That sentinal node injection thing....
Comments
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Sentinel node biopsy no fun at all!
I too thought my surgeon was going to do the sentinel node biopsy after I was out. But when I went to nuclear imaging the tech got me postitioned and my surgeon came in to do the procedure before I went to pre op. She held my hand while my surgeon told me it was going to hurt. He first gave me lidocain, then injected the "stuff" and OMG it hurt. I squeezed her hand sooooo hard I apologized afterwards. It took my breath away because I didn't think it was going to hurt that much and I'm not a wimp as far as needles go. After it was done though I quickly forgot about it.
I had bilateral mastectomies June 22 and was able to move my arms the next day. I have shoulder issues so my range of motion is not as good but getting there. I had sentinel node and 2 others on the cancerous breast and 7 lymph nodes on the precancerous breast and all were negative. In the hospital they did not take blood pressure from cancer side but now I can have blood pressure done on either arm.
I have a sister who had lumpectomy and 7 cancerous lymph nodes. She has had to deal with lymphodema on that arm. She said radiation affected her range of motion too. Of course, some of it could also be arthritis.
Good luck with your surgery. When will you know?
Char0 -
It did hurt, but, I gotCher123 said:Gotta be honest, those 4
Gotta be honest, those 4 shots hurt like hell!!! They had me saying bad words and the tears were just flowing. They had given me something to "relax me", but it didn't help.
It did hurt, but, I got through it. I just kept telling myself that this was one more thing I had to get through! Hoping it doesn't hurt at all for you.
Hugs!0 -
This was the worst part ofcahjah75 said:Sentinel node biopsy no fun at all!
I too thought my surgeon was going to do the sentinel node biopsy after I was out. But when I went to nuclear imaging the tech got me postitioned and my surgeon came in to do the procedure before I went to pre op. She held my hand while my surgeon told me it was going to hurt. He first gave me lidocain, then injected the "stuff" and OMG it hurt. I squeezed her hand sooooo hard I apologized afterwards. It took my breath away because I didn't think it was going to hurt that much and I'm not a wimp as far as needles go. After it was done though I quickly forgot about it.
I had bilateral mastectomies June 22 and was able to move my arms the next day. I have shoulder issues so my range of motion is not as good but getting there. I had sentinel node and 2 others on the cancerous breast and 7 lymph nodes on the precancerous breast and all were negative. In the hospital they did not take blood pressure from cancer side but now I can have blood pressure done on either arm.
I have a sister who had lumpectomy and 7 cancerous lymph nodes. She has had to deal with lymphodema on that arm. She said radiation affected her range of motion too. Of course, some of it could also be arthritis.
Good luck with your surgery. When will you know?
Char
This was the worst part of the entire double mastectomy process for me. 8 injections on each side, ouch! 4 were lidocaine and then the dye after that. I really wasn't prepared for this at all! If I had known, I would have taken a valium beforehand, but I declined because I wanted to be coherent to talk with my family before my surgery. Oh hindsight.....Even though it hurt like hell, it is over fairly quickly. Sorry you have to go through this procedure, it's yucky. I would ask for a sedative beforehand just to take the edge off.
Hugs to you!
Laura0 -
I guess I was one of thehoop77 said:This was the worst part of
This was the worst part of the entire double mastectomy process for me. 8 injections on each side, ouch! 4 were lidocaine and then the dye after that. I really wasn't prepared for this at all! If I had known, I would have taken a valium beforehand, but I declined because I wanted to be coherent to talk with my family before my surgery. Oh hindsight.....Even though it hurt like hell, it is over fairly quickly. Sorry you have to go through this procedure, it's yucky. I would ask for a sedative beforehand just to take the edge off.
Hugs to you!
Laura
I guess I was one of the lucky ones. Mine was also done the day of surgery. Had a lidocaine shot and really did not feel any pain after that. I tolerate needles well so that maybe why. I would say the pain was maybe a 1. I had a lumpectomy too, not near nipple. Had 3 nodes removed all negative and have had no lymphedema probs. Prayers are with you. God Bless
(((Hugs))) Janice0 -
Bee Stinglizzie17 said:injections
Mine were done on the morning of surgery. I have to admit that the injections weren't pleasant, but they seemed to be over with fairly quickly. Seems like I had 9 or 10 between the 2 breasts.
