anyone have wire directed lumpectomy? update

trixytwo

Thank you all for the support and prayers. Not to scare anyone, but mine was very painful, probably bz they said I had so much scar tissue from the biopsy(s). I had two tumors. The good news is that margins came back clear, so I will start radiation next week. We won this battle, but there is still a war to fight and win. Hugs to you all!

Deb

sbmly53

My wonderful surgeon
prescribed Ativan prior to my surgery (it eased the stress). I can't say it doesn't hurt, but it's not the worst thing I ever went through. Really about the same as the stereotactic biopsy, just in a different position. Everyone is always super nice and gentle, they take their time to make sure you are as comfortable as possible.

When is yours scheduled? We'll put in reservations for the Pink Bus!

Hugs,

Sue

cinnamonsmile

I had that done. First I
I had that done. First I arrived and checked in etc. I was wheeled up to radiology where they numbed the breast and guided the wires in by mammogram. I can't remember if hurt so I am thinking it din't.It went well actually, they had one lovely lady standing by me to keep me calm and help me out, the tech and the doctor. I did look down but wished I didn't because I saw a quite a bit of blood. I was never squeamish preivously, but I was then. After the wires were in, they taped the wires sticking out of my breast down and wheeled my back down to wait for surgery. Seeing the wires hanging out was a strange experience as well.

I was totally under for the lumpectomy and woke up without pain. I did have lots of pain afterwards. Most women I read don't have too much discomfort, but I sure did. The surgeon suggested I wear a sports bra for support after but I couldn't afford one at the time so I wore my regular bra 24/7 for about two weeks. I was sent home with some nice packs that fit in the bra in whatever intervals the surgeon told me to do.

I did notice that when my breast dangled (I was a size D, going onto a DD), it would hurt. For example, even while wearing a bra I could feel it when I stood up from bed and it would hurt like heck. I think the sports bra would have worked better. I remember the surgeon telling me what day I could take a shower and was happy. I jumped in the shower, turned on the water and was hit with a giant wave of pain! Holy cow did it hurt.So I turned the water off and came right out. Some women have little discomfort though.

I took my pain meds. The ladies and men on the boards (and my own experience) have taught that it is best to take the pain meds before it gets too bad because it is easier to control pain before it gets out of control. You will be able to figure out how much or what you need to take. I was on the vicodin combo and after four hours, I knew i needed to take one.

I think I was in pain for 2-3 weeks. Then just uncomfortable after that til I had my mastectomy 1.5 months later.

It seems to me like there are things most people go through, with variations though, if that makes sense. What happened with me, may not happen with others.

It really wasn't that bad though.

I wish you a good surgery, with few side effects, and may your surgeon have great surgical skills.
Let us know how you are doing.

trixytwo

sbmly53 said:

My wonderful surgeon
prescribed Ativan prior to my surgery (it eased the stress). I can't say it doesn't hurt, but it's not the worst thing I ever went through. Really about the same as the stereotactic biopsy, just in a different position. Everyone is always super nice and gentle, they take their time to make sure you are as comfortable as possible.

When is yours scheduled? We'll put in reservations for the Pink Bus!

Hugs,

Sue

thanks sue
Sched for thursday. I also was prescribed ativan, should i start taking it a few days before?
I had the core biopsy don't know what the other is like. I have two spots and getting nervous.

Hugs
Deb

trixytwo

cinnamonsmile said:

I had that done. First I
I had that done. First I arrived and checked in etc. I was wheeled up to radiology where they numbed the breast and guided the wires in by mammogram. I can't remember if hurt so I am thinking it din't.It went well actually, they had one lovely lady standing by me to keep me calm and help me out, the tech and the doctor. I did look down but wished I didn't because I saw a quite a bit of blood. I was never squeamish preivously, but I was then. After the wires were in, they taped the wires sticking out of my breast down and wheeled my back down to wait for surgery. Seeing the wires hanging out was a strange experience as well.

I was totally under for the lumpectomy and woke up without pain. I did have lots of pain afterwards. Most women I read don't have too much discomfort, but I sure did. The surgeon suggested I wear a sports bra for support after but I couldn't afford one at the time so I wore my regular bra 24/7 for about two weeks. I was sent home with some nice packs that fit in the bra in whatever intervals the surgeon told me to do.

I did notice that when my breast dangled (I was a size D, going onto a DD), it would hurt. For example, even while wearing a bra I could feel it when I stood up from bed and it would hurt like heck. I think the sports bra would have worked better. I remember the surgeon telling me what day I could take a shower and was happy. I jumped in the shower, turned on the water and was hit with a giant wave of pain! Holy cow did it hurt.So I turned the water off and came right out. Some women have little discomfort though.

I took my pain meds. The ladies and men on the boards (and my own experience) have taught that it is best to take the pain meds before it gets too bad because it is easier to control pain before it gets out of control. You will be able to figure out how much or what you need to take. I was on the vicodin combo and after four hours, I knew i needed to take one.

I think I was in pain for 2-3 weeks. Then just uncomfortable after that til I had my mastectomy 1.5 months later.

