sentinel node biopsy

[armywife299]

Why does this procedure say NODE but they take out nodes.  I feel butchered.  I was told NODE but she removed 4.  I have inflammation that would not be there if she had stuck to her WORD NODE!  I consented, this question is NOT for the purpose of seeking a lawsuit, I just feel very violated!

[bluebutterfly2222]

I didn't realize you'd had a mastectomy until I read that in another thread, so my comments about lumpectomy and possible  radiation  had no relevance to your situation.

No patience required, I assure you. We just try to provide information that someone might not be aware of. It is your feelings, values, and choices that matter.  

I hope all goes well for you henceforth.

bb

[armywife299]

     Start a 5 year paycheck to the Dr. for a less than 1% chance of return?  That is about the same as original chance of getting BC.  Was I seeing an oncologist then, before diagnosis?  No?  And I will not now.

[armywife299]

I am a runner, and a caretaker of this body. I will not reduce my vitality taking tamoxifen.  Indeed I was referred to an oncologist and turned it down.  Life is a gamble and I am willing to roll the dice.  I will not again turn to the medical system after seeing what a machine it is.  No, if I get this or any other cancer again, I'll hike thru the Grand Canyon and enjoy my last days in peace.

[armywife299]

Thank you for your patience with me.  A mastectomy was performed at the same time as the sentinel node biopsy.  However, again much to my chagrin, I reviewed the films sent over to the surgeon after this note was started.  When the radiologist sent over the films she sent over just the mammogram.  This picture does not show anything.  How the cancer was identified was with the ultrasound.  The ultrasound showed what was thought to be the tumor was a  cyst that was enlarging.  The cyst was a upside down U.  Protected by the 2 lower walls was a single layer of increased circulation showing red on the ultrasound.  That was the cancer area (or precancerous) protected by the cyst.
The Radiologist shot the needle inside me 11times, and removed all that showed red.  (Don't know if I was suppose to notice that.)  Anyway I thought she had sent all that over to the Surgeon.  Instead all that the surgeon had was the mammogram shot and the Dx.  Totally unfair to her.  She probably thought I was out of my mind being upset about the sentinel node biopsy.  I deeply appreciate her care considering what she had.  

[bluebutterfly2222]

p.s. If a woman's DCIS is hormone receptor positive, the risk of recurrence in the same breast, or a new primary DCIS/DCI in the opposite breast can be lowered by taking tamoxifen.

[bluebutterfly2222]

Hi again,

Although DCIS is not invasive, when DCIS had been dx by needle biopsy, there is always the possibility of an invasive component being found once excision (lumpectomy) or mastectomy is performed to remove the DCIS and to obtain clean margins.

And if  the  DCIS is high grade and larger, the  surgeon may suggest a sentinel node biopsy at the time of lumpectomy or mastectomy. (This is because of the possibility of invasive cancer. By doing the sentinel node biopsy at this time, the need for additional surgery may be eliminated.)

I understand that you are not happy with how things have gone, but at least you can take comfort in the fact that no invasive component was found, as well as no lymph node involvement, which contributes to an excellent prognosis.  

However, you will continue to need close surveillance, because even with  adding  radiation therapy to lumpectomy (which you did not mention), about 8% to 10% of women will have a recurrence in the treated breast and half of the women who have recurrence will have invasive cancer when the cancer returns. There is also always the possibility of DCIS or IDC in the contralateral  breast.

bb  

[armywife299]

Indeed that was the report.  That was why I was so mad, not at the Dr. but at myself that I had consented.  Original needle biopsy indicated DCIS with/out axillary involvement.  I was upset that I gave in to do the sentential procedure because DCIS means it is NOT invasive.  She said that was "standard care," for best but I went back to Needle Biopsy results that they were DCIS we both knew it was non invasive!  But, again I blame my self that I gave in due to paranoia that if I refused that more of the tissue of arm area would be taken to make surgeon feel better for procedure.  That she had done all she could to prevent return.  

[bluebutterfly2222]

Hi,

Sentinel node biopsy is a surgical diagnostic procedure done to remove a small sample of lymph nodes so they can be tested for metastasis. Those sentinel nodes are examined to determine if cancer cells have metastasized (spread) beyond the original tumor.

A radiologist or nuclear medicine specialist injects a weak radioactive dye  or a blue dye or a combination of both, into the tumor site.   Imaging studies are done to show which clump of lymph nodes is receiving the dyes, and that indicates where your sentinel lymph node will be found. The surgeon looks for the lymph nodes that have been stained.  Only one to three nodes are usually removed, unless many more are stained.

It sounds as though your surgeon followed the usual procedure, but apparently there was not adequate discussion  in advance, so you weren't fully prepared for what might be involved.

I'm sorry this experience left you feeling violated, but I'm not sure the removal of a few additional nodes can definitely be blamed what causing the inflammmation...

Best wishes for a path. report showing no node involvement!

bluebutterfly