Radioactive seeds increase surgical accuracy for breast cancer patients

Breast cancer tumours too small to feel are difficult for surgeons to find during surgery. For years, an uncomfortable wire (known as a harpoon) was inserted into a woman’s breast to pinpoint the tumour. Today, a tiny radioactive seed is implanted instead, making it easier for surgeons to find and fully remove the cancer, and more comfortable for patients An MRI of a breast showing the previous standard of care with the wire sticking out.
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[@sondradarlington1558]

I went up Wednesday morning (Northside Gwinnett Hospital in Atlanta) to have the wire put in; but was told, after I got there, they would be injecting the radioactive seed instead. Boy, was I relieved! Surgery to remove an intraductal pappiloma was faster, more accurate and was done with a more hidden paraureolar incision instead of cutting by a wire which would have left a noticeable scar. Ain't modern medicine great?!

[@dilyanavasileva3800]

Brilliant video, helpful for understanding as patient what it's like

[@lucysmithers357]

I am having this done on Wednesday the 14th. Im nervous but hopeful all will go well

[@conniejohnsoncj8724]

I just had this done about an hour ago! It was pain free! The freezing needle was a 5 second sting that I just breathed through! Hope this helps you with any anxiety!

[@valprity715]

​@conniejohnsoncj8724 Thank you for your comment! I am getting this done in 2 weeks, so your comment made me feel better.

[@mrsmdub259]

@@conniejohnsoncj8724 thank you, I will be having this done in about 2 weeks and a partial mastectomy in August. I’m trying to not be nervous. Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@conniejohnsoncj8724]

@@valprity715 my suggestion is to relax and know that if it does sting a bit for you; it will be short lived! I sat in fear for a few weeks prior and when it was done I wished I hadn’t caused so much anxiety for myself. I did the same thing for the procedure to have dye injected so they could determine lymph node involvement as well as the radiation and all were minimal discomfort and I am cancer free and 1.5 years post treatment. Same with the pills; I’m on them for 5 years and again, minor side effects that are manageable!

[@Satriana717]

so if this seed should be inserted up to 5 days before surgery, why is mine inserted 8 days before surgery? Ontario, Canada

[@princessash032587]

They did this to me

[@user-agreement-disengaged]

How has your recovery been?? I'm in the waiting room right now waiting on my mom to have her seed put in & then her lumpectomy will be tomorrow. This has been the hardest thing I've ever had to deal with mentally. I second guess & overthink everything so this has made me feel like I'm losing my mind on a level that I've never experienced before. I know we don't know each other but I truly hope you're doing well. This whole situation has opened my eyes to how precious our time really is. Wishing you the best.

[@princessash032587]

@@user-agreement-disengaged not bad at all couldn’t feel it it ended up being a Fibroadenoma pressing on my blood vessels causing me to bleed and swell my lumpectomy still hurts 2 years post op but I was told it was my scar tissue yeah it’s definitely scary