I need a biopsy.....

Needle Biopsy
Hi! I have had two needle biopsies. My last one was 1/31/11. Mine were done under ultrasound guidance. The ultrasound tech will find the lesion and then take a few pictures. The radiologist that will take samples will numb that area of your breast before inserting a small catheter to pull samples from. If you are having a "core" biopsy, each sample will be recorded by ultrasound to record exactly where the sample was removed from. I did not have any pain with the needle biopsy.

As for returning to work, I did not work that day. When I left, I was given a small ice pack to keep next to the biopsy site (a bandaid covered the incision site). That prevented any excess bleeding or swelling. The area did feel a little "achy" late in the evening, about 12 hours after I had the biopsy. You might want to ask if taking Tylenol is okay. I don't remember if I took Tylenol or not--it did not bother me that much.

Please let me know if I can answer anymore questions. I'd be happy to.

Bernadette

biopsy
My sterostatic biopsy where they took about 12 rice sized samples out of my breast was way less painful than a mamogram.

Katz77 said:

Im so sorry
You have alot on your plate. I had ultrasound guided. I knew mine was cancer before test. Im a surgical tech and have seen lots of tumors etc Mine was high 1200 position. It was small and then in 2months it grew to 5.3 cm.
Im praying that yours is benign. I know what it's like to be the "chosen" one to take care of everyone. Sorry about your mom. Cancer does suck. Very happy your bestie has your back. That is a comfort.
Praying for negative results. Keep us updated about your test and your moms health. We are always here. Hugs to you both, katz

I'll bet your Mother and
I'll bet your Mother and Sister are stronger than you think! I have one more chemo to go then start rads. I know if one of my daughters (I have 3) were going through this and didn't tell me, I'd be pissed! You just might find that you will bond in a special way if you decide to tell them. Not telling you what to do, just what my reactions would be!

As for the biopsy, mine was also done all in one day. Had the mammo, then more pics, then an ultrasound, then an ultrasoung-guided biopsy. All I felt was the local (like a bee sting) then nothing but pressure. Then I saw the surgeon who told me it was cancer. I felt like I had been hit with a truck!

It's hard being the "rock" of the family. It is also lonely. You support everyone, yet no one supports you! This seems unfair to me. I know you have your bestie, but if you can, my one suggestion would be to try to garner more support for yourself. Counseling, or a support group. Of course, our board is also a source of support.

Good Luck with your biopsy.

"May you be at Peace, May you be free of Suffering."
Dianne

The other gals have given
The other gals have given you great advice and described the biopsy procedures very well. I wanted to address your concerns about telling your mom. First, I wouldn't say anything until you have a diagnosis. No sense in both of you worrying right now. If, and I hope that it isn't, you do have breast cancer then you will need to tell her. Just after I was diagnosed I was sent to a breast cancer nurse who goes over everything in general with you. When I left her office and was getting on the elevator a young woman stopped me and asked me if I had breast cancer. I was taken aback but realized that she saw I was carrying pamphlets from my visit. i saw that she had them also. She asked if I had told my family and I said yes. She started to cry and said that she hadn't told her family yet and that her mom was going through treatment for breast cancer herself. She just didn't know what to aay and asked what I would do. I told her that I would sit down with my mom and tell her that I had learned so much from her strength and guidance in every thing in my life and especially now that she was going through treatment. Then I would gently tell her that I would be sharing her journey and that I would be able to use all that I had learned from her to fight my battle. I would tell her that I would fight it with every ounce of my being. Then I would hug her, hold her and tell her how very much I loved her. She gave me a big hug and said that was how she would tell her mom. Now this may not work for everyone but it is a suggestion. It's hard when you are the strong one, the one others lean on to ask for support. But reach out to friends, co-workers, family and ask for help if you need it. As far as the person you are dating leaving you if you are sick, if he does then he wouldn't be the person you would really want in your life. I hope that you do not have cancer and will keep you in my prayers. We have other ladies who are sharing this journey with their moms and maybe they have better ways to tell yours. My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer a few months before me. Since I have had other cancers it was not so difficult to tell her and she didn't worry about me because she had already seen me fight cancer before.
Good thoughts and gentle hugs to you and your mom.
Stef

Katz77 said:

Im so sorry
You have alot on your plate. I had ultrasound guided. I knew mine was cancer before test. Im a surgical tech and have seen lots of tumors etc Mine was high 1200 position. It was small and then in 2months it grew to 5.3 cm.
Im praying that yours is benign. I know what it's like to be the "chosen" one to take care of everyone. Sorry about your mom. Cancer does suck. Very happy your bestie has your back. That is a comfort.
Praying for negative results. Keep us updated about your test and your moms health. We are always here. Hugs to you both, katz

Praying that your test will
Praying that your test will be benign!


Hugs, Kylez

yv1214 said:

Thanks again...
For the suppport and advice you all have given me. I am also glad to have told my sister, she is actually flying in on thursday to be with my mom so I can have my procedure in peace. I have had the ultra sound and mri, and the biopsy is scheduled for Friday. I am a little nervous because of my family history, but I pray that it will all be ok. I will keep you all posted after the tests and then the wait to the results...God I hate waiting....:)

Good luck on Friday! I am
Good luck on Friday! I am sending you prayers!


Hugs, Megan

tclittlefoot said:

It will be ok
I was just recently diagnosed with breast cancer in my left breast. I did the same thing, mamogram, ultrasound on same day, then went back 4 days later for the core biopsy with ultra sound. It hurt just a little for me but they took 6 samples. The nurses were great at distracting me. Afterwards I had ice packs for 24 hours and was fine. I had an MRI the other day to see if there is anything in my right breast and how much the cancer in the left breast has spread and now they think there may be something in my right breast so now I have to have a biopsy on it next week. Waiting is the hardest part. But then I will know what type of surgery I will have, though I am pretty sure it will be double mastectomy. But you will get through and I am glad you told your sister. My family has been very supportive even though they live so far away. I will keep you in my prayers.

Wishing you good luck Friday
Wishing you good luck Friday also! Post an update when you can.


Kylez

aysemari said:

Yessy - You have ALL of us to lean on
Maybe we are just there for you virtually but you'll be surprise
what long way that can go.

I am keeping everything crossed for you and hoping for BENIGN.

Not to scare but my needle biopsy did hurt, they couldn't numb me
properly. But afterward, I was good to go, I drove myself home,
just some bruising. I took it easy the day after but then went about
my normal schedule, work out and all. We are all different and I am
sure they will tell you what you can and can not do.

I don't think you are throwing a pity party. You have very valid reasons
to be sad and concerned. As if watching a loved one go through this isn't
taxing enough, now you may be facing the same. And you are already
stressed from being around it. Give yourself a big pat on the should for
holding up like this.

Best of luck!!!

Hugs,
Ayse

Wishing you good luck
Wishing you good luck tomorrow!


Hugs, Lex