It seems to me like there are things most people go through, with variations though, if that makes sense. What happened with me, may not happen with others.

It really wasn't that bad though.

I wish you a good surgery, with few side effects, and may your surgeon have great surgical skills.
Let us know how you are doing.

U still had to have a
U still had to have a mastectomy? I hope i dont.

Hugs
deb

Noel

cinnamonsmile said:

I had that done. First I
I had that done. First I arrived and checked in etc. I was wheeled up to radiology where they numbed the breast and guided the wires in by mammogram. I can't remember if hurt so I am thinking it din't.It went well actually, they had one lovely lady standing by me to keep me calm and help me out, the tech and the doctor. I did look down but wished I didn't because I saw a quite a bit of blood. I was never squeamish preivously, but I was then. After the wires were in, they taped the wires sticking out of my breast down and wheeled my back down to wait for surgery. Seeing the wires hanging out was a strange experience as well.

I was totally under for the lumpectomy and woke up without pain. I did have lots of pain afterwards. Most women I read don't have too much discomfort, but I sure did. The surgeon suggested I wear a sports bra for support after but I couldn't afford one at the time so I wore my regular bra 24/7 for about two weeks. I was sent home with some nice packs that fit in the bra in whatever intervals the surgeon told me to do.

I did notice that when my breast dangled (I was a size D, going onto a DD), it would hurt. For example, even while wearing a bra I could feel it when I stood up from bed and it would hurt like heck. I think the sports bra would have worked better. I remember the surgeon telling me what day I could take a shower and was happy. I jumped in the shower, turned on the water and was hit with a giant wave of pain! Holy cow did it hurt.So I turned the water off and came right out. Some women have little discomfort though.

I took my pain meds. The ladies and men on the boards (and my own experience) have taught that it is best to take the pain meds before it gets too bad because it is easier to control pain before it gets out of control. You will be able to figure out how much or what you need to take. I was on the vicodin combo and after four hours, I knew i needed to take one.

I think I was in pain for 2-3 weeks. Then just uncomfortable after that til I had my mastectomy 1.5 months later.

It seems to me like there are things most people go through, with variations though, if that makes sense. What happened with me, may not happen with others.

It really wasn't that bad though.

I wish you a good surgery, with few side effects, and may your surgeon have great surgical skills.
Let us know how you are doing.

They guided the wires in me
They guided the wires in me by an ultrasound. It didn't hurt as they numbed me totally. Everyone was very nice and wanted to make sure that I was doing alright. I did take a nerve pill prior to this, so, I was calm. They lightly taped the wires down so that they weren't sticking out. I had a lumpectomy and then 6 weeks later had rads and am so glad that I could.


Good luck and keep us updated.

Double Whammy

trixytwo said:

U still had to have a
U still had to have a mastectomy? I hope i dont.

Hugs
deb

I had wire guided lumpectomy
and I had no pain for the wire insertion at all. I sure was naive, tho. I don't think they really told me anything other than first they'd insert the wire then I'd have the blue dye injected, then I'd have a lumpectomy. I didn't need any Ativan because I didn't know I was supposed to need it. Of course, I was nervous, but I didn't feel like I needed anything. Good thing since no one asked if I wanted anything!

I did not feel the wire at all. I was numbed very well. I did not like having my breast compressed for so long, tho. That was uncomfortable and it seemed like forever. But the wire didn't hurt at all. And I didn't look.

Then they transported me to the hospital for the blue die injection and preop. It was supposed to hurt and the nice nuclear medicine doc held my hand through it, but it didn't really hurt. Maybe I was still numb from the wire insertion? I did feel every injection, tho. Again, I didn't look.

It was a long ordeal for me, mostly waiting for this or that. I think they forgot about me at one point. It started at 8:00 a.m. and I had surgery I think around 12:30. I had very little pain after surgery. They sent me home in a sports like bra and I was instructed to wear either it or one of my own after. I think it was important not to have the breast move much. I took one pain med that night because I was supposed to. After that, I didn't take anything except Tylenol and I'm not sure I needed that. I was very careful about moving. I took good care of myself.

Good luck, Deb. It will all be behind you sooner than you think. Even though I felt everything looked like it was in my favor, I was still very frightened of the "what ifs" because they happen. Take good care of yourself both before surgery and after. Don't try and be a superwoman.

Suzanne

cinnamonsmile

trixytwo said:

U still had to have a
U still had to have a mastectomy? I hope i dont.

Hugs
deb

Every person's situation is
Every person's situation is different. My surgeon drew a picture of my breast and it was riddled with precancer and cancer in the milk ducts. I was given a choice of another lumpectomy plus radiation or mastectomy. For my own reasons, I chose mastectomy. Please don't start worrying about stuff until you get there.

cinnamonsmile

trixytwo said:

thanks sue
Sched for thursday. I also was prescribed ativan, should i start taking it a few days before?
I had the core biopsy don't know what the other is like. I have two spots and getting nervous.

