Lymph Node Mapping Prior to Surgery?

They have to inject the dye and sometimes it takes a while to move into the lymph nodes. I know that mine were slow movers! And it took a while for it to happen so that I could go to surgery.

It does sting rather, so a good idea to put some EMLA (local anesthetic) cream on in a big dollop at least an hour prior to the procedure.

Don't rub it in, but use about a tablespoon of cream to completely cover the nipple and areolar area, cover that lightly with kitchen cling wrap, secured with tape.

I'm surprised they haven't advised you of this!

I had my mapping done the day before, if I remember correctly. It's all a bit of a blur now!

It took several sticks on me to get the dye in the right places where they were happy.  And I was not given Emla cream either.

When I had mine, it was the radioactive tracer that was injected prior to surgery and like Glennie, mine was slow moving. I had to massage it through and have a scan to see if the sentinel node had lit up. It took several goes at massaging and scanning before the tech ran out holding the film in his hand, high 5'd me, shouting, "We've got it!" The blue dye was injected after I was under the anesthetic and the node was found, I believe, by a hand held thing, like a geiger counter.

I know this procedure is done differently in other places, I am in Australia. The disparity between the amount of discomfort is debated here on the boards, all the time. For what it is worth. I had 4 injections, around the nipple, with no cream or anesthetic and I didn't feel a thing, To be honest, I was far more nervous about having this procedure done, than I was of the Mx, but for me, it was a non event.

I hope it is just the same for you! Let us know how you get on.