18 Yr. old Daughter needs 3 Core Needle Biopsies?

Sanddollar7

Hello, I am brand new to this community and so grateful for finding it. My sister has fought breast cancer and I have had numerous fibroadenomas. Now my stressed-out college daughter has had 3 masses ultrasounded and now needs 3 core needle biopsies. I have had one before. They are not horrible but not pleasant either. My heart is breaking that she has to endure 3! They will not give her anything else besides the local. How can you get laughing gas when you visit the dentist, but there is nothing we can give to people in this extreme situation? Has anyone else had multiple biopsies in one visit? I am wondering if she should just get them surgically removed so she doesn't have to endure all the biopsies. Also, best case scenario, even if they turn out benign, she still has 3 breast lumps to now follow up with/watch. I'm just struggling since this is my child. I feel like I have enough biopsy history where she should get a pass. . Thanks in advance for any help/ insight you can provide

evily

I'm so sorry your daughter is experiencing this so young! I am not that young, but I am 40 (relatively young for BC), and I have had 8 core needle biopsies, with as many as 3 in one visit. I may be odd, but I don't find them to be so terrible. I mean, the first one was terrifying because I had never had one before, but after that one, I knew what to expect, and my doctor was very good about making sure I didn't feel any pain beyond the initial numbing injection. I definitely understand your concern for your daughter having to go through something so potentially traumatic at such a young age, but local anesthetic is much safer than general, and the procedure itself is just too quick to justify general anesthesia. Plus, it's nice not feeling loopy and doped up for an entire day. Yes the biopsies are kind of scary, but surgical mass excision (I've had that too) is far scarier and riskier, with a much lengthier recovery. I wouldn't advise pursuing that unless they actually find something concerning in the biopsy. Hopefully you have a good doctor who is well experienced with biopsy techniques and will make sure pain is minimal. Like I said, I felt no pain after the initial burn of the lidocaine injection. Just pressure. Plus, I always had a nurse holding my hand and talking with me to help distract me from what was going on, which helped immensely. Make sure that will be provided to your daughter as well. (((hugs))) to you and your daughter during this emotional time. I'm sure she will be just fine! :-)

Sanddollar7

Evily, thank you so much. Your words and sharing were so comforting. I’m sorry for what you have had to go through too. You made so many great points and I appreciate your kindness. Tomorrow she will have it done. After reading your post, I called and confirmed that someone would be there by her side and they assured me there would be. That means a lot. ((Hugs)) back to you. Thank you again

Cowgirl13

Sanddollar7, does your daughter live close to you? If so, perhaps she could take a valium or atavan or one of those drugs before she goes to her biopsy. I had a core needle biopsy and it was very easy. Good luck and keep us posted.

WC3

I didn't have any pain during my biopsy. But I did have a lot of inflammation afterwards and I highly recommend ice packs.