Wire guided biopsy Mon, what to expect?

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JayeGA
JayeGA Member Posts: 82
edited June 2014 in High Risk for Breast Cancer

I'm scheduled for a wire guided excisional biopsy Mon 4/23. Can anyone tell me what to expect in terms of pain,discomfort,etc?  It'll be under general anesthesia and the surgeon has scheduled me for a followup appt Tues 5/1 to get the results. She wanted me to meet with an oncologist to discuss possible options. I did that this week, and that was rough. Any feedback on the biopsy process would be helpful. Thanks!

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited April 2012

    While you wait for members to share their experiences, on the main breastcancer.org site, you can find some helpful information about this type of biopsy.
     
    We hope this helps! 
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  • Neeners815
    Neeners815 Member Posts: 358
    edited April 2012

    Hi there - is the wire via MRI or Mammogram?  Either way, I just had this a couple of days ago and it sounded worse than it actually was.  As long as you're numb, you really won't be feeling anything except pressure when they put the wire in.  They'll put the needle in first, take some pics to make sure it's in the right spot, then put the wire in.  Honestly, it was easier than most dentist visits I've had.

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  • Mooleen
    Mooleen Member Posts: 185
    edited April 2012

    At first you go to radiology and they guide a wire to the area where the lesion is. No discomfort at all. Then you go under general anestia and when you wake up you will probably have an ice bag on it. They should send you home with hydrocodone. I didn't have much discomfort at all and didn't need the pain meds, but if you are uncomfortable take them. Have ice paks on hand. Good luck. I had this done 3 times. First two were benign. I guess the third time's a charm (not).

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  • mawhinney
    mawhinney Member Posts: 1,377
    edited April 2012

    It has been many, many years since I had a wire guided biopsy but I remember it as being a very easy procedure.  Two of my neighbors were radiology residents and I was more fearful that one of my neighbors would be involved in the biopsy. Couldn't imagine what I was going to say if one of my neighbors appeared!

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  • gumshoe
    gumshoe Member Posts: 248
    edited April 2012

    I was wide awake for mine, only local freezing, and it wasn't too bad.



    If you're under a general anethesia you'll be fine. You'll probably be in a little discomfort the next day and night (I took Tylenol 3), but I was feeling a lot better by the second day.



    Good luck!

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  • JayeGA
    JayeGA Member Posts: 82
    edited April 2012

    Thank you all for taking the time to respond and share your experiences. You helped me prepare and even made me smile. I'm wishing us all the best. 

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  • gumshoe
    gumshoe Member Posts: 248
    edited April 2012

    Hi JayeGA,

    Just checking in -- how did the biopsy go?

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  • JayeGA
    JayeGA Member Posts: 82
    edited April 2012
    Hi Gumshoe.... overall it went well, the radiologist had a tough time getting the needle thru the breast tissue, said the tissue was very firm. I never thought that would be a BAD thing Smile but I felt no discomfort, it just took a longer time, and after it was placed thru ultrasound, they did another mammogram to make sure they had pinpointed the right area. After that, it was a breeze, everyone was warm, professional, and competent, and the procedure went well. I just have a slight headache, and only mild pain in my breast. Only took half a vicodin yesterday!  My followup appt is Tues, so I'm preparing for that.  Thanks for asking! And thanks for your feedback, it made me feel more confident. How's your day going?
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  • gumshoe
    gumshoe Member Posts: 248
    edited April 2012

    Yay! Glad it went well, and it's great that you have minimal pain. I hear you re the needle problems: I think mine was repositioned three times. 

    Good luck with your follow-up appointment -- waiting is always the hardest. Crossing fingers for you! It's hard to focus but keeping busy helps. 

    I'm in the "waiting room" again too, for my UMX surgery. So can't plan too much until I know when it will be. Undecided

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  • JayeGA
    JayeGA Member Posts: 82
    edited April 2012

    {{Gumshoe}} Thanks so much for your support. Sending you prayers and positive thoughts for your surgery. I understand so much how much our lives kinda hang in the balance before the next step! Wish it was different, but it is what it is, I guess. We're doing a great job of coping. I'll be keeping up with your journey and checking in from time to time, if that's ok. 

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  • gumshoe
    gumshoe Member Posts: 248
    edited April 2012

    Aw, thanks JayeGA. Absolutely, and the same back to you! I'll be interested to hear your results.

    There is a lot of support on these boards -- they are what kept me sane in the beginning! 

      

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