Needle localization anyone?

[N&B'smom]

Just wondering what exactly I'm in for...anyone have this done? I've been told what takes place but I'm just trying to figure out how uncomfortable all of this is actually going to be. I like to be prepared!

I go in for this on Wednesday, the fun never stops for me.

Shelby

 

[Christine]

Needle localization for what? Not sure what you are referring to. I had one for the breast to locate a cyst but I'm not sure if this is the same thing.

 

[grammynelliebelle]

Shelby, I am scheduled for a needle localization prior to a breast bx this week on Thursday. The needle is used to place a guide wire prior to the surgeon doing the incision. I do not have any palpable breast lump, but a cluster of calcifications that need to be evaluated. Is this what you are scheduled for? I have been on the thread for breast cancer survivors and have found it helpful. It starts GAGWTA..(Greetings and Good Wishes to all). Check it out. Grammy

 

[grammynelliebelle]

Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part 2. GAGTWA..is the name of the thread. Grammy

 

[Christine]

Okay, I had the same thing then.

A few years ago, I had a lump that was visible on mammogram and sonogram but NO ONE could palpate it. So I had to have it located by wire prior to my exam.

It wasn't too bad at all. They just did a sonogram, found it, used a think that kind of was like shot that put dye in there and fed a wire through to it. Kind of weird but not painful.

 

[N&B'smom]

Yep, that's what I'm having done. I had a needle biopsy and now it's not even visible on a mammogram. But I'm going on Wednesday to have the needle localization done.

I'm nervous.

Shelby

 

[Christine]

Yep, that's what I'm having done. I had a needle biopsy and now it's not even visible on a mammogram. But I'm going on Wednesday to have the needle localization done.

I'm nervous.

Shelby

Good luck then! All that stuff makes me nervous too, but it really wasn't too bad. They offered to numb me up before placing the wire but I have adverse reactions to some types of numbing agents so I didn't without the numbing and, really, it was just fine (and quick). If you take the numbing medications, you really won't feel too much.

 

[grammynelliebelle]

Shelby, Of course you are nervous. I am too. But we will get through it. They are not using a sonogram for me to place the wire. Mine is done with a mamo. I will be keeping you in thoughts and prayers. Grammy

 

[N&B'smom]

grammy - I hope yours goes well on Thursday!!! Keep me posted!

I'm not having mine with a sonogram either, they told me they're using an x-ray.

The thing that gets me is, after the needle biopsy when they placed the little marker thing - I had to have another mammogram. You couldn't see the problem area anymore. You could just see the marker. I'm curious if it will be visible on an xray!

I have to be at the hospital tomorrow at 9am, needle localization is scheduled at 11am and the surgery is at 12:30. I am SOOOOO looking forward to tomorrow being over!!

Shelby

 

[Feralpeg]

It really isn't bad. The most uncomfortable part of the procedure is being squeezed in the machine so they can see what they are doing. I didn't feel the needles at all. They are so very fine and I was numb from being squeezed!

Good luck!

 

[HOGFAN]

for calcifications, ask for a stereotactic biopsy instead. very accurate and a whole lot less chance of complications later.

the marker will tell future docs who read your mammograms where your surgery was. be aware tho, that sometimes the markers migrate from the original spot.

avoid bloodthinners/Advil. sometimes a vessel gets nicked and can give you a nasty hematoma.

it would be nice if the loc is done with a digital machine. MUCH quicker.

 

[Christine]

avoid bloodthinners/Advil. sometimes a vessel gets nicked and can give you a nasty hematoma.

Yes, this happened to me. During the location procedure I started bleeding pretty bad--the sonographer seemed really shaken up by it. I was okay with it--he wasn't! Anyway, an hour later I had the surgery to have the lump removed. I then developed a hematoma that would not resolve on it's own--created a bigger, hard painful lump for a year. I then had to have surgery to have the hematoma removed.

 

[Feralpeg]

Yes, this happened to me. During the location procedure I started bleeding pretty bad--the sonographer seemed really shaken up by it. I was okay with it--he wasn't! Anyway, an hour later I had the surgery to have the lump removed. I then developed a hematoma that would not resolve on it's own--created a bigger, hard painful lump for a year. I then had to have surgery to have the hematoma removed.

Yes. Never take anything with aspirin or any type of substance that will thin the blood before any type of surgery...not even dental work.

 

[grammynelliebelle]

Shelby - I hope you did ok today. I was thinking of you. I got a call about three thirty today from my surgeons office telling me that the radiologist who was supposed to be doing the localization tomorrow could not find the calicifications in the films. So surgeon is probably going to suggest a MRI. I have a lot of questions for him. Grammy

 

[N&B'smom]

Thanks for checking on my, grammy. Things went VERY well. I'm so happy it's over.

The localization wasn't that bad, certainly not something I'd choose to do for fun. When that was over and I went in for the surgery. I woke up and 10 minutes later felt like myself again. They kept me for an hour and I was on my way. I went about my day like normal. Went to my son's hockey game, stuff like that.

It's not as bad as I made it out to be!

I'll be thinking of you tomorrow!!!! (and praying)

Shelby

 

[grammynelliebelle]

Shelby, my bx was cancelled. Calcifications too faint for the radiologist to id with mamo. I have a MRI on tues. Good luck with your path reports. Grammy