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Lymph node biopsies

Ditzy
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After an MRI with contrast, and an ultrasound I have to have more biopsies on the affected breast, the other breast and the axillary node. But I had already been told I would have a sentinel node biopsy during surgery. I am a highly anxious patient with needle & pain issues. Why would i have to have this axillary node biopsy if they are going to do a SNLB in 2 weeks time? When I asked the radiologist I was just told that they’d like to do all these biopsies because of the MRI and ultrasound. I just don’t want extra unnecessary tests. Please can you clarify why it would be needed and what I should do? Thanks

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    Hi Ditzy,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    We all have different types of breast cancer. Sometimes your consultant wants all of the tests done in advance, as this allows him/her to match the type of cancer up to the correct treatment. I am not a doctor, but I expect that this may be why. I am sure that you won't have any more tests than they need to do this. It can be frustrating when you need additional tests, but many of us do and it is important to get the right diagnosis before you start. 

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Thanks Jolamine. I think the radiology team decide what they want to biopsy, and my breast consultant is not part of that process, but I may be wrong. Perhaps I should call my breast care nurse and check with her? I am very anxious about these biopsies. The actual procedure (as I found the first round of biopsies difficult to deal with), the fact they want to do multiple areas, and anxious about the results. I have hardly slept last night.

  • Offline in reply to Ditzy

    Hi Ditzy,

    If you have been allocated a breast care nurse, she will be the best person to clarify this for you. She will know the local protocols, which vary slightly from one area to another. Your breast consultant will order the tests you need and send this request to radiology. Do you have a date for these tests yet?

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Thank you. I spoke to my nurse, and went ahead with all the biopsies yesterday. Under the arm is the most pain, but manageable. So now it’s back to waiting game.

  • Hello and thanks for your posts.

    I am sorry to hear about your situation.

    It looks like you have now spoken with your breast care nurse.  So, I hope you have had more information and a better understanding about why you need the biopsy as well as the SLNB by now. 

    You may also find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care,

    Caroline

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