Needle Biopsy - Lung - info please

Julie2011
Julie2011 Member Posts: 58
I went to a oncology radiologist today and he is getting authorization from my insurance to do a needle biopsy on a nodule on my left lower lobe. I am so scared. He said they cannot put me to sleep because I will have to hold my breath for the procedure. They are going to go thru my back. Can anyone tell me if this is very painful. I am having panic attacks just thinking about it. I have a 11 mm nodule which was 7 mm in May 2009. SUV on PET Scan 0.7. The doctor said I was lucky that the nodule is in the bottom portion of my left lung which means it is not in an area to give a problem doing the needle biopsy(no msjor blood vessels etc). Please, I need your input
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Comments

  • lekkerone
    lekkerone Member Posts: 199 Member
    Needle biopsy
    I had a needle biopsy in Nov./11 I did not have node involvement but the cancer was in the lower left lobe (cancer not diagnosed until after surgery). You don't need to be put out for this. You just lie on your side while a scan is done...they take a put a needle in your back (which you never see) and are guided by the scan. They may do it more than once. You can for sure feel it but it is nothing you can't stand.
    Please don't worry about it as is not too bad at all.
  • Julie2011
    Julie2011 Member Posts: 58
    lekkerone said:

    Needle biopsy
    I had a needle biopsy in Nov./11 I did not have node involvement but the cancer was in the lower left lobe (cancer not diagnosed until after surgery). You don't need to be put out for this. You just lie on your side while a scan is done...they take a put a needle in your back (which you never see) and are guided by the scan. They may do it more than once. You can for sure feel it but it is nothing you can't stand.
    Please don't worry about it as is not too bad at all.

    Needle Biopsy
    I am still anxious about the procedure. I did not realize that they may poke me more than once. :( I am going to ask for something for my nerves before the procedure. How long before the biopsy results are available? There needs to be an easier way to check for cancer in the lung. Maybe someday there will be? Hugs, Julie
  • AlanRinHBG
    AlanRinHBG Member Posts: 121
    Julie2011 said:

    Needle Biopsy
    I am still anxious about the procedure. I did not realize that they may poke me more than once. :( I am going to ask for something for my nerves before the procedure. How long before the biopsy results are available? There needs to be an easier way to check for cancer in the lung. Maybe someday there will be? Hugs, Julie

    biopsy
    I feel like this is deja vu. Didn't you ask this before? Maybe it's me. Anyway, I've been through it 3 times. Twice through the back , once through bronchoscopy. I was "twilighted" for the back and anastesia for the other. No pain at all during procedures. Afterwards minor discomfort on back. Pretty easy overall. Pathology can take a week for certain tests or outside lab. Don't worry.
  • PBJ Austin
    PBJ Austin Member Posts: 347 Member

    biopsy
    I feel like this is deja vu. Didn't you ask this before? Maybe it's me. Anyway, I've been through it 3 times. Twice through the back , once through bronchoscopy. I was "twilighted" for the back and anastesia for the other. No pain at all during procedures. Afterwards minor discomfort on back. Pretty easy overall. Pathology can take a week for certain tests or outside lab. Don't worry.

    Hello Julie
    I was scared out of my mind when I was going in for the needle biopsy. I ended up having 3 biopsies, including the needle biopsy, the broncoscopy and the EBUS, then a PET scan. Your results will come in just a few days. The reason I had so much testing is they could not find cancer and they wanted to make very certain they weren't missing it before they told me with certainty it was NOT cancer.

    I can tell you the needle biopsy really isn't bad at all, the only bad part is thinking about it. They did give me something to calm my nerves and I felt no pain when the needle went in. I had about 5 sticks with the needle and I was so loopy I really didn't care. If you are already having panic attacks ask your doctor for Xanax or somthing else to help with anxiety. My husband and I both took Xanax before my first biopsy because we were so stressed out about the whole situation, not just the biopsy itself.

    I know this is very hard time for you and being scared is quite normal. But the test itself really isn't bad. I wish you the very best on your results, you and everyone on this board are in my thoughts and prayers.
  • deltafun
    deltafun Member Posts: 50

    Hello Julie
    I was scared out of my mind when I was going in for the needle biopsy. I ended up having 3 biopsies, including the needle biopsy, the broncoscopy and the EBUS, then a PET scan. Your results will come in just a few days. The reason I had so much testing is they could not find cancer and they wanted to make very certain they weren't missing it before they told me with certainty it was NOT cancer.

