I'm not sure, but I would think that they would take a little sample and biopsy it. I'm just guessing tho. I've not had a mastectomy - I just had the lumpectomy and radiation. But I WILL be with you in spirit in the operating room. I'll put it on my calendar, so I won't forget!!

Many prayers will be with you too ~ when you get to feeling better, will you please let us know how things went?? I'd sure like to know. I'm sure you'll be fine ~ we''re so lucky that they can do SO much now for breast cancer!! God bless you, and take care. Hugs, Lee

thank you Lee, I sure will....

They may be injecting dye to do a sentinel node biopsy. I am having surgery tomorrow and will have a lumpectomy but I have to be at the hospital 4 hours before surgery for them to inject this dye to check out the lymph nodes while in surgery. I am just guessing, but that is a good possibility. Best wishes for your surgery.

I had bilt. mastectomy in May of 06. I don't remember having a shot before surgery. My biopsies were done before hand.And clips were put in to measure the shrinkage of the tumor during and after chemo.Mine was stage 3 her +. It was found 6mos. after my last mammogram. It also got one sentile lyphm node.they took 18 and only one was effected. and 16 on the other side and none were effected. Hope this helps.

Yes. It is called a Sentinel Node Biopsy. What they do is inject a dye into your nipple area, (they will numb it first) but the actual tracer feels somewhat like a bee-sting. Just hang in there, it is usually only 2 shots. After which they will take a series of xrays, and then bring you upstairs to get ready for surgery. What lymph nodes show up blue, that is what they will test. Good Luck to you!!!

I am actually at the hospital now and I got 5 shots to the area. 4 to the breast area surrounding the tumor and 1 to the nipple area. No shot to numb the area. I missed out on that, but really it felt like bee stings and wasn't pleasant, but it was bearable. Waiting for a few hours now before I go back for pictures. Will say prayers for you that everything will go well.

Hi Bfcavender,

I am just seeing your post because I have been away from the group for awhile. I am hoping that all went well with your surgery and also Lucyfan's. I have a tentative surgery date set up for 1/05/2011. I put it off until after the new year because of insurance reasons and my doctor said it would be ok. I have been told that they will check the sentinal lymph node on my surgery as well and she did mention a dye that was put in to find that lymph node. I was not told how they did it so its good to get this information so I will be prepared. I hope you feel up to updating soon so we can all know how things went for you. I am hoping you will get better fast and that all went well.
Jan

I was not warned about the shot to the areaola area, sadly I came unglued over it. I wish someone had warned me. If I know something is going to hurt I can brace for it. Good luck, keep in mind this too will pass.