For me it felt like a bee sting. It hurt, but only for a few seconds. I had 4 or 5 injections. When it's over there is no pain at all. I had the wire locator as well before surgery. Now that did not hurt me at all.0 -
Similar experience to bakerettebakerette said:Hi, I just went through all
Hi, I just went through all this last week. Know what you're going through, all still fresh in my mind. You know the reason for the radioactive dye injection is so that the dye will follow the natural path and the first node or nodes it goes to and stays in will be the ones that will be tested first. This biopsy part will be done at time of surgery so you will be asleep. If sentinel node is cancer free they will most likely take no more. Lymphedema generally is not a problem in that case. My surgeon only took one node it was biopsied right there in the operating room and came up clean. So, I just have some stitches in my armpit. Not too bad. The injection of the dye. Oh that day I was a nervous wreck. Who wants something injected in their nipple? Well, I put the Emla cream on thick two hours before the appointment. (it's a numbing cream they should give you a perscriptiom for.) About the cream, if you have a perscription get the stuff in advance because around here no pharmacy has it in supply and I had to wait for a special order to come in. Luckily I didn't wait for the last minute to get it. Anyway, the cream numbs up your skin pretty good. You go in and you lie down and they clean up the area and you get just a few small pokes. It did sting a little, but not nearly so bad as I had imagined. It was all done so fast. I got up put on my shirt and went home. I felt silly I had gotten my self all nervous for nothing. You'll do fine, I promise.
Emla cream, Glad Press and Seal wrap and valium were my friends. I asked my surgeon for the cream twice, finally went to his office and asked to speak with a nurse and was able to get a prescription. I almost waited too long. It is hard to find on short notice and no fun to call all over town, especially if you have to explain what it is. The hospital pharmacy where I had my surgery done carried it. About an hour before I left the house I slathered the cream on both breasts and covered them with the plastic wrap. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Had the dbl mast-tram flap that day. Took three nodes, all negative by standard test. First node had a micro amount of cancer, only found by a newer test.0 -
Not what I'd call pleasant
Like has been mentioned by others, the shots felt a lot like a bee sting... 4 very intense bee stings. I said as much to the Dr. doing the injections and he said I must be tough because people usually complain more. Fact is, it's part of the whole "having cancer" thing and just has to be endured. What was I going to do, get up and walk out? The pain was intense, but passed quickly, leaving behind a bit of an ache that disappeared after half an hour or so. Like you, I got on here and searched for answers before going into it. That's why I knew what to expect, which made it less scary and less of a shock. This site and everyone here is proving to be a Godsend for me!
Blessings,
Jenn0 -
Can't remember - Maybe it is cause of the "Happy Drugs"winsomebulldog said:Not what I'd call pleasant
Like has been mentioned by others, the shots felt a lot like a bee sting... 4 very intense bee stings. I said as much to the Dr. doing the injections and he said I must be tough because people usually complain more. Fact is, it's part of the whole "having cancer" thing and just has to be endured. What was I going to do, get up and walk out? The pain was intense, but passed quickly, leaving behind a bit of an ache that disappeared after half an hour or so. Like you, I got on here and searched for answers before going into it. That's why I knew what to expect, which made it less scary and less of a shock. This site and everyone here is proving to be a Godsend for me!
Blessings,
Jenn
OMG, I do not remember the pain, it was done prior to my surgery. They took 21 nodes and 5 very cancerous. They said it could be 1 year before I can fully use my arm - the back of my arm is numb and can't lift past my breast area. Everything is a one day at a time. Best of luck to you and stay strong. Laurel0 -
I must have been the lucky one...lasimpson said:Can't remember - Maybe it is cause of the "Happy Drugs"
OMG, I do not remember the pain, it was done prior to my surgery. They took 21 nodes and 5 very cancerous. They said it could be 1 year before I can fully use my arm - the back of my arm is numb and can't lift past my breast area. Everything is a one day at a time. Best of luck to you and stay strong. Laurel
I can't even remember any injections for the lymph nodes...and I know they ended up taking out 8 - all clear, thank God. They had me prepped for surgery for so long, because of a low potassium count that they were trying to get pumped up, that I was the last one they took into surgery that day. I remember I was knocked out before we even got down the pre-op hallway. Next thing I knew I was in recovery waking up and asking for results...0 -
Don't over think this...
I actually used this site for the first time because I was worried about the injections for the sentinal node biopsy. I have to say that the stories of how painful the shots were really freaked me out...and I quickly signed off and didn't return for a while. (So glad I came back, but I guess I just wasn't ready for the raw reality of what we go through the day before my bi-lat.) At any rate, my injections stung a little, but I think if I hadn't been so focused on the potential for pain I might not have even noticed it really. The bottom line is, I think it is a physiological thing that makes it different for each woman and there is no way of knowing where you will fall. Sort of like woman and labor. My best advice, try not to focus too much on this, even with the pain it is over quickly. The purpose is so worth it,when they can know exactly how many nodes to remove. Remember before this test is was all or nothing. In the meantime there will definitely be someone on this board who can identify withyour experience. Prayers are with you!0 -
injection pain
First I need to say that everyone is different in terms of pain thresholds and technnique skills of the person doing the injection also needs to be considered. The person doing mine did not inspire confidence. The injection of the radioactive marker on the day before the lumpectomy and sentinal node excision did hurt. It was brief, I remember there being four sticks around the nipple. He said he could not use lidocaine (I asked). I have gone through natural childbirth twice, as well as, have dental work done without lidocaine but this was just a different kind of pain.The day of surgery, they did the injection of blue dye after I was already given anesthesia.My lymph nodes were clear of cancer. They took a total of six nodes.