Hugs
Deb

I guess it depends on how
I guess it depends on how nervous and anxiety ridden you are when and if you should take it. I had to go through the whole she-bang without and I wish someone had prescribed it for me.I think some nervousness and anxiety is normal. I think you will have to gauge yourself and emotions if you need it.

JuJuBeez

I had the wire done too. The
I had the wire done too. The placement of the wire didn't really hurt. I am a DDD, so I don't know if my size made it less painful. It was really like the stereo biopsy. I did not have any meds before. I was very nervous at the beginning of the morning. But I calmed down after the wire was in. It is kinda weird looking down and seeing this wire sticking out of your bosom. They tape it down pretty good so it can't be moved. I didn't feel it all when it was in.

Are you having the sentinel node biopsy? To be honest, that is what hurt the most out of the whole ordeal. I was on my back on a cold skinny table, hoping I didn't fall off, and when the nurse shot the dye in, it was really painful. It doesn't last long though, just seems like it. After all the procedures, I read about all the meds that the ladies here got BEFORE the procedure. Nothing was offered to me, and I didn't know any better to ask for anything. That would be my advice. Ask, ask, ask.

I didn't use the narcotic pain reliever after I got home, it gave me nightmares. I used regular ibuprofen and kept bags of peas rotating to ice it.

Best of luck to you. We will all be on the pink bus with you! Let us know how it goes for you.

Julie

laughs_a_lot

Wire guided
I didn't think it hurt as I was numbed up. The only concern you might have is if you turn over it may and I repeat MAY be possible to bump into the wire depending on where it is on your breast. However, as I remember they did not put the wire in until just prior to the surgery anyway so it is not like a long time to wait anyway.

MAJW

laughs_a_lot said:

Wire guided
I didn't think it hurt as I was numbed up. The only concern you might have is if you turn over it may and I repeat MAY be possible to bump into the wire depending on where it is on your breast. However, as I remember they did not put the wire in until just prior to the surgery anyway so it is not like a long time to wait anyway.

This...
This question was the very first question I had when I found this board.....I was terrified of having it done..turns out, the core needle biopsy, for me was much worse....I had mine done by the radiologist that does my mammos.... Then it was drive across the street to the day surgery center...honestly, it wasn't bad...was numbed very well.....my fear and anxiety was off the charts! But it's always the fear of the unknown....I had visions of a " coat hanger" wire....lol. Trust me, it's a thin little thing....

I also had very, very little pain after my lumpectomy...I had my lumpectomy at 1:00 PM...... and was home resting comfortably by 4:15 ....I took the pain meds religiously that evening and the next day...make sure you eat something first...they could make you nauseated otherwise....I also was
" super glued". No stitches...makes a big difference...I also just had a port implanted in my chest for my, again, chemo....super glued with this too....you may want to ask about this....

I wish you the very best.....keep us up posted, we truly care...
Hugs, Nancy

disneyfan2008

It did not hurt BUT I was
It did not hurt BUT I was very anxious-with mine I had to sit in chair and staff held me UP close to machine> I know many people in room-just the idea got to me more then any pain. I was numb of course-then all taped in place and had to lay that way until surgery. I asked to have some loopy meds prior they said NO way could I have anything!

So not painful or scary just uncomfortable for me! Unexpected NO ONE TOLD Me what to expect!

Denise

madsters1

Hi there, I had the wire
Hi there, I had the wire directed lumpectomy. It was a bit uncomfortable getting it done, not really painful, just nerve racking. Partly because the surgery is just after that, so it's a hard day all around. My surgery was delayed so I was at the hospital for six or so hours with the wire in place before the surgery. It wasn't a problem at all. I was able to wear my bra over it while waiting and didn't feel anything. I'm a nervous Nellie so if I didn't have a problem, you'll be fine. "If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; EVEN THERE shall thy hand lead me and thy right hand shall hold me." Ps 139:9,10

Kristin N

trixytwo said:

thanks sue
Sched for thursday. I also was prescribed ativan, should i start taking it a few days before?
I had the core biopsy don't know what the other is like. I have two spots and getting nervous.

Hugs
Deb

I'm late in giving you info
I'm late in giving you info as you had this done Thursday. It was painless for me and I have always been so thankful that I was able to have a lumpectomy and keep my breast. I did have rads after my lumpectomy and am doing great now. I hope that it went well for you and was pain free. Post an update when you're feeling like it.

♥ Kristin ♥

LoveBabyJesus

I did!
I was soooo scared! Especially when they described them wires going inside your breast, like a robot. I was in the bathroom for one hour - no lies. That's how nervous I was. But it was much easier than I thought. They numb you first. Then you stay still until they can identify the lump with a sonogram, then they insert the wires which are as thin as asian hair. Only the local anesthesia hurt a little, but only at first. For me it was more mental than physical.

I didn't want to medicate myself at all during this whole process, but I learned my lesson. Ativan saved me! It helped with anxiety in so many way. I suggest you take one before the procedure, but confirm with surgeon about instructions. Because before surgery, you are not supposed to have drinks? And if you have the pill at night time, depending on when your surgery is, you may need another one. They typically suggest a few sips, no more.

Best of luck with your procedure and please keep us posted.

Hugs