Savi Scout

macdebbie

My surgery has just been scheduled - 9/14 - so many questions, and now I'm nervous and it's more real.

I've opted for Savi Scout vs wire-guided lumpectomy.

Does anyone know if I need to contact my insurance since they might consider this an "upgrade" and won't pay for it?

My SO told me she doesn't use the blue dye, just the tracer for the sentinel node biopsy. Is that normal? I've read the tracer injection really hurts but she advised me not to take the anesthetic as that hurts worse.

She's giving me the option if need be to take out any axillary nodes while I am under rather than coming back and having to have a 2nd surgery. Is that reasonable?

I don't know all the questions to ask. The surgery will be outpatient.

Has anyone had non-opioid pain meds administered during the surgery vs opioids? I'm not crazy about the thought of opioids being given.

Is there anything I should purchase in advance - special pillows, etc? She said I don't really need a special bra.

I haven't had my pre-op appt yet, so maybe a lot of this will be covered then.

Thanks all! You've been a sanity saver so far.

MarvieS

Hi macdebbie,

I will be having two Savi Scouts placed on 9/2, the day before my lumpectomy. They said the one for the breast will be mammo guided and the one for the lymph node ultrasound guided but I don't know how that works.

I asked if it is painful and they said no, similar to the biopsy they will use numbing cream. They did not give me an option for wire guided and they also did not give an option to come back for a second surgery for axillary nodes. I had to sign that I consent having it done during the lumpectomy if needed.

They said no special prep is needed just to not use any deodorant or lotion. I'm sure your surgeon will give you more detail during your pre-op appointment.

I bought one of those seatbelt pillows in case driving hurts a couple days after surgery but a normal pillow probably will work just as well.

Esther01

Hi MacDebbie and Marvie,

I think you're both fortunate to be getting Savi Scouts only. It's a great technology and I didn't find it painful. They do use numbing cream. It's also NOT using radioactive material, which I liked.

I had one Savi Scout and one wire-guided, because my tumor was too close to the lymph node involvement so they couldn't have two Savi scouts sitting that close to each other.

I had the Savi Scout done a few days prior to surgery, and the wire placed on the morning of surgery.

Speaking of numbing cream, if they tell you to come in for "lymphatic mapping," ask for a prescription for EMLA cream. You apply it to your breast (especially the nipple area and surrounding) 1-1.5 hours before the appointment, then cover with saran wrap. I barely felt a thing thanks to the numbing cream my doctor prescribed. Some women who get it without numbing cream say it just felt like a bee sting.

Blessings,

Esther

kksmom3

For me, the Savi Scout was just like a biopsy, only I was sitting up. They numb you first. Wasn't bad at all. My surgeon also doesn't use the blue dye. Radiology dr injected my nipple with something clear. I was really nervous for that, but she said it had lidocaine in it, and really, I didn't feel it. Really. It's good that your surgeon is using the latest technology. I know these procedures are awful. I hope this eases your mind a little.

macdebbie

I'm nervous about the tracer injection. Years ago I had a small eye growth removed they thought was cancer (it was not) and I told the surgeon I could not have Epi due to a dangerous contraindication with the beta blocker I take. He was very dismissive and long story short, I think what he gave me had Epi in it because I ended up in the ER within the hour in tachycardia.

When I got my records to check, I showed it to a pharmacist, who said that yes, what he gave you had Epi in it (it was Marcaine). When I called him to inquire he swore up and down he didn't give me Epi, and I told him I had the chart and confirmed that what was listed was Marcaine with Epi in it. He then told me that my chart "must have gotten mixed up with someone else's".

So long story short, I can't have Marcaine or Lidocaine, which has made my life miserable, because that's what 99% of everyone uses for numbing agent. My breast surgeon said to just have the tracer shot with no numbing as the numbing can be as painful as the shot itself. I just hope it's not horrifically painful. I'll already be a nervous wreck.

Harley07

@macdebbie - your concern about the upcoming surgery is normal and understandable. When I had the radioactive tracer injection last year, I asked the radiologist for a numbing shot first and he gave the same response as your BS and advised they don't give numbing shots. The injection stung for maybe 2 seconds so it was not as bad as I feared. Given your reaction to Epi, I would certainly make sure that everyone involved in your care is well aware that you cannot tolerate Epi.

Best wishes this week and keep us posted.

macdebbie

Harley07. Thank you! That makes me feel better. Yes, I intend to type up sheets with my meds and contraindications just in case. Some drs are just way too cavalier and careless with people's lives.

I'm more worried about the medications they give me and possible reactions than I am the surgery itself! How bad is that.