Questions on "wire insertion" prior to Lumpectomy

have to confess that my 3 lumpies were pain free and no big deal.  Never took the pain meds that were sent home with me.  Not sure what you mean by wire insertion, they knocked me out, I woke up when it was over

the biopsies were less fun, the boob hanging down the hole is not a delight~~but if you think you will need Xanax, then ask for it and I am sure they will give it to you

Hi MoJim,

I don't know if my experience was typical, but I had no issues with the wire insertion at all (it was at VGH in September). The scan that morning was a bit uncomfortable (had to lie with my arm up over my head and my arms fell asleep), and the mammogram after the wire was not the most pleasant one that I've had, but it was all ok. I had pain for a number of days after surgery, but it calmed down in about a week. The swelling and discomfort lingered for about three weeks.

Hopefully yours goes smoothly as well.

Hi Maureen,

This is a great site for learning about others' experiences. I am glad you found it and sorry for the reason that you are looking.

I have neck and back issues as well - I understand your concern. My wire insertion was done while I was seated (upright) with limited twisting. The compression was more memorable. I mentioned my concerns about my neck to the technicians and they were considerate. It did not seem difficult in that way. However, equipment and tumor location will affect that. I would definitely let speak with the technician. I had the insertion/surgery twice, and both times it was fairly uncomfortable when they inserted the wire. I did mention to my husband that I felt that if they had waited for the local anesthesia to take effect, it would probably have been much easier! Overall, it was not too bad, though. I focused on staying in my happy place, the beach. That helped a lot.

Waiting for surgery is tough. Once it is complete, you can move on to treatment. I wish you a smooth surgery and good results.

Hi MoJim,

I had wires inserted for my lumpectomy -- one done twice because the technician moved it my mistake (most people only have one inserted -- I had more because I had multiple areas of BC).  I had freezing, the same as for the biopsies, so after that I felt some pressure, but no pain.  The radiologist was great about ensuring that I wasn't feeling any pain. 

I had the radioactive dye inserted twice as well -- mine was for sentinel node biopsy location.  It sounds like yours is more for locating the DCIS.  In any case, that stung for a couple of seconds -- the second time I had it done more than the first, but for me it was not a big deal.  I had to wait for 30 minutes or so after the injection and before I was scanned, and I remember I read a book while I waited the first time.

I'm not suggesting that I'd want to do either again, but to me it they were both like a lot of the medical tests I've been through -- a little bit of pain and then it was over.  I definitely didn't have any lingering pain with either procedure.

If you are worried, I would check about taking Xanax or something else before -- certainly can't hurt!

Good luck with surgery

Oh and it might take 3 hrs only because they make you wait in the waiting room. It only took them about 15 min to do mine and I had the same thing. They need you totally alert for this only because you might need to stand for the mammogram. Get the drugs right after  

Mojim I had this done and it was not painful and was over very quickly. I was in nuclear medicine maybe 40 minutes and had no pain, no anxiety (I did have a Xanax) but felt fine, was very present and thought it was just strange to sit there with your breast all wired up etc. but it was not a big deal for me. Surgery went very well and I was out walking two days later. Maybe a small dose of Xanax will help take the edge off. Honestly, for me it was totally okay.

Good luck!!!

I remember some pinching with the numbing medication, but after that it wasn't painful, just a lot of pulling and tugging pressure sensations. It was hard on my neck and back, to be sitting so long (an hour) in one position with my head turned so far to one side.

Anne

I just wanted to say that I did not take anything before the wire insertion because I did not want to mess up any drugs they were going to give me during surgery. I realize it could be traumatic for some people so I am only telling my story as another experience. For me, I went into my surgeons office, had the wires inserted, and then drove to my office to work for a couple hours while I waited until my surgery (wire insertion at 7:00AM, surgery at 12 noon, checkin for surgery at 10:30AM). They taped the wires to my chest good and tight, and I did not really even notice them. I had a very traumatic first biopsy, I had a second vacumn biopsy, and for that one I did take valium (it made it much better).

I wish you the best of luck.

Hi MoJim,

I had my needle localization in September and it was a non-issue. I worked myself up for days, but it was wasted drama and energy. It was over before I knew it. You'll be just fine.

MoJim, wishing you a quick recovery from your fall! I just want you to know, when I took the Ativan all my fears and uneasiness disappeared. I also don't watch blood draws and especially not needles in my nipple, but my husband was with me and was flinching-I didn't care at all! Now that I have experienced how much easier it was with Ativan, if I am ever up against a stressful procedure (I was a suck for the core biopsy as well) I will request it. It's nice to know that I don't have to be a hero and that there are meds to help if needed. As far as head positioning, the way it was done for me was I was seated for nipple injection and voluntarily turned my head and then the normal head turning during the mammograms.