Hi, Recently diagnosed with stage 1 IDC and having wide local excision and sentinel node biopsy on 29th this month. Bit fed up about the timing and trying hard to care about Christmas but at least at 64 my children are no longer reliant on me too much but feel I need to keep it light which can be difficult sometimes. Really on here if anyone has any insight into magseed procedure, sentinel node biopsy injection and how I can expect to feel post op and getting home after day surgery. Can’t imagine getting dressed and getting in a car 3 hours later but perhaps I won’t feel so bad? Any tips appreciated. Thanks.
2 Likes
Hi @pearl2
Sorry you have to be here, but welcome!
I had this procedure last year so can share my experience and I’m sure others will be along too. For me the Magseed was straightforward, it was much like the biopsies as was done by ultrasound, but super quick and painless. I was anxious about the sentinel node injection (probably because the words “nuclear medicine” and it being near the nipple made it sound like it would be awful) but again it was so quick, and with no pain, that I was surprised when it was done! I had this injection done the morning of my surgery but I think some have this the day before. Post op will vary as people respond to anaesthetic differently, but I was travelling home about three hours after surgery and that included having to stay a bit longer than planned as my blood pressure was a bit low. In all honesty, none of this was anywhere near as difficult as I had expected or feared.
I hope that everything goes smoothly for you too. You will be well looked after. x
2 Likes
Thanks for much for your reply. You have made me feel much better. It’s so good for to hear from someone who has recently gone through the same procedure. Merry Christmas!
1 Like
Hi @pearl2
The injection is at the ease of the areola. Smarted for a second but that was it. Had to have both done as I had ‘it’ in both. What I wasn’t expecting post surgery was to take a peek at where my old pair were to see bright blue nipples! My first pee was a fir green colour. The following day my replacement breasts were pale blue and urine a paler green. All went back to its usual colour after 2-3 days.
1 Like
Yes that would be a surprise for me too! Thanks for the heads up x
1 Like
Hi 4 years ago yesterday I had exactly the same, I was 70 then and was also fed up it was so near Christmas. It’s all no where near as bad As you think it will be. Just keep up with the painkillers and rest for few days. I was well enough to go to my daughters over Christmas and be with the grandchildren. Have a pillow to put over you under the seat belt on way home to protect it. It will be over before you know it .good luck and happy Christmas 
2 Likes
Dear Pearl2, So sorry you’re going through this. I have a different diagnosis and just had my sentinel nodes biopsy yesterday. I am having a SMX on 7th Jan. Also IDC but in two areas and more advance than yours so seems best option is mastectomy for me. I had the dye injected on Tuesday afternoon above the nipple and felt just a scratch. No blue pee so far. My node surgery was yesterday and I think it took 30 mins. No pain just a bit sore. Ive just walked the dog ( using a running belt) he doesn’t pull. Obviously your surgery is more involved but if you have support you will be fine. I should add Im quite active and fairly fit. One thing you might want to check, is if you have any grandchildren or youths under 16 around - the tracer dye is radio-active and they don’t want you being around young ones for the first 24-48 hours but please check with your radiotherapy/Nuclear Med team xx Hope this helps and all the very best for your surgery. You got this x
Thanks. I kind of know I’m overthinking everything but unfortunately that’s the way I am. I like to be in control and the unknown scares me. Also I think perhaps because I know the hospital I’m attending has been rated ‘requires improvement’ I feel like I have ask all the right questions to make sure they know what they’re doing. Had a bit of a hiccup with my appointments already - gave the wrong month - but everyone has been very kind. Including you, thank you and have a lovely Christmas x
1 Like
Sorry you’re going through this. I know my situation isn’t so bad and in some ways I feel guilty fussing. Although I know after the surgery biopsy things can change too. Wishing you all the best for your surgery on the 7th - me sister has had 2 mastectomies - 20 years apart - the last one in 2020 and she is still working at 71 and leading a very full and busy life. Merry Christmas x
1 Like
Hello @pearl2 I just wanted to check in with you as I’m home today from my lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy.
I am a bit sore so greatful my children are also self sufficient but once I woke up properly and felt more human it was easy to manage.
I am glad I got my supportive bra top on whilst I still had plenty of pain relief in me so if you remember at the time get that on soon after.
I was able to dress myself, I have front button pjs, I managed to get my trainers on and pack my stuff up.
Now I’m home I’ve got a heated blanket under my arm to help ease the pain, not hot just warm and its managable so far. As long as I dont move around too much. Sleep might be a bit awkward but I am planning to try and sleep slightly upright so I can sleep on my back.
I don’t mind the timing of this, I feel like its given me the perfect opportunity to relax whilst I recover. And it’s nice telling people I wont be visiting. Anyone that wants to see me knows where I am 
Wishing you all the best. Big hugs 
1 Like
Hi, Bit jealous as you’ve got yours over with but glad you’re doing ok. Good tip about getting the bra on quickly. I have bought a bigger size as told to do this due to swelling- hope it’s still supportive. Very impressed you managed to get trainers on - think I’ll take some slip ons. But good to know you were able to do this. Got front fastening stuff etc - trying to be prepared - it’s how I cope.
Hope your recovery goes smoothly- at least you should be able to enjoy your Christmas xxx
1 Like
Thank you and I completely understand your jealousy @pearl2 Hang in there. Keep yourself as busy as possible with lots of things you love doing
1 Like
Oh and you might have done the right thing with your bra because mine is a little tighter than I’d like. Ive had to unzip it a little bit
1 Like
Hi - just wanted to check if you’re doing ok? Hope so xx
Hi @pearl2 I’m doing much better than I thought
The first night was quite painful, and I was sent home without any info on when I could take pain medication so I only had some paracetamol in the evening. But by the next morning paracetamol was enough to manage. I kept things very slow.
I am still taking things slow but I can move around easy anough and I can still use my other arm/hand to do lots.
My bandages are waterproof so I managed a little bath.
I am reminded again of the toughness we forget is in us
3 Likes
Sounds like you’re doing really well. I intend to get lots of painkillers in just in case. I’m a bit worried that my rheumatoid arthritis will flare up but I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it won’t and it’s well controlled at the moment. Interesting that you have managed a bath - not been able to shower or more specifically wash my hair was one of my questions to the BCN. She said I must not get it wet at all so I’m going to ask for further clarification on this from the surgeon. Thanks for posting and hope your recovery continues to go well x
My breast care nurse called me the day after and asked me for a description of my bandages. The ones I have are waterproof so you might just need clarification once you have yours
Ooo - hope mine are too 
1 Like
Hi pearl2
Like you I was told I couldn’t get the dressings wet for at least a fortnight until they were removed, I used water wipes as I was also told nothing perfumed.
I was sent home from hospital with codeine, paracetamol and some form of senokot.
Xx
1 Like
Interesting how hospitals vary. Thanks for that - I will get some wet wipes in case. Don’t think I’ll feel normal though until I can have a shower x