When I had breast cancer years ago, I'm thinking that 14 lymph nodes were removed from my armpit. It wasn't any really big deal, but there is some light scarring in the arm pit so I shave with care. I 'think' there were staples under the arm, that hurt (pinched/stung) until they were removed. Then I was to do exercises on the arm. The arm is to be 'more protected' than normally, once the nodes are removed because injuries are slower to heal with the lymph nodes gone. Blood pressure being taken and getting shots is to be in 'the other' arm.

There is always a chance of Lymphedema too, on down the line, but I've never experienced it.

I wish you well, and feel free to email me if you like.

Sue

Here is a link that might be useful: Lymphedema

Is this a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB)? If so, they inject radioactive dye into the tumor site and see what lymph node the dye drains to. Then they surgically remove just the first lymph node where the dye drains (or maybe 2-3 nodes if they're all right together) and test it for cancer cells. The idea is that if the lymph node that the tumor site drains to first is clear, then the tumor probably has not spread through the lymph nodes.

You're awake for the dye injections and for the radiologist scanning to see where the dye goes. The dye injection stings, but the scans don't hurt. Then the radiologist tells the surgeon what node to take out. Then they knock you out in order for the surgeon to remove the lymph node. It's a day surgery, so you don't have to stay overnight. It leaves a small scar in your armpit, and leaves it pretty sore for awhile, but manageable. If they only remove one or a few nodes, then I think the chances of lymphedema are small. If they're just doing the SLNB, it's a much easier recovery than a full lymph node dissection where they take a lot of lymph nodes - I don't know as much about that.

If SLNB is the procedure you're wanting info about, let me know and I can try to answer any other questions!

I've had the Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy and it wasn't really terribly painful and the worst part of it was just the anticipation....I don't remember more than being uncomfortable a few times. I do have some Lymphedema but I don't know if that was because of the Biopsy or the breast surgery that I had afterward.

Thanks to all three of you...the doctor my brother went to made it sound certain that there would be no use of his arm after a biopsy and never advised even if he should have it done or not. (This response after being referred to the biopsy dr.!)

I told him to get a second opinion!

I know doctors do biopsys (or is it biopsies?) all the time and although there are risks I wouldn't think there are no pros to having it done, too.

Thanks again...I sent him your responses - hope they will help him decide not only what to do, but WHO will be doing it.

nola anne