I did get lymphedema, a very mild case, within five weeks of my surgery. It is mostly in my trunk and breast now with the mild swelling of the arm controlled with compression sleeve and gauntlet. I also have been taught Manual Lymph drainage massage by my OT/PT. I went to a LE specialist for several weeks until the situation was well controlled.
Wishing you all the best. Keep us posted.
Hugs, K0 -
I had 4 injections the
I had 4 injections the morning of my bilateral mastectomy and it stung but only for a few seconds.... you can do it just think of something fun!0 -
Ronda, if you're stillshelbyhome said:I had 4 injections the
I had 4 injections the morning of my bilateral mastectomy and it stung but only for a few seconds.... you can do it just think of something fun!
Ronda, if you're still concerned, you may want to ask your doctor for Valium ahead of time. When I had my sentinel lymph node biopsy, I only had one of the injections that hurt; that was the one done by a medical student. The other three didn't hurt at all. As everyone else has said, we're all different. But, my guess is that this will be a breeze (and very short) compared to chemo.
Joyce0 -
Not Too Bad
Didn't think it was all that bad. Maybe a little painful. Sure was a lot better than the time I had a ultrasound guided biopsy as I hung upside down! It hurt so bad my eyes watered. The sentinal node procedure was no where near that bad!
You'll be fine:)
Blessings,
Sally0 -
Sentinel Node Mapping
Hi! My sentinel node mapping was done an hour or two before my surgery. They put the lidocaine cream under a self adhesive piece of plastic so it could have time to penetrate the surface. I also had a low dose of valium. The pain was not that bad. It stung a little bit, but the lidocaine helped. I had four injections and they left the needles in during a scan (I think). The worst part for me was keeping my arms above my head while laying down. I don't like that position for any kind of tests. They only took those four lymph nodes and all four were negative for cancer. I have swelling in my breast area and abdomen underneath my breast (rib cage area). My arm and shoulder were VERY tender for a few months afterwards, but now it's almost completely gone. I hope everything goes well for you. This site is amazing for support and answers, so don't hesitate to ask.0 -
well mine is the story of the injections from HELL....reeseslover1234 said:Sentinel Node Mapping
Hi! My sentinel node mapping was done an hour or two before my surgery. They put the lidocaine cream under a self adhesive piece of plastic so it could have time to penetrate the surface. I also had a low dose of valium. The pain was not that bad. It stung a little bit, but the lidocaine helped. I had four injections and they left the needles in during a scan (I think). The worst part for me was keeping my arms above my head while laying down. I don't like that position for any kind of tests. They only took those four lymph nodes and all four were negative for cancer. I have swelling in my breast area and abdomen underneath my breast (rib cage area). My arm and shoulder were VERY tender for a few months afterwards, but now it's almost completely gone. I hope everything goes well for you. This site is amazing for support and answers, so don't hesitate to ask.
so I won't go into the details. I am so confused as to how people can have such different reactions. The man who administered it to me warned me that this was going to be the most "painful" thing you've ever experienced. My sister had it done while she was anesthetized. I don't know why they don't do it that way. I will NEVER go through that again. Please ask your surgeon about it and what they can give you. Then let us know how it went. good luck and God bless.0 -
Probably taking a nerve pilljk1952 said:Ronda, if you're still
Ronda, if you're still concerned, you may want to ask your doctor for Valium ahead of time. When I had my sentinel lymph node biopsy, I only had one of the injections that hurt; that was the one done by a medical student. The other three didn't hurt at all. As everyone else has said, we're all different. But, my guess is that this will be a breeze (and very short) compared to chemo.
Joyce
Probably taking a nerve pill prior to this would be good for you. And, I thought they can do it while you are under, so, you wouldn't feel anything. Be sure and ask.
Good luck!0 -
Wire localization and sentinel mappingMama G said:well mine is the story of the injections from HELL....
so I won't go into the details. I am so confused as to how people can have such different reactions. The man who administered it to me warned me that this was going to be the most "painful" thing you've ever experienced. My sister had it done while she was anesthetized. I don't know why they don't do it that way. I will NEVER go through that again. Please ask your surgeon about it and what they can give you. Then let us know how it went. good luck and God bless.
Had a partial mastectomy Monday the 9th. Today I am weaker then a kitten. Not doing to much but am just not bouncing back like I thought I would. I'm 59 years old. For me it was a piece of cake. The wire localization to mark the tumor for my surgeon stung a little but the 4 dye injections around my nipple area for the nodes, I didn't feel a thing. It was all over with in a matter of 10 minutes tops. For me those MRI's and the MRI Biopsy was the worst. I'm still waiting on the final pathology report from my surgery and hope to hear today but Dr. thinks it is node negative and I may be downgraded from earlier thinking I was Stage 2, down to a Stage 1. I am hopeful and praying that this is the case. My biggest hope is she got clear margins. I don't want to do this all again since I still have to have surgery for insertion of the mediport coming up.0
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