sentinel node biopsy

[cat_hmm]

I am a 49 yar old woman recently diagnosed with early stage breast cancer in my left breast.  I am an average size woman with very large, full breasts.  The tumor is so small that it can not be felt.  The surgeon has given me the option of a full mascesctomy or a lumpectomy with radiation treatment...I would like to have the lumpectomy with radiation.  The lymph nodes must be checked.  I am trying to decide whether to have the sentinal node biopsy(removal of one or two nodes with less possibility of complications) or the full anxillary surgery (several lymph nodes; shorter wait time for surgery but greater risk of complications). I would have to wait a bit longer to have the sentinal node biopsy/lumpectomy performed as there are very few surgeons in my area that are qualified to do it...should I wait and have the sentinal node biopsy or go with the anxillary surgery.  Has anyone had the sentinal node biopsy?  What should I do?