I would definitely talk to my doctor about this, and how important this is to you. If the sentinel node comes back positive, you might need to revisit. Depending on your biopsy, the doctor might just order sentinel node to start. Have you brought this up to your doctor at all?

I am scheduled for bilateral lumpectomies in 2 days. Left is for invasive lobular and right is papillomas with biopsy with possible DCIS? Since it is a confirmed carcinoma on the left, the surgeon will take sentinel node/nodes for biopsy on the left. Fingers crossed!!

There is no clear decision tree for lumpectomy and lymph node excisions and biopsies. I had a lumpectomy and a concurrent sentinel node biopsy. The node was negative for cancer cells so that was the end of the story for lymph involvement. Had it been positive, I'm sure the surgeon and oncologist would have recommended further node biopsies.

I'm a knitter and knit designer currently finishing the sixth pair of Christmas gift socks, lol. And trying to keep newly-acquired cat away from balls of yarn. I was worried about lymphedema but have since read of so much help people on Mayo Connect have found to prevent it or minimize discomfort. On the off chance that you might be at risk, get all the therapy help available as people here have found a lot of resources that made a big difference for their comfort. And fiber onward!