How many biopsies?

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clarrn
clarrn Member Posts: 557
edited June 2014 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

Hi,

Just wondering why I've had so many biopsies.   15 for the first one in Dec and another 4 today.  Anyone else have so many?

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  • 1toughmomma
    1toughmomma Member Posts: 87
    edited January 2014

    Hmm...do you mean the biopsy you had  took multiple samples? I had a stereotactic core biopsy that took 6 samples the first time. Positive for low grade DCIS. I had an MRI 3 weeks later that showed probable residual DCIS at the biopsy site (they thought they got it all--all the calcs were gone post biopsy) AND the MRI showed a more extensive area that did not show on mammogram. Had another core biopsy via MRI that took about 6 samples at once, then I had one punch biopsy of the nipple for skin changes (the only benign biopsy I had:) The MRI biopsy of the sites not on mammogram was grade 2 with focal necrosis. The kind of biopsies I had take multiple samples. Perhaps you had a couple areas that needed biopsies and that's why so many? Just guessing here...

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  • clarrn
    clarrn Member Posts: 557
    edited January 2014

    Thanks,  yeah I did mean biopsy samples, thanks!

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  • ballet12
    ballet12 Member Posts: 981
    edited January 2014

    Well, I don't have an answer as to why they took 15 samples the first time.  If the problem area was multi focal or multi centric (located in totally different areas) maybe they had to take so many.  Did they keep checking to see if they got calcifications (they xray the samples).  Maybe they weren't getting at the site they needed to get at, hence the multiple samples.  When they call you with the results, ask them the question.

    I know I had 10 samples on the excisional biopsy, but don't know how many were taken for the stereotactic biopsy (it's been awhile).  I had another stereotactic biopsy on the other breast this past June, and don't know how many they took then.  The stereotactic biopsies can really be painful, so 15 is an awful lot.  They are more painful than a lumpectomy in my opinion, causing bleeding/bruising, etc.

    Good luck.

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  • clarrn
    clarrn Member Posts: 557
    edited January 2014

    Yeah I felt it was excessive,  I do have multifocal spread, but I know he said he had lots of calcifications even in the very first one he took.  I will ask on my surgical oncologist on Wednesday. 

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  • ballet12
    ballet12 Member Posts: 981
    edited January 2014

    Good luck. Sorry you've had to go through so much.  What is your treatment plan?

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  • clarrn
    clarrn Member Posts: 557
    edited January 2014

    I see my plastic surgeon tomorrow to discuss recon options.  Probably BMX with immediate DIEP if I have enough tissue,  if not then I guess implants.  I should get the second biopsy results too.  They think I probably won't need radiation,  and hopefully my dx stays DCIS. 

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  • clarrn
    clarrn Member Posts: 557
    edited January 2014

    Results are in, DIEP is not an option,  first time I've been too skinny for anything!  Unfortunately they saw at least 9mm of invasive ductal carcinoma this time.  Should still escape rads and chemo as long as my sentinel nodes come back clean. They said surgery within a month.   Cant wait to stop waiting!

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  • AZ85048
    AZ85048 Member Posts: 2,613
    edited January 2014

    clarrn - Well, it sounds as if your team is very thorough, which is awesome!  Also if you don't have to have chemo and/or rads, that will make your recovery a little easier, even if you have to go with implants (which you don't sound too thrilled about).  I have to admit that I laughed at the "first time I've been too skinny for anything" remark!  We all know what you mean about the waiting - it's the worst part of all of this.  Waiting for tests, waiting for results, waiting for procedures, etc., etc. It sounds like you have your head on straight about all of this, but I know you're going to have questions the more this sinks in, so don't be afraid to ask.  The great thing about this place is there's always someone out here who's already been through whatever treatment plan they're going to put together for you.  Just know that you're not alone in any of this.  Please let us know how you're doing and when your surgery date will be when it gets scheduled....  Sending you a hug and a prayer!

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