What happens at SLNB mapping?

Hi 

Like you I had my lymphoscintigraphy, to give the SLN mapping it's proper name, the day before my WLE and SLNB. 

My melanoma was removed from my arm so I just wore a short sleeved top and trousers. The radioactive dye was injected into my arm next to where the melanoma was removed from and then I had to lie on an examining couch with my arm on the pillow above my head while they waited for the dye to move to the sentinel lymph node. A machine was above me and they could watch the take up of the dye on a computer screen. 

I was there for quite a while, probably at least an hour but it's hard to remember exactly how long as it was two and a half years ago now!

I was introduced to the two people who looked after me but can't remember what their titles were. However, it was done in the nuclear medicine department.

Hope that helps! When do you go for your ops?

x

Hi, I had slnb done recently.  I was admitted at 7am, went to nuclear medicine dept around 10.30am, a tracer fluid was injected around my scar of the initial excision which was right in the middle of my chest. 

For the first half hour the machine they use which I'm guessing is kinda like an x-ray, to determine which lymph node the fluid travelled to, which was under my right arm.

After that I had to lay with my arms up whilst a camera took hundreds of photos, I believe this is so they can pinpoint the location of the lymph node.  

Wasn't too bad a process to be honest.  Then in the afternoon about 2pm I got put to sleep and woke up 3 hours later all done.

Hi and latchbrook - thank you - my mapping is 3rd Oct and the WLE and SLNB is 4th. Thank you for explaining what happened. I had visions (nightmares) of lying naked on a bench in the middle of the waiting room. Sounds a bit more dignified than that!

Mine is my groin as the mole was on my thigh. I'll be pleased when it is over.

Yes that does sound like a nightmare !

There's only likely to be you and maybe one other in the waiting room as there'll probably only be one machine available so appointments are pretty far apart.

If they do want you to take your clothes off I would imagine that would only be down to your underwear and then they'll give you a 'nice' gown to wear as well.

I've always found the NHS hospital staff to be very concerned about keeping you dignified at all times. However, I have to admit that after 3 years of being examined all over every three months I don't give a second thought to stripping down to my bra and knickers anymore!

x

Hi I've just had my SLNB and WLE on my foot between 2 toes. I went to nuclear at 9.30am yesterday the injection in my foot and above my big toe and next one was the worst. Waited just over hour for it to do it's thing and then lay on the bed fully clothed for about 20 mins or so as I fell asleep. Everything went fine and relaxed. Went back to day admissions and then had my WLE at 1. Came back to ward at 3.30 with a big bandage on my foot a dressing just outside groin for the SLNB and a large dressing on thigh from skin graft. I was home by 7pm. I'm not feeling too bad and knowing they've not removed toe is a bonus. Day 2 not too bad. I have to go back in a week to check foot skin graft and a week after for stitches out from lymph node biopsy. Good luck don't worry too much xxc

Hi I've just had my SLNB and WLE on my foot between 2 toes. I went to nuclear at 9.30am yesterday the injection in my foot and above my big toe and next one was the worst. Waited just over hour for it to do it's thing and then lay on the bed fully clothed for about 20 mins or so as I fell asleep. Everything went fine and relaxed. Went back to day admissions and then had my WLE at 1. Came back to ward at 3.30 with a big bandage on my foot a dressing just outside groin for the SLNB and a large dressing on thigh from skin graft. I was home by 7pm. I'm not feeling too bad and knowing they've not removed toe is a bonus. Day 2 not too bad. I have to go back in a week to check foot skin graft and a week after for stitches out from lymph node biopsy. Good luck don't worry too much xxx

Thank you for sharing this Shelvox. I'm glad you are feeling ok. Are you lying around alot or are you quite mobile? Well done for getting through yesterday. That's a big hurdle over with

Hi ive been told to keep foot elevated for a week with limited mobility. So I shall do that. Up to yet only 2 lots of painkillers...

You’ll have to watch lots of TV and read. I’m hoping my teenager will help (well that’s the idea!!)