Biopsy concerns

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Redink2
Redink2 Member Posts: 5
edited December 2019 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

I want to thank all of you for the informed and thoughtful responses I've read and the wealth of information I've received from this site. I hate that any of us have to be here, but I am so grateful to have you all as a resource. Hopefully someone can shed some light on my situation; I'll try to avoid making a novel out of this! I am scheduled for two biopsies next week, and I received very little information about the procedures from my breast center...although I was in a bit of shock and maybe didn't ask the right questions. My baseline mammogram (just turned 40) was suspicious, and I was called back due to "density," or so I was told. When I went in for the diagnostic this week, there were clearly visible microcalcifications and a small mass in my left breast. Ultrasound couldn't rule out malignancy, so I was told I need stereotactic and u/s guided biopsies. The radiologist gave me little information, other than to say she thought it may be benign but couldn't tell because it's my first mammo. The nurse told me that they use a scale of 1-5, and I was a 3. That doesn't sound like the BI RADS, does it? That term never come up, and I was not given a choice re: delaying the procedure or re-imaging later. Should I have asked about that? I wasn't given any information about sedatives or pain management, either. Is that standard? Thank you to anyone who made it through my rambling! I'm more nervous the longer I wait!

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  • MTwoman
    MTwoman Member Posts: 2,704
    edited June 2017

    Redink2, so sorry you're here with breast health concerns. If they didn't use the term BIRADS, I would hesitate to tell you that's what it was. But the BIRADS system is a scale of 1-5 (well, actually starts at BIRADS 0 - meaning needs additional images). When women get their first mammo, it is actually quite common to be called back in as there are no prior images for comparison and so it isn't known what is "normal" for that pair of breasts. Having a biopsy is being appropriately cautious (as anything with over a 2% chance of malignancy is typically tested). The procedure will depend on the type of biopsy (fine needle, core needle, us guided etc). What I can tell you is that they typically numb the area (that injection may be the most you feel) and then take samples. I had core needle biopsy, the instrument made a snapping sound. I felt pinching, but not problematic (except very close to the nipple where there were more nerve endings). After was manageable with ice and over-the-counter pain meds for a day or two.

    Try to distract yourself in the meantime, so you don't dwell on it and make yourself more anxious. We all know that the waiting and not knowing is one of the most awful parts. There is a thread on anxiety and some tips for management here:

    https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/83/topics/855477?page=2#idx_51

    Good luck for b9 results!

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  • Hopeful82014
    Hopeful82014 Member Posts: 3,480
    edited June 2017

    Redink - I was told to avoid aspirin and NSAIDs for a few days before hand to reduce risk of bleeding/hematoma. What I wasn't told is that fish oil (which many of us take for cardiac health) should be avoided for the same reason. A hematoma is not the end of the world but I like to minimize any avoidable problems. Waiting for a biopsy is a miserable time so try to reduce your anxiety as much as you can with enjoyable activities, good comedies, physical activity. The procedure's really not as awful as it sounds. ;)

    Take care.

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  • mustlovepoodles
    mustlovepoodles Member Posts: 2,825
    edited June 2017

    I agree with the above posters. I have had a stereotactic MRI-guided biopsy and a core-needle US-guided biopsy. Neither was particularly painful--they put a LOT of local anesthetic in there and as soon as I said "ow", they shot some more down the tube. I bruised pretty badly after both; I take a daily NSAID for arthritis and although I did stop taking it for a few days before and after the biopsies, I still got a sizable hematoma each time. Not the end of the world. It looked pretty bad, but wasn't too painful. I took Tylenol for pain. I was right back at work, driving, cooking, etc the next day.

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  • SharonRose2017
    SharonRose2017 Member Posts: 40
    edited June 2017

    Redink2, just had a stereotactic vacuum assisted biopsy on Monday. I definitely relate to your anxiety on many levels. First, there is concern about the diagnosis of course, and then at least for me, I was so afraid I would not even get the test because of stiffness from arthritis and being prone for so long. Plus I get numb from carpal tunnel. I only sleep on one side. All my fears about the test itself were unfounded. The tech and radiologist let me move my arms in between scans and told/notified me when I couldn't move. The table was curved enough that I didn't feel like I was smothering! I had a couple of pillows too. One glitch was that the machine did not "like" my dense tissue, but the MD managed to override that. It is not painful really, but just make sure you say when it hurts (do not hold back-- it's like surgery!) and you'll get more local anesthetic. Overall, it was a very decent encounter, considering the reason! I wish you well. Also, I asked my primary care physician for Ativan which was to help me calm down while waiting for results. Maybe you can even get it before your stereotactic biopsy. I am saving mine for the next excisional biopsy! Please let this thread know how you are doing! Sending strength and comfort your way..

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  • Redink2
    Redink2 Member Posts: 5
    edited July 2017

    Thank you so much for your replies! It really is comforting, and I'm not sure what I would do without these forums to read through; I was so in the dark. I'm in the Houston medical center, and it surprises me that I was given no choices and so little info about my own test results. That isn't typical for me, and it kind of ramps up that anxiety, you know? I appreciate the details re: the stereotactic test. This is the only time I've been so anxious about a test - I'm usually fine with this stuff, but it LOOKS terrible and makes me feel claustrophobic. I'll definitely take the advice and bring a sedative with me. Sharon Rose, all the best to you for your next step! Sending you all good thoughts! I'll check back in to see how you're doing!
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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited July 2017

    Redink - I was treated at the Houston Medical center - both times. That would include Baylor, Methodist, MD Anderson & Memorial. They were all very good about giving me copies of my tests and explaining the things I highlighted. If you really don't have any copies or previous tests or scans, call and get them. It is your right.

