Lymph Node Dissection Or Biopsy

The range of reported lymphedema in patient who undergo pelvic lymph node dissection is between 5-30%. However, it is important to note that the range varies widely based on several factors such as the tools to measure lymphedema or the medical comorbidities of the patient such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. The range of reported lymphedema in patient who undergo pelvic lymph node dissection is between 5-30%. However, it is important to note that the range varies widely based on several factors such as the tools to measure lymphedema or the medical comorbidities of the patient such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.

I think preparing depends upon the patient. Some of us prefer to be ignorant and nervous while others (ME) have to know every gory detail so I can be informed and nervous. For me, preparation was knowing what I could expect. My "lumpectomy" was actual a "surgical biopsy" and my lymph node biopsy was done in a separate procedure. I WISH I would have know the medical staff was going to refer to the "biopsy" as a lumpectomy. That freaked me out a bit. In fact, when I took my sister for the same type of biopsy, before she went off with anyone, I told her, "You are probably going to hear the word lumpectomy, just don't freak." She did and afterwards she thanked me for the heads up. The rest of it.... happy to share the "gory details" but not unless someone wants them. I'm a big believer in ..... we are all different and some of us prefer to have more of an overview than a play by play.... :)

AnneMarie Actually, surgery was the easiest part of my entire treatment! The lumpectomy was done as an outpatient and I had very minimal pain. I knew I wanted to "get the cancer out" of my body, so I was ready and willing to do the surgery. The biopsy was a little different as I had no idea what to expect and that was a little scary. I think I went into "get it done" mode and squashed my emotions about the whole thing until much later!