Stereotactic Biopsy: Before and After Experience

Options
ConcernedHubbers
ConcernedHubbers Member Posts: 14
edited August 2017 in Waiting for Test Results

Hi all,

I feel so fortunate to have found this forum. It has been so helpful to my wife and me. I find reading about individual experiences to be particularly helpful.

I wanted to contribute by creating a thread that documents my wife's stereotactic biopsy and receiving the results.

My wife's biopsy is in one hour. I will return to this thread afterwards to share the details of the experience both from my point of view and my wife's. Hopefully it will be helpful to someone who is in the same position.

My wife's initial screening mammogram revealed an area in the deep upper left quadrant of her left breast that contained an 8mm cluster of microcalcifications. She later went in to get a diagnostic 3D mammogram which revealed that the calcifications were moderately clustered and mildly pleomorphic. It was rated BI-RAD 4 (no a, b, or c). There was no visible mass. Her breasts are heterogeneously dense. Also, the microcalcifications were clustered only and did not have any linear pattern. No other noted calcifications anywhere else in either breast.

The stereotactic biopsy is in an hour. Hoping for B9 results.

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

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

    Hoping for a b9 results for your lovely wife! You may already know, but the positive predictive value of a BIRADS 4 (without a letter qualifier) is 20-40% (meaning in 60-80% of the time it is b9). Good luck with the biopsy. Try to keep yourselves busy until you have the results!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ConcernedHubbers
    ConcernedHubbers Member Posts: 14
    edited August 2017

    Thanks, MT. I'm aware of those statistics, though it's hard not to focus on the 20% probability that it's something more. Hoping for the best and trying to put one foot in front of the other.

    We're in the waiting room now. Also, my wife's age is 35, just FYI.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pjdevin83
    pjdevin83 Member Posts: 11
    edited August 2017

    Hi ConcernedHubbers,

    I had my MRI guided stereotactic biopsy this morning at 8:30am.

    I am at home now resting and very comfortable.

    I just want to let you know that all the nurses and doctor were extremely comforting and accommodating and they numbed me so well I did not feel much of anything! They will answer any question or concern that you both will have.

    They said I should have my results on Tuesday.

    Just a quick background on me..I am 34 years old and during my routine yearly exam my primary care doctor found a lump on my right breast. The ultrasound and mammogram never saw anything but an MRI found a focal non mass enhancement BIRADS 4 with no a b or c attached to it. They suspect it's benign but they want to be 100% sure.

    I took a xanax 30 min before my procedure just to take the edge off a bit because I'm just a nervous person anyway in general. I have also seen a therapist to help with my anxiety and that has been very helpful!!

    Hoping for B9 results for both of you!!! <3

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ConcernedHubbers
    ConcernedHubbers Member Posts: 14
    edited August 2017

    Glad to hear the experience went smoothly for you, pj. Hoping for B9 results for everyone :)

    My wife is comfy and relaxing at home right now. She's a little annoyed that she can't do any heavy lifting, which happens to include holding our 17-month-old daughter. She also would love to shower, but apparently she can't do that the first night either.

    She told me she only experienced a little pressure during the operation, as well as some minor pain when they were injecting the local anesthetic. She said the most uncomfortable part was lying in a strange position for so long.

    The doctor said they found some calcifications in the biopsy, so they know they were in the right place. We were told we'd get our results around Monday. Fingers as crossed as they can be.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pjdevin83
    pjdevin83 Member Posts: 11
    edited August 2017

    Yes, no shower or heavy lifting for me as well for 24 hours. No hot tub or pool for 1 week it says on my sheet as well.

    I also had some very minor pinching when they gave me my local shotsbut same when they inserted my iv as expected.

    I'm looking forward to removing my pressure dressing in the morning and then I have to keep the steri-strips on for 5 days.


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Malimama
    Malimama Member Posts: 2
    edited August 2017

    Hoping your wife's results come back B9! I am exactly in the same position. I had a second mammogram done two weeks ago where they found three microcalcification clusters in my left breast. I had a stereotactic biopsy last Wednesday on two of them and am waiting for the results. The radiologist said we would biopsy two clusters and see what the results are before biopsying the third. I find that more nerve racking but I'm trusting their method. I have a small mass on my right breast which they recommend active monitoring. I'm trying to deal with one thing at a time this week. I started basic research on treatment options and am now trying to stay busy until the results come in come in. Fingers crossed for both of us

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited August 2017

    Our fingers are crossed for benign results!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Lmcnz
    Lmcnz Member Posts: 6
    edited August 2017

    Im greatful for this thread... Gives me some insight on what to expect tomorrow. I started this terrifing journey on July 6 when I had my first mamogram. I'm 35 with no history, no known risk factors and found a small lump that my doctor thought was just breast tissue. After my second mammogram I was given a Birad 4c and was scheduled for a biopsy. I am so scared for the results. Wishing positive thoughts to all those waiting for answers aswell.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ConcernedHubbers
    ConcernedHubbers Member Posts: 14
    edited August 2017

    Thanks to everyone for sharing their experience. This weekend has been filled with anxiety and racing thoughts. Hoping the results come in tomorrow and are B9. Hoping all of you get B9 results!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MTwoman
    MTwoman Member Posts: 2,704
    edited August 2017

