How long was your wait in between scan and biopsy?

Jlt814

I met with the radiologist on 10/7 for a 6-month follow-up to two small and one larger (1.9cm) marginally thickened lymph nodes they've been following since February. She said there has been no change to them in 8 months (I took this as good news but I don't know how quickly metastatic lymph nodes grow) but she would have liked to see them return to normal, so has suggested I get them biopsied. She said she doesn't see the point in me continuing with interval scans and we should just know so that we can have a definitive answer and I can "hopefully" return to annual mammos and ultrasounds.

I'm scheduled for 10/26, almost 3 weeks out. The tech said this is because my situation isn't considered a high priority. At first that made me feel better, but seeing the words "abnormal nodes" and getting a BIRADS 4 is making me a little nervous.

How long was your wait between scan and biopsy? Should it make me feel better that the dr isn't saying this needs to be done immediately?

AliceBastable

Birads 4 is what your insurance needs to see to pay for a biopsy. It's just a coding thing.

Caligirlyc

My biopsy is exactly 3 weeks after my U/S that recommended biopsy. I think 3 weeks is normal.

MountainMia

I don't know what is normal, but my first biopsy was moments after my diagnostic US, because they happened to have time available to do it right then. I didn't even go sit in the waiting room between. My second biopsy, a couple of weeks ago, was first thing Monday morning after having diagnostic mammo and US on Friday afternoon.

marinochka

It was 3 weeks also, I tried to call periodically to find out if there is appointment closer, but it was not.

gamzu710

One week. I was probably fortunate.

Try not to panic too much. Lymph nodes can be wonky. I had an abscess on top of a lymph node right under my chin and that node has never gone back to normal in 15 years. It's always palpable and a bit enlarged. I use it as a test of whether I'm coming down with something or not because it immediately gets larger and tender when I'm sick. It's very reactive. I've heard similar stories from other people of nodes that never fully went back to normal after some minor insult.

LivinLife

I waited one to two weeks depending on the time. I live in a small area which likely helps....

Jlt814

Thank you all so much for your responses- I'm scheduled for next Tuesday, 10/25. I've spoken to several of my drs (ob and high risk breast dr) and they all agree that the nodes don't appear suspicious and the radiologist is being conservative. They were actually comfortable in having me wait and repeat the ultrasound in February when I'm due for my annual, but I suppose there's no way to tell 100% what's going on until they biopsy them.

My next question is- how painful is the core bioposy and recovery? My husband is traveling for work so my dad is going to take me while my mom helps with my kids. I'm wondering if it would be better to reschedule the biopsy for the next week when he is home to help, or if it's not that bad and I'll be able to handle it.

SpecialK

JLT814 - I don't think you will have any undue pain and recovery issues with a FNA, or have a need to postpone until your husband is home. How old are your children? The needle used for FNA is thinner than that for a core biopsy, and usually acetaminophen is enough to handle any discomfort afterward. You may also be instructed to ice to help reduce any swelling. I have had many breast FNA done, with and without ultrasound guidance, and none with any type of anesthetic. I had no problems, drove myself to and from and the drive was just under an hour. I drove myself home from my hollow core breast biopsy also, with six cores taken. I worked the next day, just had some lifting restrictions for a few days, but never had any type of restrictions after a FNA. If these nodes are in the axilla they may ask you to restrict any heavy lifting for a period of time though. If your dad is driving and you mom can help with your kiddos, I think you should be ok. Wishing you the best!

Jlt814

@SpecialK- Actually I just looked at my paperwork and I think it may be a core biopsy- I'm not sure the difference? I know she said there would be a little incision and they'd remove a small sample of tissue and put a tag in for future imaging. I suppose that can't be done with a FNA? Let me know what you think about the core- my kids are 17months, 7 and 8. Thank you!