That small matter of a sentinel node biopsy

So it's about 10 days since I had my sentinel node biopsy. Basically (in the hospital I attend) I had radioactive dye injected into my affected breast on the morning of my operation. I was warned that this would sting, what I didnt expect was it to feel like she'd sliced me with a scalpel! I had to actually look to ensure she wasn't having a go at the op herself, this lasted a good few seconds after the injection and was reassured that this meant it had been a good injection. I then had to wait for my time slot in the afternoon, I had all the usual pre-op stuff done like observations and a checklist and was seen by my anaesthetist and my surgical consultant.

Now would probably be an appropriate time to point out that despite the fact I myself am a nurse, I have to be THE biggest whimp when it comes to pain and needles! For example in my pre-op a few days earlier I completely broke down sobbing and simply could not have my bloods done. My anaesthetist however was a lovely lady, when I was in the anaesthetic room I again started crying but managed to have a cannula, simply down to the approach that she and the nurse used. I was given medication and the last thing I remember was the nurse holding my other hand and me feeling like I'd spent a few too many hours in the pub. I woke up still crying, with another nurse holding my hand, and was shocked that it had actually been done as I felt perfectly normal!
I had three sentinel nodes removed, these are the lymph nodes that things such as white blood cells drain to first, the ones most likely to contain cancer if it had started to spread to other parts of my body, I like to visualise them as little train stations. I was lucky to have just three out, my ultrasound gave the, now correctly confirmed, impression that they were clear, I have heard of women that have had 17 or 18 removed!
I returned to the ward and thankfully recovered well and very quickly.

Now a few pointers for anyone that's facing this op:

·         Take pain relief! -  Don't make the silly mistake I did and decide a few days later that you can manage without it... you can't, trust me.

·         Buy a stick deodorant - I never used to like these, but the thought of using a spray near an open wound, as it's in my armpit, did not seem too sensible to me. I have a lovely smelling nivea one that i use just above my wound/dressing, most importantly, it works.

·         Find your comfortable positions and stick to them - I have a v-shaped pillow that I originally bought to help with my asthma when I had attacks or infections, this has been really useful these last few days (Asda have a silentnight one for just £7!).

·         Everything you excrete for the next 48 will be a fabulous shade of bright blue! Seriously! Blue stools, blue tears (I did not test this one but the nurses warned me) and urine that resembles toilet cleaner! This is all due to the dye they inject.

·         Which brings me onto the next point, with the shock I think I missed a few things he explained about the operation beforehand, the blue dye I was also injected with (thankfully whilst under) has left a small part of my boob bright blue, as in avatar style but a tad brighter! I can still obviously see this despite it being 10 days later! I'm led to believe this may take a few weeks to fade.

·         Do the exercises they suggest! Despite it hurting, the pain seems to be a lot easier to manage if I've not held it still for hours. I was given a booklet written by breast cancer care, you can get this free from their website. I'ts also meant to help reduce complications.

·         Push yourself, but not too hard, rest is important too.

I'm well impressed at the stitching my surgeon has done! I should end up hopefully with a perfect scar that I'm sure won't be too visible.

Check out my bling! This was about day 4, I'll try and upload another picture when the stitch is out.

Good luck and get relaxing! xx