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Hi, not quite sure where to start but here goes. 4 weeks ago I was diagnosed with DCIS after a routine mammogram. I had a lumpectomy just over 2wks ago and when the biopsys came back it had some cancer cells so I have to go for a sentinel node biopsy this week. I have to get an injection of radioactive stuff beforehand (on my birthday!!) and I have no idea if this procedure is painful or not. Depending on the results will determine whether I need chemo or not though I know Ive to get radiotherapy. Friends are overbearing ( I know they mean well but I feel as though Im suffocating with them) even though Ive asked them to give me space. Is this "normal" or is it just normal for me?
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Topic 'Today I am feeling' - managing emotions
Registered Office: Maggie's, The Stables, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU Registered Charity Number: SC024414
The Maggie Keswick Jencks Cancer Caring Centres Trust is a company limited by guarantee Company Number: SC162451
The Maggie Keswick Jencks Cancer Caring Centres Trust is a company limited by guarantee Company Number: SC162451
Good luck for today - I hope all goes well. It was good to hear the injection wasn't as bad as you feared...
Warm wishes
Sue
Well done on getting through today. Good Luck with the biopsy tomorrow, fingers crossed for good results. Xx
Had the radioactive injection today and apart from a wee slight stinging sensation it was fine. Had better birthdays but hey ho. SNB tomorrow.
Thank you BellasGirl x
Hi, just wanted to pop on and say Hi. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013. Just wanted to reassure you that the radioactive injection isn't too bad! Obviously we all have different pain thresholds, but I would say it was a sharp stinging pain for a matter of seconds! Take slow deep breaths and count backwards from ten, it'll be over before you reach 0! ;-) As for feeling smothered. I had parents who were VERY protective of me during treatment, which although much appreciated, drove me nuts. Luckily I lived 2.5hrs away from them and I worked through out treatment, so I didn't really have time for anyone to smother me! I preferred to keep busy that way I had other things to think about. I didn't want Cancer to take over my life! I wish you all the best for your upcoming procedure and have fingers firmly crossed that you get the all clear! If you want any information on Radiotherapy I will be happy to share my experience with you! Feel free to message on here or private message me! Xxxx
Thank you
Hi, and welcome...
It sounds like the last 4 weeks have been an emotional upheaval - and finding you need a sentinel node biopsy may have felt like the last straw.
On a practical level, sometimes cancer cells are found mid a cluster of DCIS cells, so although this is a very early cancer - it can still feel a shock.
The radioactive injection amount is very small, and is used to help guide the surgeons to the sentinel node. When I was a breast care nurse specialist, people said they found that there was a momentary stinging, as the injection was given - but that generally it was less painful than they'd been imagining.
There's a conversation 'thread' from Cancer Research UK (2015), which gives a helpful answer to your query, from the patient's perspective - 'Radioactive ion injection for sentinel node injection'.
Everyone reacts differently to a cancer diagnosis - and feeling 'smothered' by well meaning friends and family is something I do hear about. You're needing some time to reflect, and get your head round things, and their good intentions can feel overwhelming. Others tell me they their friends back away and dont know what to say - and that can feel isolating sometimes.
It sounds like you've done the right thing - thanking them for their support, but that you're needing some 'me' time just now, whilst you process everything.
I'm going to message you, to introduce myself - you may have more questions, and could do with a listening ear? Meanwhile, if anyone reading this has any advice/support for you, from the person with cancer's perspective - you'd be welcome to comment. It's often encouraging to hear how it is for others....
Warm wishes
Sue