Dye not reaching nodes?

tideknott

I was having my SNB on Wednesday, November 17th.  Because my tumor was on the inside of my breast my BS at Moffitt cancer center wanted to also check the lymp nodes near my collarbone.  I had a test called CT Lymphography prior to the SNB.  The technician after numerous tries with warm cloths, massage could not get the radioactive material to drain to the lymph.  My BS went ahead and took me to surgery and explained that he would use a dye and that would reach the sentinel node. Well it did not and the BS took 2 nodes which he believed could possibly be the sentinel nodes and they were negative.  Has anyone else had this happen.  I am going to a well respected cancer center and my BS is fabulous.  Said he has only had it happen 3 or 4 times.  He felt that the nodes he took was a good enough indication that I was clear.  I am having a BMX and reconstruction in a few months and will start anti-hormone drugs at my post op appt.  I have asked for a PET scan for reassurance and the BS has agreed.  Has anyone else ever had this happen?  Still worried.

Thanks

Beckie

badger

Edited to redact a post with personal information.

Beesie

Before my SNB my surgeon warned me that in a small percent of cases, the dye does not drain to a sentinel node.  Sometimes it doesn't drain at all; other times there is no sentinel node (i.e. a single node at the front of the pack that everything flows through).  So yes, it can happen. 

crazy4carrots

Beckie - I was in that small percentage Beesie speaks of. My surgeon said I was only the second of many patients for whom the dye did not drain to the sentinel node, so she removed the first four to be safe.   It happens....

tideknott

Thanks to all of you, you make me feel better.  I am probably being too cautious, but then can you be?, by wanting the PET.  I just need the reassurance.  My BS feels Ok with it and has ordered it.  I was so lucky that my cancer was small and the lymph he did remove were clear.  I have an amazing support group of friends and family and this great group.  I truely feel blessed.  Next step BMX TRAM.  I am already reparing myself for the misery, but it will be worth it.  My DH noticed my tummy showing under my shirt and said your boobs are showing!  He is so wonderful..I had to think about it a minute before I got it!

Hugs to all of you, this journey is so easier with all of you!

Beckie

tideknott

Sunflowers- thanks for that suggestion.  I will ask him about the Oncotype DX test.  I had forgotten about it.

Beckie