Now that my chemo is complete, I am looking towards my June 8th surgery. After much debate, it was decided I will have a wire assisted lumpectomy and a sentinel node biopsy. I do not have a palpable mass and the surgeon said that is why the "wire" is being used.I would love to hear what experiences others have had with this. I have read everything from "no biggie" to "worst pain ever". I am assuming they will numb my breast first!
Then he said they will inject the tracer dye to find the sentinel nodes. On my PET scan, a month before chemo, it showed 4 to 5 involved nodes. They have never been palpable and my MRI 2 weeks ago showed no signs of lymph nodes. Assuming he can find them, he will do a frozen section to see if there are any active cancer cells. If no active cells are found we are done. If there are active cells, or if he cannot find the sentinel nodes he said he would do a auxiliary lymph node dissection. Now that totally sounds horrible.
After the surgery will be chest wall and arm pit radiation.
I also wondered how long people kept their port in? Is there any reason to need it now that chemo is done. My oncologist said I should leave it in "for a couple years in case I need it again". I think not! I do not need daily reminders of this fun experience!
I sure would appreciate any insight or information on any of these issues!
Thanks everyone!
Ann