So at what point in all of this, do you get the sentinal node biopsy done?

Ronda,
Sentinel node biopsies are generally done at the same time as lumpectomy/mastectomy, though some hospitals perform them in a separate procedure.

I had bilateral sentinel node biopsies at the same time as my lumpectomies, and for me, they were not very painful at all -- different hospitals have different procedures.

Traci

2Floridiansisters said:

Hi jk1952
Oh I thank God I wasn't diagnosed years ago, I am so thankful for today's technology. As long as I am number and or put to sleep I guess I'll learn to deal with some pain.

Are the pain pills really good and strong? I've never had any surgery ever.

You sound like you've adjusted well to all you've been through.

Take care, Love Ronda

I'm not a good person to ask
I'm not a good person to ask about the pain meds. I rarely take them after I'm out of the hospital, and rely on Advil or Motrin. So far, Advil and Motirn have worked fine. The good pain meds really upset my stomach (and I'm not one that has problems with nausea often).

They do give you anti-nausea medicine in the hospital, so I can tolerate the pain meds there, and they do work well. If you have pain, don't be afraid to tell a nurse and ask if you can have more pain medication. They'll let you know if it's too soon, and they want you to be comfortable. In most cases, the pain diminishes significantly in a few hours after surgery.

You'll do fine. The anticipation and worry is the worst part.

Joyce

2Floridiansisters said:

Thanks Lorrie!!!
You explained that so well and now I get it. Now will my MRI show them whether or not I have any cancer in them? I am seeing the surgeon on this coming Thursday, he'll be discussing my MRI results.

Love Ronda

Will show up abnormalities -
Will show up abnormalities - not necessarily cancer though - can be just an irritation. Mine showed a questionable area along my jaw bone so the area was biopsied and was 'clean' - was just an irritated area.

Rague said:

I saw my PA in the morning
I saw my PA in the morning and shortly after noon I was at radiology for a mammogram, they came back in and did a sonogram and then the radiologist came and said needed to do needle biopsies on the mass and one of the enlarged lymph nodes. He used a local anethesia to the area and then did the needle biopsy. It wasn't bad- not much worse than blood draw pricks. The next morning I had the positive results back (Aug 8, 09). Until surgery (Oct. 21, 09)(mod. rad. mastectomy) there were no other biopsies done other than checking a suspicious area along my jaw - just bone scan, MRI, PET, CT, bone density, EEG/EKG before starting A/C on Aug 26, 09.

Basically, my understanding of SNB is to test the node closest to the tumor to see if the cancer has already spread to the node.

Susan

Rhonda..one step at a time. Take a deep breath.
My Sentinel Node B. was done when I had a re-excision because the first biopsy/lumpectomy did not have clean enough margins on one side. I was scared to death and the surgical nurse who calls you the day before the procedure had the technician who does the dye injection call me and explain in detail what she would do. It was (for me) one subcutaneous injection (just under the skin basically) and for about 10 seconds when the dye goes in it really stung. She put ice on the skin and I didna't feel the injection. My surgeon gave me a general anesthetic for the re-exison and node biopsy. Your sentinel node is the first node going into the armpit from the breast. Cancer cells would pass there first, he also took 2 little nodes next to it. While I was on the operating table they do a fast biopsy of the nodes, mine were clean. After surgery is over they really check every little piece and they were still clean. If they had found cancer cells they would have taken a lot more nodes. The worst pain afterwards was taking the tape off the dressing a couple of days later. It took my skin. I made sure they used non-adhesive tape for the mastecomy. The incision for the nodes is not in my arm pit but beside it. That was done 8-6-09 and I am still partially numb in my armpit and the inside of my upperarm. You do not automatically get Lymphodema. I only had 3 nodes taken, but if I had a lot more than Lymphodema could be a problem.

If you look under the mayo clinic website, this procedure is explained in detail. Didn't make me feel any better, but I have to know everything that is going to be done and how it will be done and why. And that makes me feel better. I do not let them do fine needle biopsy or any of those...I go straight for the lumpectomy. And hopefully that's all that needs be done. In my case, this time I ended up with a mastecomy.

Different doc's and hospitals have different procedures. Although I was always given Vicodin, I never took it, except during chemo after the Neulasta a couple of times.

A year ago I would never have thought I could ever have gone thru any of this, but I did and you will too. I am the biggest chicken on earth and do NOT LIKE ANY PAIN AT ALL. Don't be afrqid to tell your doc's how you feel and that you want to be put out (insist on it) and you want good pain meds just in case. I also took Ativan (anti-anxiety) the whole time all of this was going on. I stopped a few weeks after I was thru with chemo. It especially helps at nite so you can sleep. But it helps in the daytime to help calm you down so you can focus and helps you not be so terrified. Still scared, but not like the top of your head is coming off.

I know exactly how you feel....but you are going to surprise yourself at how well you do. It's ok to be scared, ok to be a chicken, ok to not want pain. Advocate for yourself and make sure they give you pain meds, put you out for any surgeries etc. Belive it or not, this will end and then you will be looking back thinking "Wow, I did it." and you'll be trying to cheer a newcomer on who is just beginning this "journey".

When are all of these tests scheduled? Please let us know.

Hugs, Judy :-)

Hi Rhonda
I know how you feel about not knowing what to expect. I had never had any surgeries either unit I had my lumpectomy. I was scared! It was not as bad as I had imagined. I also had the setinel node biopsy done at the same time. They took out 7 of my nodes but all clear. As for the pain meds, I had hydrocodone and it was great. I only had to take it they day of surgery and the next day.
When all of this started I would never have believed that I would be able to be helping someone else the way everyone here helped me but here I am.
You CAN do this!

Hugs