What to expect after CNB

KellyGreenMe

I’m wondering how I will feel after a core needle biopsy? I’m having mine on Monday but I also have a very impoetant meeting on Tuesday morning. Unfortunately today after an initial meeting, the whole project is getting turned on it’s head and I won’t be able to prepare prior to samples coming in on Monday.

So...work has no idea what she going on naturally, so I’m wondering, if I have my CNB on Monday morning, will I be able to go into work on Monday afternoon??? Or is that absolutely silly. Radiologist mentioned taking about to 5-6 samples...

Thoughts?

MelissaDallas

I probably could have go to work after mine, but I don't know how "on" I would have felt like acting. I also dribbled a little blood on my clothes when they did the "after" mammogram, plus you will likely be walking around with a cold pack in your bra. I got muscle spasm in my shoulder & neck during the procedure, so I felt a little shaky when I got off the table.

I stopped & bought groceries on the way home.

Egads007

Kelly, after all the build up, worry and then the actual procedure I was basically spent. I could have gone to work but I can't imagine how productive I would have been. Why not take day and get rested up so you'll be on point Tuesday?You could definitely work from home to prepare...in jammies lol!

Edited to say: if your facility is anything like mine you could also be delayed due to scheduling and end up there until 2 pm

Sandy71

I think if you need to go in to work you can. You will be numb for a few hours from the injection they give you for the procedure so pain not bad. As long as you don't have a physical job where you need to lift things or move around a lot you should be fine. Usually you are in a sports bra for a few days after so plan your wardrobe accordingly with a top that will cover it and look professional for work/presentation. I tended to bleed with my biopsies and they placed several layers of gauze on the biopsy area to put pressure on the site to control it.

I'm not sure but I think 5-6 samples is the number of times they insert the core needle to extract the tissue. I had about 20 and it was ok. Not pleasant but definitely doable. Hardest thing for me was lying still on the table in compression.

It would be nice to have the rest of the day to relax but work may be a good distraction also. Everyone's is different.

Good luck Monday morning and with the Tuesday meeting

Peacetoallcuzweneedit

I went and got my passport after mine. The second biopsy I knew what to expect and went home after....I think you could work, but I agree with the "being spent" comment. I remember sitting at the passport office starting to process what just happened and the impending outcome, and I almost had a minor meltdown. Luckily the passport agent called me after the hour plus wait and I was snapped "out of it" and finished the passport process and went home and just rested - and did go to work the next day.

Recap

I had 12 core samples taken from close to the surface-I believe deeper samples might have more kickback.

I am quite robust so I took a bus home after, stopped at the mall on the way, never experienced any pain other than the pain-in-the-ass showers the next 4 days.

If you do go to work the next morning (I did, again by bus, no issues) be sure to allow yourself extra time for showering and dressing and grooming.

Cupiecake

I had mine done on Tuesday and went out to lunch immediately after. You will need to ice the area on and off for several hours afterward, so that’s something to consider if you need to go into work. The following day should be no problem. Fingers crossed for you

AprilMay

While no one can say with certainty how you will feel, most women seem to have minimal pain. I was definitely sore right after (perhaps more from the compression to stop the bleeding than from the sampling) but I had forgotten to buy Tylenol prior to the day of my biopsy. Had to stop for some on the way home. It took care of all but a small amount of soreness.

I took it easy the day of and the day after, as I was instructed to not exercise my arm much or lift anything over 5 pounds for 48 hours. I also iced for 20 minutes ever 2-3 hours. If you can wear a sports bra, you could tuck your ice packs into it. I'd say that, unless your job involves a lot of arm movement, you should be fine. You just don't want to be moving your arm a lot as it can cause bleeding.

I had no additional bleeding that was enough to leak out of the compression dressing, which I was instructed to leave in place until I showered 24 hours later. If that concerns you, you could line your bra.

My mind rather than my breast would have kept me from working. The emotional strain took a big toll for me.Good luck and I hope it goes well!

KellyGreenMe

thanks so much for all the replies! I guess at the very least, I should plan on taking it easy that day and give myself extra time in the morning to get ready. And pick up dry shampoo and Tylenol.

Egads007

Hey Kelly, I’m assuming you had your CNB yesterday? If so, hope things went well! Let us know when you can

KellyGreenMe

thanks so much. Everything went great. The anxiety was the worst!

Egads007

So good to hear! I was a wreck going in, and thought they were going to use a drill bit on me lol. Wasn’t as bad as my mind conjured up. Hope your results are back quick, keep us posted!Gentle hugs!

KellyGreenMe

I was the same way... by bp was really high (for me) and my pulse was in the 90’s. 😝 When I laid on the table and they started adding the dressings, I slightly lost it and started tearing up. And then I apologized for having the emotional stability of a toddler. All is good now. The radiologist said that she expected it to come back benign.

Egads007

Well I’m going to 2nd the Rad’s opinion! I think the staff get the toddler reaction on a daily basis, so no worries. At my last diagnostic mammo I was so relieved I did the ugly cry. I felt like sending them a Hallmark apologizing for leaving mascara smudges on the equipment LOL! Youdon’t have much longer now...I’m preparing to celebrate...get the wine chilling!

KellyGreenMe

I agree. I’ve been feeling really positive and calm about the results. It’d definitely difficult to wait, but waiting for the biopsy was much more anxiety provoking for me. They must do pathology in house because, unlike others, I had to wait 3 week to get in for the biopsy, but results typically take 2 days...which is today.

gb2115

Egads..."toddler reaction"--I love it! That is so true!!

Egads007

gb2115 - LOL, sad thing is, I get like that at the dentist's office too. )))

Kelly - Fingers and toes crossed here!

KellyGreenMe

received my results today. Happy to report it is just a fibroadenoma. Follow up in six months. Woot! Woot!

I want to say thank you for all the love and support you all have shown me over the last few weeks. You all know how stressful it is to go through something like this, and you ladies have been truly amazing!

I wish you all the absolute best

EveryTime

I am glad to hear that!

Egads007

Kelly - WOOT WOOT & High 5...hope you’re out there being joyous!!