Topic: breast needle localization

My wire localization procedure was done about an hour before my lumpectomy.  It was very similar to my stereotactic core biopsy (assuming you had one of those?) except sitting up instead on laying on my stomach. They numbed me up really well, so it wasn't painful really, it was just a lot of pressure. The hardest part was sitting so still for so long with my head turned to one side. They took a bunch of mammos to make sure it was inserted in the right spot, then covered it with gauze--it looked very strange to see wires sticking out, but I was so numb I couldn't feel them at all.  I had day surgery--in at 6:30, home by 2:00. Was wrapped in a snug chest binder which I could remove after 2 days and shower with the steri strips on.  Took it easy for a few days and was back to normal activities in less than a week.  Hope things go as smoothly for you as well.

Anne 

Dimple, I hear you on those fears. I had the same. I cried through the entire thing. What saved me was my ipod. I had VERY soothing music that I mediatate to and I tried to just "go away" in my head. A resident did the wire and I did feel it and it did hurt. They were pressing on the boob witht he ultrasound wand during and that was very uncomfortable. My mass was large, though, 7cm, so that maybe different for you. For me, it was the worst part and I am sure my fear increased the pain. After they got the wire in, they mammo'd me again and that did hurt.

I found telling the nurses and docs you are sensitive and really want to be numb and that you are so scared is helpful. One of the nurses was very sweet, she saw I was crying, just silent tears running down my cheeks the whole time and she held my hand and made sure I had tissue when I was allowed to sit up.

The only good part was knowing that my surgeon was going to be able to use that wire to get the tumore exactly and the margins. And now, I feel pretty proud I got through that, it was hard for me.

I hope it is easy for you, I know how afraid you must be, I just laid in bed, terrified in the days leading up to the surgery. Try to stay busy and watch funny movies, anything to help you not think about it. 

Keep breathing deep breaths all through...hang in there. you can do it!

love and light~

Tay 

Dimple--perhaps you could ask for something to relax you beforehand.  And I would speak to the radiologist before as well and let them know you need to be numbed up really well. There's no reason why they shouldn't be able to make  it  tolerable for you.  Lifting you up in prayer.

anne 

Dimple,

I too had this done...its not that bad...they gave me valuim as soon as I stepped into the hospital that morning...it is hard to sit still w/your head turned for the time they need.

You'll do ok...but be sure to tell them how anxious you are so that they will give you meds....but you cant drive afterwards to make sure someone is going with you.

Dimple--I was sitting up for mine, it took about 30 to 45 minutes I think. Definitely ask them for something to help you relax.

You'll do great. Don't expect to cry, you may not at all...you'll get through it. I had one just before my lumpectomy. It surprised me more than anything. It's more pressure that you will feel than pain. My reoccurring thought was, wow, what they can do for women with breast cancer today. The women who worked on and with me were lovely. Let them know you're uneasy and I'm sure they will support you. You'll be on the other side of it soon!

Love and support,

Shepherdess 

Hi

I had the needle wire local thing done today before my lumpectomy surgery this morning.  I was SCARED it would hurt, and I would have to say it was less painful than the biopsy.  My breast was placed in the mamo machine for some pictures first.  Then it stayed in there while the radiologist did the wire.  The numbing medicine wasn't bad, then when the wire went in, it felt like pressue and stinging (but not un-tolerable).  I was lucky they got it in the right spot the first try.  I had bandages put on, then was taken to the room to start an IV - then off to surgery!  Waking up from surgery hurt ALOT more than the wire. 

You'll get through it!  Let us know how it goes.....

Krissy

I had a needle localication about 1 hour prior to my lumpectomy.  I was so nervous that when they set me down in the chair and put me into the mamo machine I [passed out cold.  Once they woke me up they then layed me down and did it.  They took two wimes to get the wire placed right.  I was numb the whole time so that was ok, the worst part was staying so still and for so long.  It was weird seeing the wire sticking out after.  The procdure took so long due to what I just said the nurse had to come down and start my IV before surgery.  I only did IV sediation so I was awake for the lumpectomy  which was my choice.  i reallly don't have any regrets for that.  I now am doing rads and have 8 more treatments and then 5 boosts after that.  I totally burned under my arm and below my breast.  I have little red bumps that itch terrible.  I'm using several things am having some pain but my onc thinks all normal.  i'm working but by 2PM I ready for a long nap.  The week I had my surgery we got a new puppy maggie and she has just seemed to help my spirits.  Just one look at her and see her tail wagging with her big sister they make my days.  The needle local is such a helping tool for the surgeon that the time and everything was worth it to me so thy new exactly where to go.  good luck

janice

I will be sending you a cloud of calm, white light on Monday...please keep taking death breaths...when you tense your body, it increases pain. So try to keep relaxed as much as possible. It doesn't take too long and will be over before you know it.

You can do this...keep taking deep breaths and know your sisters on this board are sending all good energy your way.

Please update us after with how it went

love

Tay 

Hi Girls, Well here I go , Im going in at 6;30 , in the morning to have it done, say some prayers for me, ok.

Hi Girls,   I'm back, and I was really scared, and they all knew I was too, They had a lil trouble with my blood pressure going so high, but I made it,  She numb me  so good, i didn't even feel the needle go in, and as far as my head, i didn't have to keep it to the side, im glad of that, the surgery went well, It was 1 cm, the needle local, took 25 minutes, and she didn't get it the first time either,2 times,I want to thank every one on the board, for being there for me, and also all of your prayers, Im just glad its over  I went in at 7, and home by 3.

Yay!!! So happy to hear it went well! Thanks for updating us...sending good thoughts for speedy healing!

oh, dimple, i am sorry to hear that your path came back that way! it happened to me, too. i had my second surgery exactly 2 weeks after the first, to get more tissue and clean margins...it was successful and i pray yours will be too! hang in there, i know it is so hard, like 1 step forward, 2 steps back. but you will get there...

sending you strength and light for Tuesday~ 

Dimple, I am so sorry you had to go back.  I got lucky.  I had my lumpectomy on 4/21 and they had clear margins so no going back for me, just off to radiation.  I will be praying for you through the weekend.  Here's to good clean results come Wednesday!

Ellie

Hi Girls, I went back, and he got it all this time, now I have to go to radition, I don.t know how long I have to take it yet, talk to u soon.