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fivekids
fivekids Member Posts: 39
edited June 2014 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)

had four rounds of AC, now going threw 12 rounds of taxol 2 more left, surgeon said tumor shrank to almost cant find it, surgery set for march 20th, with node involement, doing lumpectomy, surgeon said no need for mastectomy, march 20th just before surgery having a wire placement done can anyone tell me more about it. have a appointment with surgeon on the 26th. appointment was sent to me so could not ask about it.guess iam getting afraid again. have IDC grade 2b stage IIIA HER2;1+ 4CM nodes involment ER;I+ PR:O

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  • prayrv
    prayrv Member Posts: 941
    edited February 2009

    fivekids,

     I have not had that particular procedure, but I am sure someone will come along and give you some advice.

    Gentle Hugs,

    Trish

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  • jill323
    jill323 Member Posts: 412
    edited February 2009

    Fivekids -

    Hi !  Yes, I can tell you about the lumpectomy procedure, including the wire placement.

    Basically, here is what they will do.   They will likely get you all situated in your hospital gown and start an IV on you.  Then you and your IV stand will go to where a mammogram machine is.   From there, they will take a standard mammogram.

    They will then replace a part of the mammogram machine with a "grid" of sorts.   The part they replace is the part that smashes your breast down.     It is kind of like a map grid with numbers down the side and letters across the top (or vice versa).   There are "holes" in the grid.  

    They will then do the "smashing" part of the mammogram with this grid and have you stay in that position (I actually got to sit for this part).   Then, a radioligist will come in and numb a certain part of your breast with lidocaine.   The part they numb will correspond to a certain number on the grid where they will place the wire.   Once you are numb (it takes seconds), they will insert a wire into your breast through the grid.   From there, they will lift the mammogram machine back up very carefully over the wire.    You will be left with at wire sticking out of your breast.  They then put a cup of something over it and take you back to start the surgery.

    The wire placement is for the surgeon.  It basically tells the surgeon the general spot of the tumor and guides him/her to the correct spot to cut out.  

    Not exactly a pleasant procedure, but very necessary.  

    I hope that helps.  Keep the faith.  It is not as bad as it sounds !

    Take care and best of luck on your surgery.

     Jill

     P.S. Wonderful news on the tumor shrinkage !!!   And congrats on being almost done with chemo.

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  • Beach
    Beach Member Posts: 127
    edited February 2009

    Fivekids...

    First of all congrats on the tumor shrinkage!! 

    I just had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy last Wed and had to have a wire localization before surgery.  Mine was done a little differently than Jill's.  The radiologist used an ultrasound to guide the fine wire in, with no freezing prior.  It was uncomfortable, but bearable.....because my tumor was at the back of my breast, I was feeling it more, I think.  After the wire was taped down on my breast, they sent me for a mammogram which I wasn't expecting.  This wasn't very pleasant either, but again, bearable.  The day before, I had the nuclear dye injection for the sentinel node biopsy, and believe me after feeling that pain, the wire localization was quite tolerable.  None of this is pleasant, but all very necessary for a successful surgery. 

    Good thoughts and best wishes are being sent your way.....

    Beach 

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  • lissette80901
    lissette80901 Member Posts: 62
    edited May 2009

    Hi fivekids!  So good to see you are almost done with the chemo.  I'd love to hear more about your experience.  I am about to go to round 3 of AC and then 12 taxols.  It seems like so far off before my surgery.  Congrats!

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  • Diane48
    Diane48 Member Posts: 50
    edited August 2009

    I had the wire inserted the same way that Jill323 did, not too bad, they also gave me a vallum. The same day I had the dye injected, that was done before the wire. Then off to surg all one big wirl! I just completed my final A/C today and then I will be on to Taxol.

    The end is in site!

    Diane

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