Healing from Breast Biopsy

Veeder14

It's only been 36 hours since I had the biopsy. I noticed I'm quite swollen and wondering how long that lasts. I'm using the small ice packs the hospital gave me. I'm not in a lot of pain like I thought I would be, which is good. However, if I wear a bra it presses on the area and starts hurting, so I'm just wearing a tight undershirt. I haven't seen any bruising but maybe that happens later. How long does it take to heal completely?

MelissaDallas

What kind of biopsy did you have? I would think the soreness from a core biopsy could take a couple of weeks to go away, but will probably feel much better within three to five. It also may depend on where on your breast it is and how much you ultimately end up bruising.

Veeder14

Thank you for responding. I had a core biopsy on the outside, left lower quadrant. I can deal with soreness, some of which I think was from the compression during the procedure.

gracem1

Hi Everyone, I've been having trouble trying to find where to post this question. I had a core needle biopsy done on Wednesday, I am currently living in the Dominican Republic where the health care is sadly lacking. I am looking for info on the procedure (to compare if it was done correctly and the after care, since I was only told not to exercise for 24 hours). The doctor that performed the biospy missed a few times (did this happen with anyone else??) and went in from the TOP of the breast (my friends that have had the procedure said that they always went in from the bottom-- my lump is on the bottom. There were no steristrips like i read and no ice pack was given. I now have a small hole in the breast. Will this scar? How accurate are the results? Also I read that you shouldn't immerse yourself in water for three days. I am dying to get into the ocean. Could someone tell me about their aftercare? I have no one to consult about this as I have no contact or even name of the "doctor" (?) technician (?) that did the procedure (Only my gyno who has not given me any info). I am no longer covered under Canadian health care and I'm concerned what to do.

Veeder14

Hi Gracem1,

It's ok to post this as a reply to my post. You can also start your own posts but I'm new here and can't really explain how I started the post. I'm not sure I can comment on whether the procedure was done correctly or not. My experience was that my breast was compressed from side to side with the paddles. My lump is on the left outer side, and the doctor went in with the needle on that side. As opposed to going all the way from the other side. If your lump was on the bottom it seems weird that they would go through from the top down. The doctor didn't mention hitting or missing the lump so I'm just assuming it was done correctly.

As far as aftercare, I was given small round ice packs to use the first two days. Steristrips were applied and I am supposed to leave them on for 4 days. Also, a compression bandage was put on that I had to leave on for 24 hours to help hold the incision closed. You can use really tight bandaids or buy steristrips at the store if your incision is still bleeding or looks like it's not healing due to a having a hole instead of skin stuck together. It seems like the doctor should have applied those before you left, to help the incision heal and also not bleed again. I was told not to do heavy exercise until 48 hours so the incision doesn't open up. Also, I have a bruise where the incision is, plus a lot of bruising on the opposite due either to the pressure from the paddles, or the awful hand pressure put on the incision right after I got off the table. That supposedly goes away with time.

I was told not to shower for 24 hours, then it was ok to remove the compression bandage, but not to soak in water. I'm dying to get in the hot tub to warm up but don't want to get an infection as gym hot tubs aren't that clean. I'm going to wait a week and then put on a tegaderm (plastic cover) to cover the incision when I soak in hot water, and use a hot tub that's not at a gym that is cleaner until the incision is healed. I would guess you could get in clean water/ocean but I wouldn't soak in it until the incision is healed. Just get in the ocean up to your waist to cool off. It must be summer there in D R. It's freezing here in as it's winter. You might have to go to an urgent care clinic or doctor to see if they want to stitch the incision closed. How big is the hole? Did the Gyn write the order for the biopsy? Was it at a hospital clinic or just an independent Gyn office. I would follow up and see a regular doctor somewhere it your Gyn won't help you. Also, my doctor will call me with results or the radiologist will.

BringOn2017

Hi gracem1 I had my biopsy last January and the biopsy was done from the top. I had 4 passes done. Steristrips were used to cover which I removed myself after 6 days. I wasnt advised to use icepacks but I was advised to use a sportsbra or tight bra for a few days to prevent haematoma formation , and also to avoid strenous activity including heavy lifting or pushing for at least a week. Particularly important to prevent haematoma formations as these can become infected. Good luck with your path results.

gracem1

Hi Everybody!

Thank for your responses. I only discoverred them now! Not sure if this site is difficult to navigate or if i am useless in that department. I have since been diagnosed with IDC I am trying to figure out how to post a question on treatment experiences. Sorry to highjack your thread Veeder . I wish you all good luck and hope you recieved more favorable results! Best wishes to all x

Veeder14

Hi gracem1

Go to Community and that lists all the main topics. Click on the topic you want and at the top there will be a maroon colored button to check on to start a new post, under the general topic you choose such as surgery, etc.,

Elijahgirl

I had my biopsy done three days ago, last night I had a lot of bloody discharge from my nipple. I have had bloody discharge from this nipple before but not to this degree. Is this normal or should I be concerned