what to expect at/after stereotactic biopsy?

Hi, Lynnapin!

First of all, WELCOME! You've come to the right place. This is a wonderful site, full of the most incredible, courageous, and loving women and men.

I posted a reply regarding a stereotactic biopsy on another board last week, so I'll just copy it here for you. It's kind of long...so get comfy.

I just had a stereotactic biopsy last on Feb. 7. I'm 29, and I had a precancerous tumor removed from my left breast in November (via excisional biopsy). After that, I became a High Risk patient and was ordered to get a mammogram once I healed. After my first mammogram a week ago, they found linear calcifications that concerned them and, subsequently, ordered me to have a stereotactic biopsy.

Now, I'm a MAJOR sissy, but I survived this biopsy okay, so you will, too! The procedure is as follows:

You lie face down on a table, in which there is an opening for your breast to hang through. Underneath the table is an x-ray/mammogram-type machine. Your breast is compressed (much like during a mammogram) and 3-D images of your breast tissue are taken in order for the radiologist and assistants to pinpoint the exact location of the questionable area to be biopsied. You cannot move AT ALL during the procedure, because any shift in your body whatsoever throws off the calculations of the location of the questionable area.

Once the location is found (down the millimeter, I've heard), the radiologist numbs your breast. This is not awful, but it does burn/pinch a bit. But it's over within seconds, so HANG IN THERE (and DO NOT MOVE).

After your breast becomes numb, the radiologist makes a tiny incision in your breast. In this incision, a needle is placed, which will be the needle that takes the biopsied sample(s). The needle is hollow, and there is a VAD (vacuum-assisted-device) that sucks out the biopsy samples through the needle so that the needle only has to go in and out of your breast once. (Thank God!)

You may be on the table for anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours or more. It depends on how many samples they take, how difficult it is to find the site, and how still you maintain your body.

It is CRUCIAL that you try to position yourself in as comfortable a position as possible before they begin, because it will be the position you will have to be in for the entire procedure. I found this the worst part of the whole thing. I got a horrible crick in my neck and in my arm.

Afterwards, they "flip" you over onto your back and apply pressure to the biopsy site, to stop the bleeding. They put on steri-strips over the incision, and then gauze/bandages over that--and tape you all up.

You will be tender...expect that. And, I highly recommend asking for a Rx for pain pills. You will be swollen, bruised, and bloody. I like to say my boob became my "Bag Lady Boob."

I had trouble with excess bleeding (I bled every day, on and off, for 5 days.). Keep in touch with your radiologist and nurses if you experience this. Not all women have this problem. I'm very thin, borderline anemic, and have low blood pressure.

Also, it is a wonderful idea to bring someone (or more than one person) with you to the procedure. And see if someone can be with you for at least a few hours at home after the biopsy. And don't be embarrassed to take a stuffed animal with you.

Let me know how it goes! And feel free to PM me if you have other questions or concerns. I'll be up until about 10:30 p.m. tonight.

BIG HUGS, be brave, and I'll be saying prayers for you.

Love,
Laura
p.s. May I ask why you're scheduled for a stereotactic biopsy? Just wondering...

Lynnapin!

Aw, thank you! I'm glad you found my post helpful. I'm sorry it was so long though (a problem of mine...eek!).

Liz made some excellent points about the support bra (no underwire). I completely forgot about that! (Thanks, Liz!!) The day of the biopsy, dress comfortably. Sweat/yoga pants, a button-down or zip up top and sports bra underneath. This is crucial. You do not want to wear a shirt that will require you to put it on over your head. And the sports bra/support bra is an excellent idea (you'll have to put this over your head, unless you have a hook-front closure one, so it helps if someone is with you the day of the procedure....no shame in having a girlfriend or sister or your mom with you helping you get dressed! My best friend had to put my underwear on me after my first biopsy (which was an excisional, so lots of anethesia was involved...)).

Liz also made a good point about certain drugs you should avoid before the biopsy. Talk to your doctor about this. Some women get a couple of prescription anti-anxiety pills prescribed to them for before the procedure. You can take Tylenol, but NO ibuprofen or aspirin type drugs at all.

I ended up needing 3 days off from work--one for the biopsy and two full days for recovery. I think my situation was a bit different since I had excess bleeding. Most women can go back the next day, so I hear. But avoid lifting anything over 10 pounds (like a gallon of milk or a ream of paper).

In terms of the excess bleeding, I just kept in close contact with the hospital and my radiologist. I had to go back to the hospital the next day because of the bleeding, but after that I just had to keep it bandaged, check it periodically for bleeding, and then put pressure on it if it did start to bleed again. Also, I tried to remain relaxed and non-busy for those times. No lifting anything, no using my left arm or side (my left breast had the biopsy), etc. And I had someone with me fairly often, just in case.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. Those pesky calcifications... I'm like you in that I have no history of bc in my family. I've heard that most women who have or develop bc had no family history of it--that always worries me, as I feel like I'm not thinking so much about "if" bc will develop as I am thinking about "when."

I'll say prayers for you, and for your kids. I admire mothers so much (I don't believe God has called me to motherhood or marriage in this life, but you never know!). And the fact that we're so young doesn't make it easier.

BUT!! The good news is that 80% of biopsies come back benign, so I'm praying for you to be part of the 80% club. When is it scheduled for?

