Donna describes how it was for her to undergo the sentinel node biopsy.
Written testimony
The first time I had surgery to remove the lump in my breast they also did a sentinel node removal. I am sure you are aware that you have to go to nuclear medicine and have a wire inserted and isotopes injected so that they can identify the sentinel node and remove it. My nodes came back clear; which was a relief. I had to have a second surgery however, to get clear margins. They had not taken enough tissue out the first time.
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- Alternative and complementary therapies – Donna (2)Donna initially wanted to use only natural and alternative treatments; her family convinced her to include the medical treatments.
- Alternative and complementary therapies – DonnaDonna's health care team said 'no' to all complementary treatments
- Endocrine (hormone) therapy – DonnaJoint and muscle pain can have multiple causes and it is difficult for Donna to connect with her health professionals to discuss the side-effects.
- Radiation therapy – DonnaDonna experimented with various homemade skin products and other forms of alternative therapies.
- Chemotherapy – DonnaDonna found some situations so absurd that she learned to just have a good belly laugh about them.
- Surgery -DonnaDonna describes how it was for her to undergo the sentinel node biopsy.
- How it affects family and friends – DonnaDonna describes how the illness has led to deeper personal relationships and changed her appreciation of friendships.
- Positive effects on self – DonnaDonna described herself as having a stoic personality, never complaining and always looking after herself. She explains how being more open about her needs led to a deepening of important relationships in her life.
- Coping strategies – DonnaDonna shared a story about an incident that could have been embarrassing but she chose to see as funny.
- Understanding the diagnosis – DonnaDonna had a healthy lifestyle but realized that because the causes of breast cancer are unknown, she wasn't different from anybody else.