I had a left breast mastectomy (DCIS) with a sentinel node biopsy. I am considering having my "healthy" breast removed. It is my understanding that a SNB is not done is this case because I have not been dx with cancer. I also understand that the node(s) removed during a SNB are the ones closest to the primary tumour. If they remove my healthy breast and the pathology finds some invasive cancer that didn't show up on a mammogram, ultrasound, BSGI, or MRI, does that mean my only option would be to have all my nodes removed to check them for cancer? This really concerns me and am wondering if there is some option I have not thought about.
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katsmeow Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 12 |
Nov 4, 2009 11:33 am
katsmeow wrote:
I had DCIS in my left breast. I decided at the time to have both my breast removed. At the time of the mastecomy they did a SNB to make sure that their assumption was correct and it had not spread to my lymp nodes. It was explained to me and further research agreed that in the breast there are 3 levels of lymph nodes If they find it in the first they will go to the 2nd to see how far it has spread. Usually they do not take out the third level. It sounds that you are asking all the right questions. The person to really ask is your surgeon. Mine was awesome and offered lots of information. Diagnosis: 2/3/2009, DCIS, 3cm, Stage 0, 0/1 nodes, ER+/PR-, HER2- |
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Shoshi Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 81 |
Nov 7, 2009 12:54 pm
Shoshi wrote:
what is a snb shoshi
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London-Virg… Joined: May 2009 Posts: 827 |
Nov 7, 2009 01:07 pm
London-Virginia wrote:
Sentinel Node Biopsy Virginia.
Diagnosis: 5/9/2009, IDC, 2cm, Stage IIb, Grade 3, 1/2 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- |
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rascal_gal Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 68 |
Nov 11, 2009 04:30 pm
rascal_gal wrote:
I also had DCIS. They did the mapping and did an SNB on me during the mastectomy. I think it gave me peace of mind. I did have a BMX even tho I only had DCIS in one breast. My onco considered it cancer, just contained the the milk glands. But I guess she wanted to make sure it was contained because it was so proliferated. Bilateral Mastectomy w/tissue expanders 33-03-09 /Exhange surgery 7-17-09/ Natrelle Style 20 475 high profile
Diagnosis: 1/5/2009, DCIS, 4cm, Grade 2, 0/1 nodes |
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Shoshi Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 81 |
Nov 12, 2009 06:27 pm
Shoshi wrote:
OK LADIES...here r a list of questions i am planning on asking my ps 2morrow would luv ur input if u have any..thx!! My appt is in the morning..i'll try & sign on here thru my BB in the afternoon to let everyone know what he said!! 1-What kind of implants will be used? 2- Will u also use Alloderm? 3- How do u exactly do all this? Step by step ... where will the stitches be ? I have read that surgeons are cutting under the crease of the breast now to help w/ scarring especially with preventative Mastectomies..is this something u r familiar with? 5- What kind of bandages will I have right after the surgery? Fow how long? (NO STERI_STRIPS). 6- Will I wear a special bra or cami? My insurance covers all this for medically necessary garments. 7- How many drains will I have on each side & for approx how long? What is the fluid level that it can come out? 8- Can u make sure u order beforehand the On Q pump & have it inserted into me during surgery? 8A- How much will the On-Q pump numbing agent be expected to take the place of pain medicine? Will the nurses be familiar with the difference between the numbing pump and the pain medicine? 9-What pain meds will I be given in the hospital & at home? I take Percoset 10/325 & 1 does zilch..i need 2 for it to help. How abt sleeping meds in the hospital? Can u have them ordered for me b4hand so the nurses don't have to call u up? Will I be in a lot of pain after surgery? 9A- If the pain becomes severe during the night, will orders have been left for something stonger, or should the nurse call you directly? I will be asked to rate my pain on a scale of 1-10 ..what level on that scale do you expect my pain medicine should place me ideally...and what level do you feel warrants a phone call? If the pain becomes severe during the night, will orders have been left for something stronger, or should the nurse call you directly? I will be asked to rate my pain on a scale of 1-10...what level on that scale do you expect my pain medicine should place me ideally...and what level do you feel warrants a phone call? 9B- I have two surgeons--you and my Breast surgeon-First Dr Bahl does her thing & then u. Are u in the operating room or do they call you when she is done? Which one of you will be leaving the medication orders after surgery? Have you communicated with each other about what the reconstructive surgery entails and how much that may contribute to post-op pain? 10- Muscle Relaxers..What kind & strength & FOR HOW LONG..WHAT OTHER MEDICATIONS WILL I BE TAKING BESIDES PAIN WHEN I COME HOME? 11- How much help will I need when I come home? Will I be able to get out of bed or recliner without help? 12- What type of supplies will I need when I get home? Can I sleep on my side once the drains are out if I am comfortable? 13-What will the surgery, and my stay in the hospital, be like? 14- How long will the surgery last? 15- How soon will I be getting up and moving around 16- What will my wound be like? How do I take care of it? When may I shower or bathe? 17-When can I start using my arm? Are there exercises I should do? 18-When will I be able to drive? 19-When will I be able to return to work? 20-Can you show me pictures of other reconstructions you have done? 21- How often have you done this type of surgery? 22-In your experience, how often do complications occur? 23-Which complications are most common? 24- if we plan on the 1 step do u bring into the ER several different kinds just in case 1 doesn't fit as well? Will u also have TE just in case if the 1 step wont work for me? 25- What r ur thoughts about Nipple sparing?
shoshi
Diagnosis: None |
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Mantra Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 226 |
Nov 12, 2009 08:15 pm
Mantra wrote:
Just prior to going into the OR, I met with the anesethiologist (sp!!??). I told him that I did not want to wake up feeling sick and could he please put something in my IV so I wouldn't feel sick to my stomach. He took note of this and told me he would mix me up a "special recipe." It was the first time after surgery I didn't spend hours upon hours sick to my stomach. It's something you might want to ask as well. Diagnosis: 7/10/2009, DCIS, <1cm, Stage 0, Grade 3, 0/3 nodes, ER-/PR- |
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