sentinel node

Hi Everyone, Not sure if anyone can answer this question but day before surgery I was injected with the dye to highlight sentinel nodes.  After surgery the surgeon told me they removed one node as that was the only one that showed radioactive? Will the result still be acurate with only one to test? :smileyfrustrated:  he didnt seem concerned when he was telling me but as I was feeling quite sick at the time I didnt ask him any further questions.

 

Thanks Lynda x

Hi Gazzlyn

If you would like to give our helpline team a call they will be only too happy to talk to you about sentinal node testing.  Calls are free, 0808 800 6000 lines are open until 5pm today (weekdays 9-5 and Saturdays 10-2)

Take care,

Jo, Moderator

Hi Lynda - I’m no expert but my understanding of this is that they stop at the first node that ‘lights up’ as radioactive - I think because this is the first place any c will have got to. This was what was explained to me by lady who injected me anyways xxx I was told prior to surgery that if when they looked at the nodes they appeared damaged ( I guess the can tell a healthy one or not) they might remove more and signed consent fir this. Think you’ll be fine on that for the test x sarah

Hi Lynda,
Did you get your results already? I know very little but immediately post op my surgeon told me he thought he had removed 4 or 5 nodes but that since they are so small, there may have been more and he wouldn’t know until the sample was examined. At follow up a week later, right enough pathology had found 8 nodes in the sample, all fortunately clear. I had the radioactive tracer injected the day before and the blue dye after I was anaesthetised (doncha just love the Smurf nipple!?). If your surgeon isn’t happy with the sample he’d be sure to let you know, even if that meant repeating it.
Hope all is well.
Kitt
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Hi Lynda - well done for the trip out - I’ve been housebound/hospital bound for 7 days. I’m on antibiotics to stop any infection and would b v worried about going anywhere too far because I’m still in pain and is someone knocked me I would b upset ! That said - I have managed more of a day today and am hoping that tortoise will win the race on this return to health thing! I have got good arm movement which makes things easier and am sticking to my exercises. Know what u mean about wild mind !! Take care s x

Thanks, Lynda - the waiting is just torture, isn’t it! Keep thinking positive thoughts?
Yes, I’m about to leave for my 5th of 15+4 radiotherapy sessions. Good to be getting on with next stage of the journey!
Big hug to you.
Kitt
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Hi Lynda,
So far all I have to show for it is a hot boob but I believe the tiredness and sore skin tends to kick in about the end of week 2. (Realised today was 4, not 5 … wishing the time away!)Taking it as it comes but started drinking lots of water and moisturising lots … can’t hurt, eh!?
Hope you’re results are as good as mine and you are soon on the same course - happy to keep in touch.
Kitt
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