Please keep me posted. Much love to you...

Laura

Lynnapin----my stereotactic core biopsy wasn't painful, I would describe it more like a lot of pressure. The hardest part was laying so still in one position for so long--my neck was actually sore, not my breast! I had no swelling, bruising, or bleeding, no steri strips--just a bandaid, an ice pack and I was good to go. I even drove myself 3 hours to a funeral the next day (with the ice pack tucked inside my bra). So you can see, everyone reacts differently. But if you have a history of bleeding troubles, it might be good for someone to go with you and drive you home. No aspirin or ibuprophen before or after; extra strength tylenol is OK. The ice pack is the best way to minimize any swelling or bruising. Good Luck to you. Praying for benign results for you.

My experience with stereotactic biopsy was very mild. The worst part was having to lie completely still for so long. I reiterate the part about finding a comfortable position! My right arm went to sleep because it had to hang through the opening in the table, but other than that and a stiff neck, it was pretty much a breeze.
Afterward, I drove myself home. I went back to work the next day with no problem.
Everybody is different; the woman who was scheduled before me had all kinds of problems - excessive bleeding, allergy to latex, etc.
I wouldn't be too afraid of this procedure, though. It was much easier than the first wire-localization biopsy I had. THAT I hated! Then I had another one which was much better. A lot depends on the skill of the doctor and the location of the biopsy site.

I had to put my left arm through the whole also. It took them an hour of trying to get good pictures until they decided that they needed my arm to go through the whole too. Once this was done I was out in a total of 2 hours. My calcifications were straight down from the nipple up against the chest wall. So they had to stick the needle in from the side of my breast up against the chest wall. It was taking them so long I was worried that they would never be able to line up the needle. I did not let on that I was worried, I just kept telling them to take their time. I wanted them to do a good job and not rush. The procedure would have been faster if my calcifications were near the surface.

My area was very close to the chest wall on my right side, upper outer quadrant. And she was not totally satisfied with what they got - especially when they did find the LCIS. That's why I had to have the excisional biop.

Yes CC Mom, I got my results. The calcifications were negative. I have to go back in another 6 months for a mammogram. I just hope the other calcifications in my breast don't grow or change.

I had my biopsy on 8/19 at which time I bled in, so my entire breast turned purple red. Today is 9/5 and I am still bruised and swollen. The biopsy was done on the bottom of my breast and about a inch and a half upwards there is a lesion type thing going on and a lump inside. Does anyone have any idea if this is normal. I spoke with a tech on saturday because I was bleeding out and she said to apply alot of pressure to stop bleeding but nobody has said anything about the lump.

Thank you so much, that is exactly what I thought but sometimes you just dont want to be a nudge.

It is not too bad. The most uncomfortable part for me was them getting my left breast in mamagram machine while laying on my side. Once they locate area they num you pretty good. Not much pain there.



The incision is tiny very tiny. Not much bleeding. A little but not much. Tylenol will take care of any discomfort once you are home.



Relax if you can really not bad.



The waiting on results is the worst.

Mother Mary will watch over you.

I just had a stereostatic biopsy on my left breast this morning. I would recommend taking off your shoes while on the table, wear comfortable pants and wear a good support bra. I wish I would have rubbed some Ben Gay on my neck beforehand as you do lie on your stomach with your head turned to the side. I was so tense that my beck did hurt.

I have severe anxiety and worked myself up with worrisome thoughts while waiting for the procedure to begin. I even began to tear up.

The doctor walks and talks you through everything. Nothing hurt. There was a slight startle when the numbing medicine was injected but really that was all. I was very surprised that I did not feel pain during the procedure.

I got an ice bag from the hospital and was told to go home and relax and take 2Tylenol for pain if needed.

I had a stereotactic biopsy this morning, and I have a very high pain tolerance, but I didn't particularly enjoy this experience (not that I enjoyed any of them, but...).

This was my 4th biopsy this month, but my first stereotactic. I can give you some current, live as "it's happening to me" experience advice as a mom of 2 ridiculously energetic kids: accept help. You will be sore. You will be emotionally impacted as well, which is more exhausting to me than anything else, really.

You are not to lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk. Stick to this, firmly. REST! You will be sore, you might have some bleeding from the site or nipple. Let your dr know about anything that seems excessive. I currently do not have any bleeding (at hour 10), but I haven't moved much in 6 hours, so maybe that's a factor

Utilize the ice packs. They really do make a big difference. Take the Tylenol, it might help. It doesn't do much for me due to my super human ginger resistance to anything less than Demerol, but you might want to do it.

Do not feel the need to push. It's best if you let go of your responsibilities, which as a mommy, I know it's difficult, but you need to care for YOU right now. It's ok to do that, I'm learning.

Hydrate and eat prior!! I didn't do either and was wicked dizzy after the procedure. It's no bueno. I did score some lovely apple juice after the procedure, though, so not a totally bad deal.

I'm new here, and to all of this, and I, for self-preservation purposes, say most things with some sprinkled humor, even if it doesn't seem like the time. I hope my experience help you in yours. You've got this, lovely lady. You're going to be awesome

Personally I thought the "newer" bed with the holes was a torture device because it dips in the middle and forces you into an exagerated "sway backed" position. I got muscles spasms in my shoulder & neck and thought I would die before they let me move & change positions at the end