    I can tell you the needle biopsy really isn't bad at all, the only bad part is thinking about it. They did give me something to calm my nerves and I felt no pain when the needle went in. I had about 5 sticks with the needle and I was so loopy I really didn't care. If you are already having panic attacks ask your doctor for Xanax or somthing else to help with anxiety. My husband and I both took Xanax before my first biopsy because we were so stressed out about the whole situation, not just the biopsy itself.

    I know this is very hard time for you and being scared is quite normal. But the test itself really isn't bad. I wish you the very best on your results, you and everyone on this board are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Biopsy
    It really isn't that bad at all. They do give you some La La juice before hand and you will not feel any pain at all.

    Good luck and after it's all over you will see that you worried for nothing.
  • deltafun
    deltafun Member Posts: 50

    Hello Julie
    I was scared out of my mind when I was going in for the needle biopsy. I ended up having 3 biopsies, including the needle biopsy, the broncoscopy and the EBUS, then a PET scan. Your results will come in just a few days. The reason I had so much testing is they could not find cancer and they wanted to make very certain they weren't missing it before they told me with certainty it was NOT cancer.

    I can tell you the needle biopsy really isn't bad at all, the only bad part is thinking about it. They did give me something to calm my nerves and I felt no pain when the needle went in. I had about 5 sticks with the needle and I was so loopy I really didn't care. If you are already having panic attacks ask your doctor for Xanax or somthing else to help with anxiety. My husband and I both took Xanax before my first biopsy because we were so stressed out about the whole situation, not just the biopsy itself.

    I know this is very hard time for you and being scared is quite normal. But the test itself really isn't bad. I wish you the very best on your results, you and everyone on this board are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Biopsy
    It really isn't that bad at all. They do give you some La La juice before hand and you will not feel any pain at all.

    Good luck and after it's all over you will see that you worried for nothing.
  • lekkerone
    lekkerone Member Posts: 199 Member
    deltafun said:

    Biopsy
    It really isn't that bad at all. They do give you some La La juice before hand and you will not feel any pain at all.

    Good luck and after it's all over you will see that you worried for nothing.

    Needle biopsy
    Now I feel gyped. I wasn't given anything before my needle biopsy. I was half out of it for the two broncoscophies.
  • AlanRinHBG
    AlanRinHBG Member Posts: 121
    lekkerone said:

    Needle biopsy
    Now I feel gyped. I wasn't given anything before my needle biopsy. I was half out of it for the two broncoscophies.

    deja vu
    I knew I wasn't crazy. Well, maybe a little. I read your post on the other site. I hope all of us put your mind at ease. Again, you'll do great. Like I said, the pathology time varies the way it looks. That is the time you really need the Xanex. I hate the mystery.
  • Julie2011
    Julie2011 Member Posts: 58

    deja vu
    I knew I wasn't crazy. Well, maybe a little. I read your post on the other site. I hope all of us put your mind at ease. Again, you'll do great. Like I said, the pathology time varies the way it looks. That is the time you really need the Xanex. I hate the mystery.

    Ouch ! Needle Biopsy
    All of you have made me feel much less stressed about having the procedure done. I just want them to numb the area enough so that I do not feel the needle going in. I get a panic attack when I have to have a blood test. I got the authorization for the procedure - haven't called to set up a date & time yet. I have until September to have the procedure done and want to take my grandkids on vacation before I have it done.

    Oh I have another question: do I have to fast or anything else I need to do for the procedure? I was thinking I would go to work that day and have the procedure done in the afternoon??? I wonder if they will let me do that.

    Well, I am a bit scared;;; probably scared of the unknown. Have a great day and thanks again. Julie
  • deltafun
    deltafun Member Posts: 50
    Julie2011 said:

    Ouch ! Needle Biopsy
    All of you have made me feel much less stressed about having the procedure done. I just want them to numb the area enough so that I do not feel the needle going in. I get a panic attack when I have to have a blood test. I got the authorization for the procedure - haven't called to set up a date & time yet. I have until September to have the procedure done and want to take my grandkids on vacation before I have it done.

    Oh I have another question: do I have to fast or anything else I need to do for the procedure? I was thinking I would go to work that day and have the procedure done in the afternoon??? I wonder if they will let me do that.

