Wire guided local incision

Dear Jojodot, 

I have to say, what a nice and reassuring post.  This will bring comfort to many, thank you for sharing. At the start of my journey this procedure was discussed.  I then changed surgeon's and had the 'blue dye' injected.  

Time plays havoc with my memory of this, I had the blue dye injected (the name isotope comes to my mind, but now I am wondering if I am watching to much TV) I believe it was some kind of radioactive dye that was injected into my boob, by the nipple area, this dye then travelled from nipple area toward underarm area to the nearest lymph-node.  I had to lie on a scanner type bed with a large machine over my breast area and to the side of this was a computer screen this screen followed the dye to the first lymph-node, the area was then marked with a permanent marker pen with an 'X' and a clear plaster placed over the top (so the mark didn't come off overnight) - then the next day I went in for both surgeries - lymph-node and lumpectomy.

I am thinking these are two different procedures to get to the same result - although, I am not sure.

Brilliant post Jojodot

xxx 

I had wires inserted before my surgery!  I had the giggles when the nurse told me the procedure as she said you lie face down on the bed and your breast falls through a hole in the bed.  Then they jack up the bed like a car mechanic raises a car and works underneath.    They then use a mammogram machine to find position and small  scratch and wire inserted.  

I found it painless and afterwards I had another mammogram to check wire in correct position.  I then drive to a different hospital 10 mikes away for surgery. 

When I’m stressed I sing or count to myself though apparently when I’m lying on this bed almost touching the ceiling I sang out loud!   

Jojodot

Found it!  Thanks for that, now I know what to expect on my LHS (already up to speed re mastectomy on RHS)...doesn't sound too bad I guess.

Sam X

Jojodot Hi, I'm facing the same surgery that you describe in your post, provisional date 4th Dec.  I just wanted to ask how you are getting on?  Any advice for surgery and recovery?

Many thanks

Heidi

Hi,

WhilstGrogg   has described one method of inserting the wire ( and sometimes simply taking the biopsy.) it actually depends on the position of the tumour which is being removed. My own tumours,higher on the breast towards the arm pit, were located by a wire inserted while I lay on my back. I knew about the ' upside down' approach because a friend with large breasts and tumours in the under fold, had her wire that way.

Grogg is right  when she says you don't feel it. I had a local anaesthetic wipe then felt nothing except a slight pinch when the mammogram checked the marker was in the correct place. The wire is then cut to size so you are comfortable until the op. My marker was placed the day before op.

Lacomtekpyou are right I have big boobs - G cup !  I think it varies by unit as I know 3 people had same method as me at my hospital and wire and excision on top left side of left breast .  I had my biopsies in screening unit though sitting in chair clamped into mammogram machine .  

its over 5 years since my surgery but in and out same day !  Home eating soup by 8.30pm after surgery at 3pm .  Just a slight dent to show now.  I didn't have pain after surgery .  Are you having any lymph nodes removed ?  I didn't . 

Grogg Lacomtekp Thanks for your responses. 
My tumour is higher and closer to my armpit so the hope is to have one incision to take the tumour and lymph nodes.  I’m imagining the wire insertion will be similar to the biopsies so I’m not to worried about that, just starting to worry about the surgery itself, pain and recovery.  The whole Covid situation isn’t helping either... I think I have too much time on my hands so my brain is in overdrive!  
Grogg It’s good to hear you only have a slight dent now, that was one thing we didn’t discuss with the surgeon and I’m surprised by how much it matters to me....

thanks again

Heidi 

Hi ,

I had the same op you are having 21 years ago- my consultant was so pleased to be able to do it through one incision instead of the standard two at that time. I have only the very slightest of dents there now. and not noticable at all even in close fitting tops etc. Pain for me only needed paracetemol for the first 24 Hours (both times -see my profile if you wish)Try to do the exercises as advised post operatively but don't overdo them.You will probably be in as a day case and home in time for your evening meal- so arrange for it to be easy to cook or reheat.I would suggest you wear a button down blouse  which will be easier to put on after the op than a  t shirt type top.Take care and be kind to yourself in the meantime Sending hugs xx