    Good luck with the upcoming tests.

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  • Redink2
    Redink2 Member Posts: 5
    edited July 2017
    MinusTwo, thank you for the response. My procedure is on Wednesday, and I wonder if it would do any good for me to request the report now - this late? I try not to fixate too much on what could be, but if the report would help me know what to ask during the procedure and maybe prepare myself for, then it would be worth it. I walked out fairly confident because the radiologist said if she had to guess, she would say benign, and the nurse told me I was a "3" (whatever that means), but then they scheduled me for the soonest available biopsies...and that doesn't fit with what I've read. Is it common to have a mass and microcalcifications on one breast only?
    So sorry for the multiple posts & questions!!
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  • Candyapple17
    Candyapple17 Member Posts: 36
    edited July 2017

    Redink2,

    Sorry you are having to go through this. I had a core needle biopsy in March and a MRI Guided Biopsy in June - I tolerated both procedures well. They used a local lidocaine so there will hopefully be no pain on the day of your biopsy. Afterwards, I just had slight soreness - nothing Tylenol couldn't take care of. Take a deep breath and trust that the biopsy will give your doctor some guidance on next steps; if any are needed.

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  • Redink2
    Redink2 Member Posts: 5
    edited July 2017

    Thank you for all the support and reassurance! My stereotactic and core needle biopsies were today and a total breeze. I did take a sedative, but I can't say the effects were too noticeable - I felt about the same. But I didn't even feel the injections. One thing I didn't understand, and that may be helpful to others facing the tests, is that the sampling took only a couple of minutes both times. I was told by the breast center staff that the procedure would be 2-3 hours, and I was picturing laying face down with a needle in my breast for 2 hours ;) I didn't realize that it included the positioning, imaging, etc. Now I just wait. Good luck to everyone else pending results!!

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  • SharonRose2017
    SharonRose2017 Member Posts: 40
    edited July 2017

    I'm so glad your biopsy is over! I think the time given is to give us realistic expectations about being there. Maybe some individuals take longer to position or for the local to take effect. My appointment reminder read that it was an hour and a half procedure. I was taken back 45 minutes late (stress to the max!) but when I walked out, it was exactly an hour and a half after the appointment time so I couldn't complain, really. I hope your results are favorable, too. Sending all the best...

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  • djmammo
    djmammo Member Posts: 2,939
    edited July 2017

    Stereo bx's take a long time to set up. There is the positioning, imaging, repositioning, more imaging etc. based on the carpenter's motto "measure twice, cut once".

    Once the positioning and imaging is done, the tissue sampling is the quickest part of the procedure. Great care is taken before hand as once you are done with imaging you are flying blind/running on faith unlike an US biopsy which is done with real time imaging.

    With a stereo you dont know if you hit the target until after the first set of samples are radiographed to see the little calcifications.

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  • ready2bedone
    ready2bedone Member Posts: 95
    edited July 2017

    Hi Redlink2 - glad your biopsy is behind you! Yes, mine also only took a few minutes once they got me changed, positioned, etc. The waiting for results is the hard part! Hopefully you will get yours soon. I don't know if they told you, but I was told that 70% of breast biopsies turn out to be benign, so even though the process is scary, the odds are in your favor. When you do get your results - be sure and ask for them to send you a copy of the report. Even if it is benign, it might be important to have if you ever have to have another biopsy. I had a benign biopsy 6 years ago in a different state, so I was glad I had a copy of that as well as a CD of the imaging from back then when I went through it this time around.

    Also - it is a LOT of information to take in all at once regardless of your results, so having a notepad and pen handy when they call with results or if you have any follow-up appts will really help you with remembering everything as well as being able to write down questions as you think of them so you don't forget to ask. One of my doctors talks really fast and so I always end up with questions as he is telling me something but he doesn't take a breath long enough for me to ask as I think of them! I go with a list of questions too. So having my lists lets me say "hey, before you leave - I have a few questions" and I can make sure I get them all answered. Also, I have found the nurses are usually a good resource if you think of questions when you get home. My hospital system has a secure online messaging system where I can send a message to the nurses and they usually get back to me within a couple of hours. I can't imagine Houston Medical Center not having something similar.

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  • Redink2
    Redink2 Member Posts: 5
    edited July 2017
    Within 24 hours, I got the call that both samples are benign. No idea what they are, and forgot to even ask... I just know I go in every 6 months now. I will definitely call back and get those reports (as everyone has advised) now that the surprise has worn off. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your responses. You're all so kind, and I pray for good outcomes for all of you.
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  • MTwoman
    MTwoman Member Posts: 2,704
    edited July 2017

    Great news Redink2!

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  • katesf1
    katesf1 Member Posts: 1
    edited December 2019


    Dear Redink2, I was curious when you had your sterotactic biopsy did they leave a metal marker into the biopsy site? It's usually made of stainless steel or titanium. Thank you and hope you are well!

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited December 2019

    Katesf1, they always do a marker. If the biopsy comes back benign it signals on future imaging that the area has already been biopsied, avoiding doing the same thing all over again. If the biopsy is malignant it serves as a locator for the surgeon

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