    Well, I am a bit scared;;; probably scared of the unknown. Have a great day and thanks again. Julie

    Biopsy
    Hi, don't think I would wait until Sept to have the Biospy done. The sooner they find out what type of cancer you have the sooner they can start your treatments. As far as your qiestion anbout fasting. Yes, you will have to fast for 8 hr I think maybe more just can't remember but I do no I couldn't have anything to drink or eat before the biospy was done.
  • lekkerone
    lekkerone Member Posts: 199 Member
    Needle biopsy
    I agree that you shouldn't wait. These tests need to be done as quickly as
    possible so that your type cancer can be determined and a treatment plan put in place. Putting it off well only make things worse.
    No you don't have to fast before the needle biopsy. Now get cracking and make that appointment and it will be over before you need it.
  • lekkerone
    lekkerone Member Posts: 199 Member
    lekkerone said:

    Needle biopsy
    I agree that you shouldn't wait. These tests need to be done as quickly as
    possible so that your type cancer can be determined and a treatment plan put in place. Putting it off well only make things worse.
    No you don't have to fast before the needle biopsy. Now get cracking and make that appointment and it will be over before you need it.

    Sorry
    Delta and I disagree about the fasting. Maybe I have forgotten as I had so many tests so quickly. In any case, they will tell you. Good luck.
  • mamacita5
    mamacita5 Member Posts: 254 Member
    lekkerone said:

    Sorry
    Delta and I disagree about the fasting. Maybe I have forgotten as I had so many tests so quickly. In any case, they will tell you. Good luck.

    My tumor was in my lower
    My tumor was in my lower left lung as well. I was given something to relax me before the procedure, and truthfully was more worried about my arm being positioned above my head for the procedure. I had some shoulder stiffness and it was a painful position for my arm. To tell you the truth I felt some pressure with each poke but no pain. We stopped for hamburgers on the way home, and I was just fine the next day.
  • deltafun
    deltafun Member Posts: 50
    deltafun said:

    Biopsy
    Hi, don't think I would wait until Sept to have the Biospy done. The sooner they find out what type of cancer you have the sooner they can start your treatments. As far as your qiestion anbout fasting. Yes, you will have to fast for 8 hr I think maybe more just can't remember but I do no I couldn't have anything to drink or eat before the biospy was done.

    Biopsy
    WOW now I know what they are talking about when they say chemo brain.I just looked at my last post. Sorry about the poor spelling.
  • PBJ Austin
    PBJ Austin Member Posts: 347 Member
    mamacita5 said:

    My tumor was in my lower
    My tumor was in my lower left lung as well. I was given something to relax me before the procedure, and truthfully was more worried about my arm being positioned above my head for the procedure. I had some shoulder stiffness and it was a painful position for my arm. To tell you the truth I felt some pressure with each poke but no pain. We stopped for hamburgers on the way home, and I was just fine the next day.

    Please do not wait!!
    There is no good reason to wait for this test, it is imperative you do it ASAP and get into whatever treatment is necessary. Cancer (assuming you have that) does not get better with time and early detection is crucial to your recovery. I understand you want to take the grandkids on vacation but that will have to wait, do not put your health at risk for a vacation!! I am begging you not to put this off another day.

    You DO need to fast before the procedure. After the procedure they kept me in the hospital a few hours to make sure my lung didn't collapse. A collapse after biopsy is rare but as a precaution they might do the same for you. So as far as work goes, just do the biopsy in the morning and take the day off.

    Once again, I wish you the best for your results.
  • grannylove
    grannylove Member Posts: 183
    Julie Julie Julie
    I agree with PBJAustin, you need to take care of this first and foremost. I had a needle biopsy in April of this year. The position of the tumor (2.0 cm) was in the right upper lobe and could only be accessed thru my side. I did not feel the needle enter only alittle pressure which did not hurt. I also had a collapsed lung and had to stay overnight but after that, no problem afterwards. Please have this taken care of asap. Sometimes just a week can make all the difference when it comes to cancer. Nothing to mess around with. Early detection and early treatment makes this a treatable cancer now and not a death sentence. You can take the grandbabies on vacation afterwards and think of how many other vacations you will be able them on just by getting this procedure done. I would panic by NOT having it done asap. The waiting is the worse! Believe me. God bless
    Cheryl
  • deltafun
    deltafun Member Posts: 50

    Julie Julie Julie
    I agree with PBJAustin, you need to take care of this first and foremost. I had a needle biopsy in April of this year. The position of the tumor (2.0 cm) was in the right upper lobe and could only be accessed thru my side. I did not feel the needle enter only alittle pressure which did not hurt. I also had a collapsed lung and had to stay overnight but after that, no problem afterwards. Please have this taken care of asap. Sometimes just a week can make all the difference when it comes to cancer. Nothing to mess around with. Early detection and early treatment makes this a treatable cancer now and not a death sentence. You can take the grandbabies on vacation afterwards and think of how many other vacations you will be able them on just by getting this procedure done. I would panic by NOT having it done asap. The waiting is the worse! Believe me. God bless
    Cheryl

    Fasting
    WOW, I guess I am the only one here that was told to fast LOL. I guess each hosptial is different.
  • mamacita5
    mamacita5 Member Posts: 254 Member
    deltafun said:

    Fasting
    WOW, I guess I am the only one here that was told to fast LOL. I guess each hosptial is different.

