Sentinel Node Biopsy

unknown said:

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That's exactly what my surgeon
tld me. He took three nodes, the Sentinel and two right by it. They check while you're still on the table and if they're clear you're done. Then after they really check them if there is something then they go back in and take manhy more. I would opt for the Sentinel node anyday as opposed to just going in and taking a bunch if it's not necessary. Faster recover, less chance for lymphodemia etc.

Hope this helps. There is always a secnd opinion if you are having any doubts.

Good luck,

Hugs, Judy :-)

sentinal node
I trust the sentinal node method, if it's positive they will go after the other nodes (usually at a later date). They inject the radio-nucleotide (sp?) near the tumor site. The lymph channels that drain the tumor site will also take the "dye" to the lymph nodes. The surgeon will then know which nodes would most likely be positive. There can be so many life long complications from having lymph nodes removed....the more nodes, the bigger risk of complications.

Ultimately you have to be happy with the decision you make. If not taking all of the nodes is going to "haunt" you forever then maybe having all nodes removed is the better choice for you. Perhaps your surgeon can show you (or direct you to) medical research that will help you to make a decision you can comfortably live with.

It really stinks to have to make important decisions while being shell-shocked over the diagnosis itself. I hate that you, and the rest of us have to do it. But, you CAN do it!!

Hugs, El

KayNYC said:

sentinal nodes
I had the lumpectomy with sentinal node excision on 3/17. My surgeon took a total of six nodes, two clusters of two plus sentinel nodes. Their were two dyes used, the blue one injected in the OR and the radioisotpe injected the day before the surgery. They were checked in the OR as well afterward, the results showed no cancer in any of the nodes, on either report. I was very relieved and satisfied with this procedure. I have developed a seroma, an accumulation of fluid just beneath the operative site under my arm, but this appears pretty frequently. Not all women experience this however. Some research suggests it is associated with use of electrocautery during the surgery. Otherwise, I have no complaints about my decision or experience. It is amazing how many decisions are required after the diagnosis but there is so much information out there to help us make informed decsions and ones we will be happy with. Good luck.
K

KayNYC
So since your nodes
KayNYC
So since your nodes where NEG, have you found out if you will still need chemo?

pjbokc said:

so good to be able to read this info
Most of these posts are older, but it helped me so much to read tehse. I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, had a mastectomy with sentinel node biopsy. They thought it was negative but when final path done it was positive. No other nodes were taken so they (surgeon and oncologist) are to talk about taking more nodes. From what I've read other places and on here, I definitely want them to take more.

pj
Sometimes reading the old posts brings you peace of mind as well. When others have traveled the path you are about to travel, I don't care how strong you are, seeing them posting years later has to help the mentality. Keep us posted on how you are doing, we make a great cheerleading section.

Good Luck with treatment,
Lorrie