Has anyone else had wires inserted before breast cancer surgery?

I had the wire placement before lumpectomy and again with a re-excision in 2022. I agree it was very painful. They offered me a Xanex prior to that procedure. The first time I declined it, but the 2nd time I took it but it really didn’t help much. I’ve heard that the wire method is archaic, though still used, but there are other methods available that are less painful for locating the tumor that use magnets or radar. If anyone is getting a lumpectomy in the near future it may be a good idea to ask your surgeon what methods are available for locating the tumor.

I am scheduled for lumpectomy next week with wire placement. I have read that they numb it first. Also having radioactive injection to locate sentinel node. This is not numbed and it is supposed to be excruciating. Now I am scared or maybe terrified.

Believe it or not I had wire replacement and magnetic seed before my lumpectomy. Two different surgeons, one replaced the other and had there preferences. I prefer the magnetic seed, less painful. Both procedures are markers for where to start and finish. If I have to do it again, magnetic seed is the way to go, praying I don't. God Bless and sending a hug your way!

I heard all kinds of scary things about the injection to find lymph nodes. I read it was four in the nipple and I was scared too. It turned out to be one by the nipple and it wasn’t even as bad as the ones for my biopsy. I was so relieved. Maybe the dr does more once you’re out, but then I didn’t care. Stay off Google. It will give you nightmares.😘

I had lumpectomy 2 weeks ago. They numbed it and all I felt was pressure similar to the biopsy. I then had nm radioactive injection. I was told it would numbed. It was to locate sentinel node. I balked and they had to call the surgeon out of surgery to pull me off of the ceiling. I consented but it was brutal. The gave me 2-3 injections right in the nipple. That all being said it’s all done and I see the surgeon this week to decide what treatments I am going to have. I think I have a serous so hope it does not delay anything.

Paige T I did not have wires but I did have the radioactive injection. I was given a script for a numbing cream. It helps. The injection is a very intense QUICK pain. Our minds can really take over so please try to put it out of your mind. You can tolerate anything that is so fast. Ask for a cream, I send all good thoughts your way😊🙏🏻

I was scheduled for nuclear medicine sentinel lymph node scan. It was not painful at all. I was given a cold numbing spray right before the injection which was at the tumor site not through the nipple. You can do this!

I have had the procedure twice. First time was horrible and totally unexpected. I screamed and moved. Refused the second time until I was certain my breast was numb. No pain.

I had the wires too and they numb you so I didn’t find it painful!! Maybe a little uncomfortable but nothing that you couldn’t tolerate

I had it done, right before I went into surgery. I thought the biopsy was worse. But surgery is over and staying postive, rolling with this whole thing. Be strong for yourself.

Ok. Again why are women put through so much pain. There are other ways besides wires. There is a Savi Scout marker that can be put in a couple weeks before. Much like a biopsy. Also the lymposeek/ dye should be injected in the OR after you are asleep then they prep/ wash your chest and proceed with surgery

Sometimes doctors and hospitals need to be pushed for change.

I had the wires and they numbed me first. Definitely ask for them to numb you if they can

My dear friend had it done and couldn’t believe the pain

You mean magnetic seed? Tiny slivers that you can barely see. Lanicane was used to numb the site.

That wire placement was painful, but it didn’t freak me out as much as watching that biopsy needle drilling into my breast! Bet your life that I looked away after a second, lol!! As for your daughter, I can tell you from my own coping mechanisms that she’s probably scared to death but her seeming nonchalance is a powerful coping mechanism that she’s adopted to deal with overwhelming news. I have had therapy to deal with it, if you have a trusted therapist, minister or family friend that can try to get her to open up, it might help.

I think your daughter is scared and in denial. Maybe some therapist whom she could trust.

I had the savy scout, it was a breeze. Your mind plays trucks on you. I had it twice, so far i sm a 2 time breast recoverer. Praise God, prayer is the key!

The Savy Scout is much like a biopsy but usually quicker because they see the breast biopsy markers and they are just injecting the tiny radio marker instead of taking several samples like a biopsy. They numb the area,clean it well ,visualize and the inject the tiny marker. They will use a skin marker to circle it. Keep that on. You can use a sharpie marker to keep it marked well. You may need ice after to the area. It doesn't hurt to take some Tylenol an hour before. Mine was sore for about a half hour but I already had bruising in that area.

Wire localization procedures are indeed commonly used before breast surgery to help surgeons precisely locate the area that needs to be removed, and many patients do report that this procedure can be quite uncomfortable. The support this community provides is invaluable during these challenging times, especially when family members may not fully understand what patients are going through. Wishing strength and healing during recovery and the upcoming treatments.