How long does the operation for a sentinel node biopsy and lumpectomy take?

Hello Thirds

I think feeling apprehensive beforehand is perfectly natural, I did too. I will be 65 this year [so not a spring chicken]. I had lumpectomy and planned sample of nodes removed about four weeks ago.

Went in at 7am, had the radioactive dye put in which was painless. Then off to theatre at 11.00am. In the ward by 2.00pm having a cup of tea. Observations were done every 30 minutes till about 6.00pm and then I was told I was good to go. No pain at all [anaesthetist said he gives long acting local into the area to prevent after pain and this certainly did work]. I did not need any pain relief at all. Waterproof Dressings were already on site of the lumpectomy and lymph node removal [ they took 6 nodes to test, as I had a positive node biopsy in advance]. About two days later I had a wee bit of swelling where nodes had been, but not too bad. A week later dressings off and I was absolutely delighted at the wounds. I now have a very faint scar on the boob and just a fine pale red line to the side below the axilla. Well pleased and so much less than I expected.

I am now just over halfway through radiotherapy to boob and axilla [ 15 doses and 4 boosts, these are given on each weekday over almost 4 weeks]. Also completely ok to have, and nothing to worry about.

I had chemotherapy and immunotherapy before surgery - not fun but perfectly do-able. The path report showed complete pathological clearance in the boob and the nodes that they removed. They told me be that there was evidence that two of the nodes had previously been cancerous as they were fibrous inside.

The follow-up for me is zolandronic acid every six months for three years, letrozole tabs for 5 years and herceptin and perjeta for another 9 months, which along with the radiotherapy are all to stop it coming back. I have started all of these: 1xZ, a month of L tabs and 1xH&P down. Feeling great now and I am so glad to be past the scary bits.

More or less  living life as usual now apart from the compromises due to Covid. 

I am so thankful that our wonderful NHS is providing this care to me. In my opinion it could not be bettered. 

I am a very happy happy bunny.

I hope that my experience helps to reassure.

Hi Thirds  I had the same op on the 10th May. It took an hour and I was wide awake feeling fine sore bit no pain. My nodes were clear only took 3 out they were the most stingy so don't over stretch your arm fir a few weeks. Micro easy meals and rest but small walks and fresh air. 5 weeks on feeling like nothing is wrong with me. Starting chemo next week as I had stage3  25mm lump triple negative. Hope the next stage goes as well   good luck don't worry it's your mind that plays havoc not as bad as you think I was up and running within a day  xx

Thank you WallyDug for telling me about your experience.  Your post is very reassuring. I do hope that your problems are behind you now and that you will continue to be well and a happy bunny.  I am so glad that I posted on this forum as I was very scared and am now feeling better.  Good luck with your treatment.

Hi there

i had a lumpectomy and had three lymph nodes taken out three weeks ago. I went in at 7am and got home about 8.30pm the same day. You have to have someone with you 24 hours after the op. I took ages to recover from the general anesthetic so was lucky  that my daughter works from home! Three weeks on and my scar along my bra line is still painful but lymph node scar is ok. Sadly I’ve got to go back and have another op to remove more lymph nodes as they found cancer in one lymph node and a trace in another. 
wish you all the best but I’d say just listen to your body. 

Thank you sunshine321 for your reassuring post and for telling me about your experience.  I hope that your chemo will go well and that you will continue to improve.  This diagnosis was a bolt from the blue.  I cannot fault the NHS which has moved very quickly and efficiently.  I am fortunate to normally have good health and have not been in hospital since my children were born.  Your post has certainly made me feel less concerned.  I am grateful to you.  Good luck with your treatment.

Thank you Phonzie for your email.  Sorry to hear that you have to go back and that things are not comfortable for you.  Listening to your body is very good advice.  My daughter is a counsellor and at present only has one day a week of face to face work.  I do not want to cause major disruption to her as she only started her practice in December.  She says she will stay as long as she is needed, which is so kind.

Hope your next surgery goes well and that you will make a quick recovery.  Take care and Good luck.

Hi  Thirds

Best of luck with your surgery next Monday.

Best wishes

Daisy53

 Hi Thirds Mine was done in day surgery in early morning came out late evening recovery was fine I had next to no pain after operation my hubby made sure I had plenty of rest also make sure you do the exercises every day that they give you as this aids recovery and helps with arm function  the nurse came out after a week to take the dressing off I was surprised at hoe quickly I healed to be honest I know everyone is different and heal and have different pain thresholds hope all goes well with your surgery regards Belinda x

Thank you Beenea69.  I am very much hoping that my lymph nodes will be clear, but I hoped that about the tumour too.  I will definitely do the exercises as I must get my arm working asap.  I have had a frozen shoulder and rotator cuff tear on the other side which is healing and I really can't manage not to have working arms!  Thank you for sharing your encouraging experience and good wishes.I hope that you continue to improve.

Keep smiling really its OK and I am a wimp and hate needles. Such wonderful treatment out there you will be surprised how quick you recover. I am 63  going on 16  lol.  Hope all goes well for you too  xxx