Question Regarding Stereotactic Breast Biopsy

Ladylacy

After having my mammogram last July I was called back in August for a diagnostic mammo on my right breast.  There were some microcalcifications and it was recommended to follow up in 6 months, which I just did.  The report stated probably benign so I decided to see a breast surgeon for a second opinion, mainly because my sister is a triple negative breast cancer survivor and I just lost my husband to cancer.

She wasn't too concerned about the microcalcifications but saw a nodule that was on a 2011 mammogram that had started changing (and couldn't understand why this wasn't mentioned in the report) and recommended doing a stereotactic breast biopsy.  She explained how this was done and said I needed to have a driver.  My question is why a driver since you are not sedated.  She did tell me to take something for my nerves about 2 hours beforehand, which I am already on with no side effects.

Thanks for any help.  Sharon

aisling8

Drove myself

Hi Sharon,

I had a stereotactic biopsy almost a year ago. I opted to decline whatever they were offering for nerves and I drove myself with no problems.

Hoping for a good outcome for you.

xo

Victoria

joannstar

I've had 2

The first time I didn't take anything and I could have driven myself home. I had micro-calcifications (ended up TNBC, Stage 1, grade 3, no nodes).

The second time I took oxy--which made me sick--not a good idea, valium would have been better. I did not drive myself that day (this one was 1 year after my lumpectomy/chemo/rads and I was very nervous since I knew what to expect).

I would recommend either valium or at least advil (I take advil before mamos to reduce any discomfort).

Good luck.

JoAnn 

TraciInLA

joannstar said:

I've had 2

The first time I didn't take anything and I could have driven myself home. I had micro-calcifications (ended up TNBC, Stage 1, grade 3, no nodes).

The second time I took oxy--which made me sick--not a good idea, valium would have been better. I did not drive myself that day (this one was 1 year after my lumpectomy/chemo/rads and I was very nervous since I knew what to expect).

I would recommend either valium or at least advil (I take advil before mamos to reduce any discomfort).

Good luck.

JoAnn 

Everyone is different, but bleeding can be a minor problem

I think we're all different as far as how we prefer to handle procedures, and it's so important to know and respect our own feelings.

I've had 1 stereotactic breast biopsy, before my diagnosis in 2009.  In general, I have a lot of anxiety about procedures, so was very glad I took a Xanax beforehand.  

While they offered and gave me so much lidocaine I was numb up to my eyeballs and didn't feel any pain, and the radiology team was so caring and encouraging throughout, it's still just a strange, strange procedure: Here, lay face down on this table 6 feet in the air and stick your boob through this hole while we poke needles into it!

I did have someone to drive me home.  I was glad I did, because, once I started moving around at home, I did have some problems with bleeding through the bandage and my bra.  It stopped pretty quickly, and I never had to call the doctor's office, but it frightened me at first, and I was glad it didn't happen while I was driving home.  

Hope that helps?

Traci

RozHopkins

Several years before the

Several years before the cancer appeared I had one of these apparently the area of concern was very deep.  Had a regular mammograms and immediately afterwatds said there was something they wanted to check out, how about doing it now..........  At least I didn't have time to think!!!!!  But when done and started to leave the building, nearly fainted.  I think it was due to the fact I had no clue what really they were going to do, it took a while and though not painful could feel them moving about inside which made he feel sickly as I am a big baby.  I drove myself not knowing it was going to be done in the first place.