I am newly diagnosed with intermediate to high DCIS in 2 sites recommended treatment is a Mx with a reconstruction, but the first stage is a routine SLNB. After reading lots Of websites I am now Really worried about the tracer injection and how painful it’s likely to be. I do like to be prepared so has anyone got any recent experiences.
Hi Cheryl17
I had a SLNB in June 2010, whilist it wasn,t the most pleasant experience it wasn’t as painful as I had expected. Of course it was painful & uncomfortable but it wasn’t long lasting. It did however feel very warm from the inside out after.
I found it best to take & deal each step as it came along.
I hope you find this helpful, wishing you all the best.
Big hug for you Woodentop xx
Thank you i appreciate your honesty. Were you offered any anesthetic or is this something I need to ask for. I am panicking because I have had 2 stereotactic core biopsies within 8 days and have a huge bruise and painful hematoma so can well do without any addional un-necessary pain.
Hi I have had this treatment and it wasn’t too bad, you have an injection somewhere near where the lump is and then have to go and sit outside for about half an hothe and you have to massage the area. Then you are taken into another room and lie on a scanner that takes images of you. You have to lie very still and this takes about half and hour also. That was it. The rest of the procedure was done under anaesthetic the following day along with my operation. I took a cd in with me and asked them to lower the lights and play it as I was having my scan as they leave you and tried to relax and pretend I was on a Dorset island sunbathing! Worked for me!
Awwww, you poor thing. To be honest I don’t remember getting any aneasthetic. Carrie35 has explained it perfectly. When are you having it done?xx
I had this done three weeks ago and although the injection is initially painful it doesn’t last long I have seen it described as being like a bee sting. Personallly I felt like breast was being nipped for a few seconds then let go and that was it.
Bless you for your prompt response. I was diagnosed officially 2 days ago and my head seems to be in a permanent whirlwindI I am having the SLNB on Tusday and have read far too many American websites that has scared the hell out of me.
Hi Cheryl,
I had the injection and didn’t feel uncomfortable at all, I don’t know if you are hypersensitive to pain, or if you assume that all needles are painful, but through all my pre op tests, I haven’t been distressed by pain at all. Maybe my body is as numb as my brain… As this whole experience is not real to me yet and I feel that I’m looking into someone else’s life…
I hope you don’t find this too distressing, and wish you lots of luck.
Maggie
Monday at midday. It all seems like a terrible nightmare…but like you say, you have to take each step as it comes. Thank you I will keep you updated.
Stop reading, you are only doing yourself more harm. Coming somewhere like here where you can ask anything and get an honest, helpful and quick response is best. It’s such a scary time, I still remember it like it was yesterday. Keep talking, don’t bottle it all. This is a fantastic place to get support as everyone has either been through or is going through it. xxxx
It is better not to go onto to many websites as that is exactly what happens you get so much information that you end up not knowing what is right and what is wrong. My advice would be to stick to this website and even go onto live chat here annd talk to people who have been through this you might find that helpful.
Thank you, your first hand experiences are calming me down, it may also be the 2 glasses off wine that I have had!
Hi Cheryl, my experience of getting the injection was slightly different in that I got it the day before, no local, just the injection above the nipple (not really sore, over really quickly) and then went into hospital the next morning for the op. was in at 8, under by 9, awake by 10, out of hospital by 3 that afternoon. I know it’s scary but honestly it all went really well, watch out for a blue face or blue pee! Good luck x
I know what you mean…The penny only dropped yesterday when my hospital op was confirmed for Monday. This forum has been great the support from you guys first class, I have been looking at a distance for a few days, but only joined today. So thank you too everyone. The next panic I know will be waiting for the results. Good luck to everyone out there whatever stage of the journey you are at! Xx
I had the Tracer injection and scan on Monday before my op on Tuesday. Like you I was worried no, beyond worried about the injection hurting. I even asked them if I could have a local to numb the area. This is what the Nurse said. " If I give you a local that injection will hurt more than the one you are here to have, I promise you it’s a fine needle and it’s only going just under the skin"
She was absolutly right. It didnt hurt at all. I have had blood taken that hurt more than the injection did. My Husband came with me and said the needle was so tiny you could hardly see it.
You will be fine. Please dont worry.
X
Hi Maggie Thank you. No needles don’t usually worry me, the sterocatic core biopsy was ok and I have had two of those. I have also had two knee replacements and that weas all ok. It’s the fact that some of the American forum websites have lots and lots of horror stories about the tracer injection… I must stop trawling the web and just stay with tis site. Thank you for your prompt response. When do you get the results?
My mum has hers on Tuesday and her op on Wednesday. Her breast care nurse said the pain is no worse than the biopsy needle. Obviously - I can’t say for certain but we’re having to trust the experts. Much love to you x
Thank you Gardenbabe…the core needle biopsy didn’t hurt but they do pop in anesthetic first! Like you say we have to trust and have faith in the experts. Fingers crossed for your mum, hope all goes well.
Im due to have my SNB tracer injection next Monday then op on the tuesday… Im booked for the afternoon theatre so Im hoping that i go home that night… Ive seen or heard that even if its 10pm they let you go home… I hope so xx
Hope all goes well for you. I have my tracer injection at 1200 and my op late afternoon 5pm ish. I have been told that I will have to stay overnight, but each hospital has there own protocol. Speak to your breast care nurse. Goodluck I will keep you posted.