    Fingers all crossed!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Malimama
    Malimama Member Posts: 2
    edited August 2017

    Hello again. I just wanted to update everyone on my preliminary results. I called the breast center today regarding some blisters I have from the steri-strips. Apparently the radiologist that performed my biopsy is off today but her nurse spoke with me. I asked if my results were in and she said yes. According to her, the two biopsies are negative. I'm relieved! She did indicate the doctor would have to give her final stamp on it tomorrow and I of course have some questions. I still have to go in for a third biopsy on the third cluster. I assume each cluster has its own probability of being malignant but it gives me some comfort in knowing the first two are clear. I do wonder how often there are false-negative reports. From what I researched, stereotactic biopsies are over 90% accurate. Can someone shed some light on this subject? I was told during the biopsy that once the results come back clear, future radiologists don't recommend further analysis of those specific areas (hence injecting the markers in the breast). I do understand each individual cluster has to be analyzed. Thank you all for your support and information. This site has been a wonderful resource. Thinking about the rest of you still waiting.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Lmcnz
    Lmcnz Member Posts: 6
    edited August 2017

    Im really happy for you that your results came back negative :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ConcernedHubbers
    ConcernedHubbers Member Posts: 14
    edited August 2017

    So happy for your that your results came back benign! Hoping for the same result with the final cluster.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pjdevin83
    pjdevin83 Member Posts: 11
    edited August 2017

    This community board is such a blessing. Hoping for B9 results for all of you.

    ConcernedHubbers, you had mentioned you would get results Monday. Have they called?

    They said I would get my results tomorrow... hopefully......

    I think I am going to faint when I see my doctor's name on the caller ID calling me. I have been waiting for this call since the end of April...it took a long time to get here with all the appointment waiting games and getting a second opinion from a breast surgeon.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ConcernedHubbers
    ConcernedHubbers Member Posts: 14
    edited August 2017

    Looks like we aren't finding out today, unfortunately. My wife told me the doctor said "as early as Monday." So yeah. Every phone ring and notification sound has sent the blood rushing out of my face. I just want to find out already...

    Thanks for checking in. Hopefully you find out tomorrow and it's good news.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pjdevin83
    pjdevin83 Member Posts: 11
    edited August 2017

    If they don't call me by 4:30pm tomorrow I am going to give them a call.

    I hope you find out tomorrow as well!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MTwoman
    MTwoman Member Posts: 2,704
    edited August 2017

    Never hurts to call them. The worst thing they can say is "we don't have them yet". Hoping for b9 results for you both!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ConcernedHubbers
    ConcernedHubbers Member Posts: 14
    edited August 2017

    No evidence of malignancy. B9! I feel like I've been holding my breath the last two weeks.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pjdevin83
    pjdevin83 Member Posts: 11
    edited August 2017

    I am so happy for you both!!! What a relief!!!! I hope you guys get plenty of rest tonight


    For me, No call today.

    I called my Doctor's office today and they said they will leave him a message that I called in for my results.

    I asked if they could tell me if my results were atleast in and they would not even disclose that. Bummer!


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ConcernedHubbers
    ConcernedHubbers Member Posts: 14
    edited August 2017

    Sorry, pj. That is super annoying. They told us the results came in yesterday afternoon. I was stewing about the fact that the doctor sat on the results for over 24 hours. That being said, he's busy, has a life, and there are other people in the world than need him. It's hard to remember that when we're in such a state of anxiety. Hoping you get a good call tomorrow!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pjdevin83
    pjdevin83 Member Posts: 11
    edited August 2017

    Thank you, ConcernedHubbers!

    You actually made me laugh because I am over here fuming about how slow Doctorsare. I definantly needed to hear that from you. Feeling much better. Thanks again!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MTwoman
    MTwoman Member Posts: 2,704
    edited August 2017

    That's great news Hubbers, glad to hear it. Now go celebrate!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pjdevin83
    pjdevin83 Member Posts: 11
    edited August 2017

    Got my call today. B9!

    I wanted to share what the pathologist wrote in case someone finds this useful in the present or future.

    Mri found a focal non mass enhancement. With mostly type 1 kinetics.

    Pathologist wrote

    " BENIGN BREAST TISSUE IS PSEUDOANGIOMATOUS STROMAL HYPERPLASIA AND FOCAL

    INTRADUCTAL HYPERPLASIA OF USUAL TYPE.

    MICROCALCIFICATIONS PRESENT.

    NEGATIVE FOR ATYPIA OR MALIGNANCY.

    These results are concordant with imaging findings."

    My doctor said no excisional biopsy is needed and a folllw up in 3 to 6 months will be needed.

    I was reading intraductal hyperplasia of usual type puts me at a slightly higher risk of developing bc than others but I will definantly check with others and my Doctor about this.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MTwoman
    MTwoman Member Posts: 2,704
    edited August 2017

    That's great news, thanks for sharing!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pjdevin83
    pjdevin83 Member Posts: 11
    edited August 2017

    Thank you, MTwoman

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ConcernedHubbers
    ConcernedHubbers Member Posts: 14
    edited August 2017

    So happy for you! Congrats!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories