A couple of hours before my lumpectomy, I had the clear liquid injected in 4 places around my tumor, and it stung pretty badly, but I wouldn't say it was the worst pain ever. Then again, my lump was about 4 finger-widths up from my nipple. Maybe that has something to do with how much pain is felt. The radiologist told me they don't do numbing injections, since (and I agreed) it didn't make sense to poke you 4 times just so you don't feel 4 other pokes. He also said the liquid was only water and the pain was from the fluid expanding the breast tissue. I remember the lidocaine from my biopsy...the radioactive tracer injections were less painful.

    I had the blue dye injection while I was "under" for my surgery, so I didn't feel a thing there :-)
  • NAN033
    NAN033 Member Posts: 11
    Mama G said:

    I don't get it....
    Did you have a numbing shot first? Mine was the worst pain I've ever experienced in my life, and that includes 4 llloonnnggg and natural childbirths. I had nightmares about it for weeks. I can still cry when I think about that horrendous pain I had to endure!!!
    Somebody explain, please! The man that injected me told me it would be the most pain I've ever had in my life and he was right, so I know it's not just me. NO numbing at all. 4 horrible injections around my nipple. What the heck?

    Injections
    I agree with Mama G It was worse than natural child birth. But its Done now! Praying never to do that again !!! Thinking Arimidex for 5 years now.
  • carkris
    carkris Member Posts: 4,553 Member
    NAN033 said:

    Injections
    I agree with Mama G It was worse than natural child birth. But its Done now! Praying never to do that again !!! Thinking Arimidex for 5 years now.

    I cheated and put emla cream
    I cheated and put emla cream on. the radioactive tracer I heard, is more painful but my surgeon had someone react badly to the dye so doesnt use it. So I applied the emla and it didnt hurt too bad.
  • KayNYC
    KayNYC Member Posts: 495 Member
    carkris said:

    I cheated and put emla cream
    I cheated and put emla cream on. the radioactive tracer I heard, is more painful but my surgeon had someone react badly to the dye so doesnt use it. So I applied the emla and it didnt hurt too bad.

    I had the radioactive tracer injection today
    It was painful but thankfully, it didn't last long.They explained that the lidocaine would require more injections and not be effective. I wish I had taken an analgesic before I left for the hospital. Thank God for that sweet tech who offered her hand to be squeezed if I need to and I did. She was so sweet and compassionate. Unfortunately, there was trouble locating the sentinel node and it took close to a half hour of massaging to get three of the four films showing the node. It seems my test was scheduled for change of shift and I was left alone after the sweet tech left, waiting for someone to do the markings while I lay flat on my back with the camera hanging over me so I couldn't move. I really had to close my eyes and use imagery to cope with the discomfort of being in such a ackward position and alone for such a long time. I am so glad it is over. Surgery is scheduled for 9:15 tomorrow and 7:15 AM for placement of the locator wire etc.Thank you for all the good information and suggestions from those that have gone through this experience before me.
    K
  • Mama G
    Mama G Member Posts: 762
    KayNYC said:

    I had the radioactive tracer injection today
    It was painful but thankfully, it didn't last long.They explained that the lidocaine would require more injections and not be effective. I wish I had taken an analgesic before I left for the hospital. Thank God for that sweet tech who offered her hand to be squeezed if I need to and I did. She was so sweet and compassionate. Unfortunately, there was trouble locating the sentinel node and it took close to a half hour of massaging to get three of the four films showing the node. It seems my test was scheduled for change of shift and I was left alone after the sweet tech left, waiting for someone to do the markings while I lay flat on my back with the camera hanging over me so I couldn't move. I really had to close my eyes and use imagery to cope with the discomfort of being in such a ackward position and alone for such a long time. I am so glad it is over. Surgery is scheduled for 9:15 tomorrow and 7:15 AM for placement of the locator wire etc.Thank you for all the good information and suggestions from those that have gone through this experience before me.
    K

    Carmaid may have hit the nail on the head
    It seems we may have 2 different injections going on here. I'm not believing that what I had to put up with ANYONE on earth could say it wasn't bad. No way. My sister had it done while she was under right before her surgery, her doctor saying he would never put anyone through that pain. go figure...
  • aisling8
    aisling8 Member Posts: 1,627 Member
    It must be
    two different things that we're talking about. It doesn't matter. I'm so sorry to read about some of your worst pain imaginables. And you go, MamaG, changing hospital policy. Good on you.

    KayNYC, I'll be home tomorrow morning thinking about you. I'm almost afraid to say it, but the wire locator thing didn't hurt either. Nor did the lumpectomy. And even if we have two different experiences, still doesn't matter cause you know why?? It will be OVER WITH.

    My best wishes for as easy a day possible,

    Victoria
  • carkris
    carkris Member Posts: 4,553 Member
    aisling8 said:

    It must be
    two different things that we're talking about. It doesn't matter. I'm so sorry to read about some of your worst pain imaginables. And you go, MamaG, changing hospital policy. Good on you.

    KayNYC, I'll be home tomorrow morning thinking about you. I'm almost afraid to say it, but the wire locator thing didn't hurt either. Nor did the lumpectomy. And even if we have two different experiences, still doesn't matter cause you know why?? It will be OVER WITH.

    My best wishes for as easy a day possible,

    Victoria

    yes there are two different
    yes there are two different ways to check the sentinal node. radioactive tracer and the dye. I had the radioactive, I swear it wasnt too bad, because I applied emla.
  • KayNYC
    KayNYC Member Posts: 495 Member
    aisling8 said:

    It must be
    two different things that we're talking about. It doesn't matter. I'm so sorry to read about some of your worst pain imaginables. And you go, MamaG, changing hospital policy. Good on you.

    KayNYC, I'll be home tomorrow morning thinking about you. I'm almost afraid to say it, but the wire locator thing didn't hurt either. Nor did the lumpectomy. And even if we have two different experiences, still doesn't matter cause you know why?? It will be OVER WITH.

    My best wishes for as easy a day possible,

    Victoria

    wire insertion and lumpectomy
    I agree that neither were bad experiences. I only needed one Vicodan last night at bedtime. My surgery was completed by noon yesterday. They excised 4 nodes but the path done in OR came out clean. Now waiting final path results and follow up with surgeon. She will be referring me to Medical Oncologist.
    K
  • carkris
    carkris Member Posts: 4,553 Member
    KayNYC said:

    wire insertion and lumpectomy
    I agree that neither were bad experiences. I only needed one Vicodan last night at bedtime. My surgery was completed by noon yesterday. They excised 4 nodes but the path done in OR came out clean. Now waiting final path results and follow up with surgeon. She will be referring me to Medical Oncologist.
    K

    glad that the lumpetomy went
    glad that the lumpetomy went well and the path was good. excellent news.
  • Beedie
    Beedie Member Posts: 1
    Mama G said:

    I don't get it....
    Did you have a numbing shot first? Mine was the worst pain I've ever experienced in my life, and that includes 4 llloonnnggg and natural childbirths. I had nightmares about it for weeks. I can still cry when I think about that horrendous pain I had to endure!!!
    Somebody explain, please! The man that injected me told me it would be the most pain I've ever had in my life and he was right, so I know it's not just me. NO numbing at all. 4 horrible injections around my nipple. What the heck?

    Breast Cancer Lympectomy/ Sentinal Node Injection

    I was diagnosed with breast cancer/ invasive breast cancer.  I am having surgery on 5/12  I am a little nervous I want it to be over.

    On Thursday,, I have the sentinal node injection and I am really nervous about that.  I know it is necessary, so I will deal with it.

    I will have a lympectomy - I have a tumor behind the nipple so the surgery is removing the nipple.  I am very glad we have this service.

    After my biopsy I had to wear a bra for a week and it was red and blue for 2 weeks.  Nothing could be worse than that.  I think.

  • HapB
    HapB Member Posts: 527
    Beedie said:

    Breast Cancer Lympectomy/ Sentinal Node Injection

    I was diagnosed with breast cancer/ invasive breast cancer.  I am having surgery on 5/12  I am a little nervous I want it to be over.

    On Thursday,, I have the sentinal node injection and I am really nervous about that.  I know it is necessary, so I will deal with it.

    I will have a lympectomy - I have a tumor behind the nipple so the surgery is removing the nipple.  I am very glad we have this service.

    After my biopsy I had to wear a bra for a week and it was red and blue for 2 weeks.  Nothing could be worse than that.  I think.

    Beedie

    i hope that all goes well for you. My lumpectomy/ sentinel node excision is this Wednesday and I am trying to prepare my house for when I come home. I have no idea how long the reocvery will be. Good luck to you! Prayers for strength for both of us! 

  • Kats2
    Kats2 Member Posts: 126
    edited May 2017 #33
    HapB said:

    Beedie

    i hope that all goes well for you. My lumpectomy/ sentinel node excision is this Wednesday and I am trying to prepare my house for when I come home. I have no idea how long the reocvery will be. Good luck to you! Prayers for strength for both of us! 

    Sentinel node biopsy + lumpectomy.

    Hi,

    I had the wire locator put into my breast before my lumpectomy in 2012. Dye was inserted around the tumor area. I was given  some sort of pain killer pill to put under my tongue before they did the injections. 4 of the injections were bearable. The Radiologist said that the 5th one would feel like a bee sting and would be the most painful. He was right, but I made it through without awful pain.

    After the sentinel node biopsy and lumpectomy, I went home and ate a big meal because I was starving! It was about 9 at night. I went right to bed afterwards and slept soundly without any terrible pain. Only days later I could feel the slushing sound in the affected breast of fluid that had collected there. After about a week it went away.

    I can honestly say that the lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy wasn't bad at all. I think it depends what meds you're given beforehand to  keep you relatively comfortable. By the way, the sentinel node consists of more than 1 node. I had 7 nodes within the sentinel node removed and analyzed in the lab.

    Take care everyone!    Kats2

     

     

  • HapB
    HapB Member Posts: 527
    Kats2 said:

    Sentinel node biopsy + lumpectomy.

    Hi,

    I had the wire locator put into my breast before my lumpectomy in 2012. Dye was inserted around the tumor area. I was given  some sort of pain killer pill to put under my tongue before they did the injections. 4 of the injections were bearable. The Radiologist said that the 5th one would feel like a bee sting and would be the most painful. He was right, but I made it through without awful pain.

    After the sentinel node biopsy and lumpectomy, I went home and ate a big meal because I was starving! It was about 9 at night. I went right to bed afterwards and slept soundly without any terrible pain. Only days later I could feel the slushing sound in the affected breast of fluid that had collected there. After about a week it went away.

    I can honestly say that the lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy wasn't bad at all. I think it depends what meds you're given beforehand to  keep you relatively comfortable. By the way, the sentinel node consists of more than 1 node. I had 7 nodes within the sentinel node removed and analyzed in the lab.

    Take care everyone!    Kats2

     

     

    Thanks Kats2

    It sounds like you were up and back to your normal routine pretty quikcly. I can do this.

  • HapB
    HapB Member Posts: 527
    Lumpectomy and node excision

    Well, I had the lumpectomy and node excision Wednesday. It was no big deal for me at all! The dye did not sting, they used a radiactive seed instead of a needle and it was uneventful. I have not needed pain meds and today, I went grocery shopping, cleaned the house, drove around to domerrands, etc.  I am just a little sore, so, I am icing under my arm pit. So far, the breast looks pretty good. They saved the nipple and the incision looks pretty small. I think it will heal up nicely. Now, I am praying that the pathology report is good! I am so glad it is over. 

  • meschellejensen
    meschellejensen Member Posts: 117
    Happy to hear this HapB!!

    I am glad that things went so well for you HapB!!  I met with my Breast Surgeon earlier this week for a follow up, and I asked her why I was still having some pain from the lumpectomy.  She told me that mine was more complicated because the tumor had invaded the main nerve, and the pain that I still feel is the nerve growing back.  I had no idea!  I am so glad that your surgery went well!  I guess it goes to show you that everything really is different for each of us!!

  • HapB
    HapB Member Posts: 527
    Question about removing dressing

    Hi. They told me to remove the outer dressing 48 hours after the surgery, which is not. It is gauze topped with a waterproof sealed tape. I can't get it off. The skin is coming off with the tape. Ouch. It is also still bleeding. Is this normal? Ugh

  • meschellejensen
    meschellejensen Member Posts: 117
    edited May 2017 #38
    HapB,

    I think that you should call the number that they give you for an problems that arise.  That sounds painful!  I wish that I could help, but my dressing was different.  I did not have gauze, I had a very tight compression bandage that I could not remove for 48 hours.  After that I was allowed to take it off only to shower for a week.  At the end of the week I graduated to a sports bra.

  • HapB
    HapB Member Posts: 527
    Ugh,,, the steri strips came off with the tape

    so, the tape came off, but on the incision under my arm, the streri strips came off with the tape....omg. I don't know what to do. I don't think anyone is there at the breast center at this hour. i think I will just go to bed ...I stuck a gauze over the wound with paper tape. Not good at all. What the heck?????

  • meschellejensen
    meschellejensen Member Posts: 117
    I am sorry!

    I am sorry, that does not sound good.  Hopefully you can reach somebody tomorrow.

  • Mariangel43
    Mariangel43 Member Posts: 79
    edited May 2017 #41
    SNL

    It hurt a lot, around the nipple did not hurt because it was anesthesized, bit the fourth one it was excruciating!!!! I screamed and with my right elbow I sent a hit to the surgeon's hand and took out the needle.  He pressed me and pinned me to the CT table, I kept screaming and kicking.  I won't let anyone do me another; the same goes for the MRI.  I was one and a half hour facing down and my cervical nerves started firing, the headphones were badly placed and I heard the metallic and hammering sound for the whole time.  Came out of the machine with a headache, high BP and a fainting spell.  It was a nightmare and I am very tolerant of pain and procedures  The PET scan was so lovely! Even a penicillin shot was better accepted than MRI and SNL.  Thank God I hear some people did well under it.