Scheduled for core biopsy

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kim575
kim575 Member Posts: 40
edited December 2015 in Waiting for Test Results

Hi all,

So, I finally got to see the BS today. He was nice, very straightforward not warm and fuzzy but that's ok. Only one thing that bothered me and that was he didn't acknowledge the changes that I see in my left nipple. He said he has never heard of an areola stretching or changing shape and it being anything to do with breast cancer. Of course, this is contrary to what I've read on Dr. Google, but moving on... Bottom line is he did an ultrasound to locate the very tiny nodule to the left of my nipple. He said that it appears solid, which confirms what the radiologist said. He said that I can either have a core biopsy done or an excisional biopsy. I am going with the core biopsy, I don't have very good insurance right now and I have other underlying health problems that make me a complicated case when I have to go in for any kind of surgery. So question is how bad is it? He said that he is 99% sure that it's going to be benign but I have to admit it doesn't sound like a fun procedure. I have to drive myself because my boyfriend can't take any time off this week. I'm having it done on Thursday. Thoughts? Recommendations? Thanks!!

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  • fbeach22
    fbeach22 Member Posts: 3
    edited December 2015

    Hi Kim575-

    Glad that you got to see the BS, and glad that you have the biopsy scheduled. The worst part of all of this is the waiting and the looking for your own diagnosis online. The core biopsy is not that bad in terms of pain. I would suggest that you find a ride to and from. This is just my suggestion. It wasn't awful, but I was extremely drained after the process, I was emotional and exhausted and sore not really in pain. I slept for a while after the procedure as well and they will likely want you to take it easy just bc the breast bleed easily. I had some unlikely complications with mine and it still wasn't terrible. I can honestly say that everyone on here is right, really the waiting is the worst part. Either way once you have answers you have control again. Sending positive, calming vibes your way!! Keep us posted!!

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  • Kiks1
    Kiks1 Member Posts: 254
    edited December 2015

    Kim, the mental distress of scaring myself to death was the most exhausting part of the process. Unfortunately, and fortunately, our minds are sometimes our best friend or worst enemy. The anticipation and fear took 98% of my strength and I was emotionally drained. So like fbeach suggested, if you can , get someone to drive you there and back so you can remain calm. The procedure was a piece of cake for me (barely felt a thing, I had a core biopsy). Definitely 1000 times better than the dentist! The fear of pain after the procedure was just mainly fear and I walked aroung gingerly at first. Finally, decided it was all in my MIND. Didn't even take a tylenol and ice packs froze me to death because we have so much snow here in CO already. Despite learning the lesson, I am now all bend out of shape about my SNB tomorrow! Guess our minds are truly powerful. Kim, I will keep you in my prayers.

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited December 2015

    I didn't think mine was a big deal at all. Lying still on the table on your belly so long is lots worse than the procedure. I drove home no problem. They specifically told me when I scheduled that driving would be fine. I've seen several women here who went to work after. I had no pain after, but I did bruise up pretty good

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  • 614
    614 Member Posts: 851
    edited December 2015

    Dear Kiks1:

    Good luck with your SNB tomorrow.  I pray for benign results.  I am sending you positive thoughts and hugs.

    Dear Kim575:

    In my experience, core needle biopsies are not bad at all.  I have had a total of 14 core needle biopsies/excisional biopsies/lumpectomies plus my SNB.  I have always felt fine after the core needle biopsies and even after the excisional biopsies/lumpectomies. 

    I am hoping that you have benign findings and that the waiting for results will not be too stressful for you.

    Happy holidays to everyone.

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  • kim575
    kim575 Member Posts: 40
    edited December 2015

    Had the biopsy today. All in all it was a piece of cake. I was good and numb and hardly felt a thing. The radiologist was able to get several good samples and he said that he was also able to remove about half of whatever it is. So that made me feel better. Hoping to have the results by Monday afternoon but fingers are crossed that maybe they will get them early and call me tomorrow! Thank you all so much for your words of wisdom and for making me feel less alone!

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