    I fasted too. I think this
    I fasted too. I think this is in case there is a lung collapse.
  • PBJ Austin
    PBJ Austin Member Posts: 347 Member
    deltafun said:

    Fasting
    WOW, I guess I am the only one here that was told to fast LOL. I guess each hosptial is different.

    One more appeal Julie
    First off:
    Deltafun, In re-reading these posts I think everyone fasted except Lekkerone.

    Julie, I cannot stop thinking about your post and your belief this can wait until September. OMG Julie, of all things in this world you could procrastinate, one of the most dangerous things you can possibly put off is cancer testing. Waiting could cost you a lot more time in chemo/radiation. Waiting could cause you to move into a more advanced stage of cancer where there is less hope for recovery. Not to mention more money and more time missed from work. Is the vacation really worth such a huge risk??

    When they found the mass in my lung I wanted to be tested yesterday. They found it on a Saturday and I begged them to test it that day but of course it wasn't done on weekends. I called first thing Monday morning and I was heartbroken when they said the soonest they could see me was Thursday. It was the longest and most horrible week of my life, waiting for that test. I simply cannot imagine putting it off for 2 months, that just blows my mind as to how anyone could consider wasting such valuable time that could be used to treat your illness and possibly to save your life.

    I do not wish to sound harsh, please understand that I am speaking with kindness and deep concern. Although I do not know you, I do feel a deep affinity with you and everyone who has an abnormal growth in the lung. I am happy to take time out of my day to post to this board as I feel a calling to help others with questions and concerns about testing. I really want to help you and the best way I can help you right now is to light a fire under you to get tested PRONTO.

    Please call today and make an appointment as soon as they can get you in. The road to healing can be very long, please do not make it any longer by choosing a vacation over your health.

    We're all here for you and we DO care. We want so much for you to be well. Please take our advice and make the right decision.

    God bless you and I pray for good and speedy results.
  • stayingcalm
    stayingcalm Member Posts: 650 Member

    One more appeal Julie
    First off:
    Deltafun, In re-reading these posts I think everyone fasted except Lekkerone.

    Julie, I cannot stop thinking about your post and your belief this can wait until September. OMG Julie, of all things in this world you could procrastinate, one of the most dangerous things you can possibly put off is cancer testing. Waiting could cost you a lot more time in chemo/radiation. Waiting could cause you to move into a more advanced stage of cancer where there is less hope for recovery. Not to mention more money and more time missed from work. Is the vacation really worth such a huge risk??

    When they found the mass in my lung I wanted to be tested yesterday. They found it on a Saturday and I begged them to test it that day but of course it wasn't done on weekends. I called first thing Monday morning and I was heartbroken when they said the soonest they could see me was Thursday. It was the longest and most horrible week of my life, waiting for that test. I simply cannot imagine putting it off for 2 months, that just blows my mind as to how anyone could consider wasting such valuable time that could be used to treat your illness and possibly to save your life.

    I do not wish to sound harsh, please understand that I am speaking with kindness and deep concern. Although I do not know you, I do feel a deep affinity with you and everyone who has an abnormal growth in the lung. I am happy to take time out of my day to post to this board as I feel a calling to help others with questions and concerns about testing. I really want to help you and the best way I can help you right now is to light a fire under you to get tested PRONTO.

    Please call today and make an appointment as soon as they can get you in. The road to healing can be very long, please do not make it any longer by choosing a vacation over your health.

    We're all here for you and we DO care. We want so much for you to be well. Please take our advice and make the right decision.

    God bless you and I pray for good and speedy results.

    I think we all just need to let this lady
    Make up her own mind - at midnight she is still wavering on Inspire and apparently hasn't taken any of our CSN appeals to heart. It disturbs me to see someone allow a fear of needles to take control of their life that way.

    Julie, just tell the doctor you want to be OUT for the procedure - he works for you, not you for him.

    You will do fine!