Sentinel node
It never hurts to have one and I may save you a lot of pain. If you don't feel comfortable with this type of treatment, go to another doctor or clinic that specializes in breast cancer. I don't know much about your case, but I would insist on something unless they can give me a darn good reason for it. I can't imagine why they would not use a numbing agent. Unfortunately, 11 out of 14 nodes were positive for cancer including the sentinel node.Ĥ days later I had a complete mastectomy. I was under general anesthesia and didn't feel a thing. I had 13 nodes and 1 Sentinel node taken. I wish I could help you but my lymph nodes were removed during my lumpectomy. because I did not handle the procedure very well. and I can't imagine how I would have acted without it. and it did help speed things up and I guess the pain went away faster. because that helps the dye get to the lymph nodes and then the pain will be over. I don't know how she was able to keep the ultrasound thing in the right spot because I swear I was squeezing her other hand so tight I honestly thought I'd broken some of fingers. I just felt sorry for the poor nurse who was holding the ultrasound thing with one hand. Then they immediately numbed the area and inserted the wire to guide the surgeon. What I do remember is that it HURT like crazy. but I don't remember what the reason was. The doctor told me the couldn't numb the area. I am a big baby about pain.Īs a few others have said. I also kept reminding myself that this was such a small part of the overall process, and a very necessary one! You can do it! The good part is that it doesn't last long and the staff made sure I was aware of what was happening. I had to make sure I did breathing exercises, and I took my glasses off even though it wasn't necessary. Make sure you use it! Even then it still hurt. I was given the EMLA cream to apply at home before I came in for the surgery. But remember, everyone is different, just like childbirth - I personally would have those injections than to go through childbirth. It was such a relief that it was over and, for me it was no more painful than the injections I received prior to the biopsies. After the 4 injections were given in less than 1 minute, I balled my eyes out, due to the fact that I had worked myself up into a tither and should have saved my energy for something else. I too was told that this was going to be the worst part.
#SENTINEL NODE FREE#
You can read more about cancer research trials.Īnd you can call us free on 08 with any questions about this issue or any other breast health concern.EMLA Cream was applied to my breast about 20 minutes before the procedure. Your surgeon may talk to you about it or if you’re interested and think it may be relevant ask your specialist team.
#SENTINEL NODE PLUS#
Surgeons are now debating whether it’s necessary to treat the lymph nodes with further surgery or radiotherapy in everyone with a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy.Ī large UK-led study called POSNOC ( Positive Sentinel Node: adjuvant therapy alone versus adjuvant therapy plus Clearance or axillary radiotherapy) is under way to find out more about this. Both of these treatments increase the risk of developing lymphoedema and in many cases the lymph nodes removed during this further surgery don’t contain any cancer cells meaning the operation may not have been needed. This might be with surgery or radiotherapy.
![sentinel node sentinel node](http://webpathology.com/slides-13/slides/Skin_Melanoma_SLNB2_resized.jpg)
If it is this usually means the other nodes are clear too so no more will need to be removed.īut if cancer cells are in the sentinel node(s) your team will usually recommend treating the axilla (under the arm) to remove some or all of the remaining lymph nodes. It identifies whether or not the first lymph node (or nodes) is clear of cancer cells.
![sentinel node sentinel node](https://www.dukehealth.org/sites/default/files/blog_post/sentinel-node-endometrial-cancer.jpg)
To find out your surgeon will often suggest a sentinel lymph node biopsy. Knowing whether lymph nodes are affected helps your team to decide whether or not to recommend additional treatments. If you have invasive breast cancer your specialist team will usually want to check if any of the lymph nodes under your arm contain cancer cells.