Radioactive blue dye injected to the breast for lymph node dissection

I have had two sentinal lymph node biopies. The first, in 2014, was much more intrusive but was performed at UC Davis Center Center in Sacramento, California by a woman who studied at Johns Hopkins and was a pioneer in the system that is commonly used today. The injection was given several hours prior to my lumpectomy; I was standing up and felt a great deal of discomfort. My second, performed in 2018, was a much less painful and seemingly less intrusive procedure, performed while I was prone and in a device similar to that used for PET scans [with the exception that my head was outside the device]. I understand your trepidation. I wish you all the luck and blessings for a full recovery.

I agree that there is no pain following the procedure. It is indeed a necessary but uncomfortable procedure.

@beebeebaby123 and trixie1313
Before my lumpectomy, I did some research and presented it to my surgeon who thankfully was head of the Women's Breast Health department. I showed her the papers noting that the sentinel node radioactive tracer injection used by most hospitals was painful (not just uncomfortable) to most women, that a competing hospital used a different tracer (Lymphoseek) which was a few dollars more expensive but not at all painful. She immediately ordered the Lymphoseek and, as noted earlier, it was a non-event for me.

My sister warned me about that. My surgeon assured me I'll be "under" at that time. I certainly hope so!

I was “under” for the dye injection. I only realized I had that done was when I peed blue for a while. However, I had the radioactive tracer material injected prior to lumpectomy, as well as a wire imbedded in the breast and taped to the chest wall as well. Neither was pleasant, especially since I had to wait almost 4 hours between those procedures and the actual lumpectomy. I complained to surgeon’s PA about that, but she explained that the radiology department is scheduled on a different program than the rest of the surgical department. DUH!!

I also had heard how painful it was, I spoke to the dr. administrating dye, and it was NOT painful, it took a long time and I was not "out". It was prelude to what turned out to be a "partial mastectomy", I thought it would be radical. So surprised when I saw I still had a boobie (deflated BUT) but the dye oozed for couple months thru the wound. Again, I may have been lucky, but so thankful no pain with the dye. It was done as IV. Just again, took long time, but Eisenhower hospital was awesome!

For me the dye was injected while I was out in the OR. I did have the radio active tracer and wire done prior to surgery. The tracer injections were more painful than the wire placement. The wire placement was only painful because of the mammogram machine. Neither procedure was unbearable. I’m sorry to hear that others have experienced so much pain and anxiety.

I must've been out for all of that. No memory of pain at all.

Unfortunately, due to the distance involved for the surgery, I required having the injection the day before at my local hospital. Yes, it was quite painful. My daughter came with me and I think I nearly squeezed all the bones in her hand to the point of no return! For all of you ladies who had this under anesthesia, you were quite lucky. The wire locators, however, were a piece of cake.

I also had mine done the day before. My surgeon had me get a prescription numbing cream to apply two hours before the procedure and then wrap the breast in Glad Saran wrap. My husband and I had a great laugh because the plastic had Christmas decor on it. This made the procedure bearable. Just remember anything you can do to get through this is a good thing.