question about working after biopsy

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Dani444
Dani444 Member Posts: 522
edited August 2018 in Waiting for Test Results

Hey there I have been reading some threads on here for a while, but this is my first post. I am 46 years old and had recently went to my doctor because of changes in my nipple (retraction) and a large indent above my nipple. After noticing these I then felt a large hardened area as well in the right breast. I just got a copy of my mammo and ultrasound report. I have a BIRADS score of 5, and am scheduled for core needle biopsy next week. I have that done on a thursday and I am wondering exactly how sore I will be. I work on on the saturday and sunday following it. I work in an emergency room as an EMT. My manager says I can still work with the lifting restrictions they have told me. I really didn't explain to her exactly what was going on. As of now I have only told one very close friend. I am single, so no SO to share this with. I plan on telling my family after the biopsy to shorten their worry time. I keep going from completely overwhelmed to to talking myself into being calm. I mean nobody expects to be in this situation I guess. on a side not the technologist told me at least 3 times that my lymph nodes looked really good. She was showing me on ultrasound the difference between the cyst they found and the area where we felt the lump. I kinda knew that wasn't a good sign, why else would she feel the need to talk about my lymph nodes. Thank you for taking the time in reading this and responding

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  • moth
    moth Member Posts: 4,800
    edited August 2018

    Hi Dani, after my core biopsy last year I was only sore that afternoon - I had an icepack in my sport bra for most of the afternoon - & a bit the following morning. Totally fine after that - but bruised.

    I had a more involved biopsy on Wed and I'm fine this morning. I wouldn't want to be punched in the breast now but I have full range of motion and strength in both arms.

    So I think odds are you will be fine by Sat.

    best wishes!

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  • gb2115
    gb2115 Member Posts: 1,894
    edited August 2018

    You should be ok, but if they will allow you to have lifting restrictions it might not be a bad idea.

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited August 2018

    I could have gone to work when I left the clinic. They only told me to take one day off after my surgical biopsy as long as I obeyed lifting restrictions on weight for a week or so

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  • Georgia1
    Georgia1 Member Posts: 1,321
    edited August 2018

    Dani, I agree with others that after icing and Tylenol for 24 hours you should be fine. And I also agree on not telling others until the biopsy results are in. But most important, just wanted to be sure you knew that we are here for you anytime. Feel free to ask more questions or just vent. Here's hoping for benign results.

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  • Teddy88
    Teddy88 Member Posts: 102
    edited August 2018

    Hi Dani: I walked one block from my doctor’s office to my job after a stereotactic core biopsy. Took two tylenol only. Worked another 7-8 hours at my desk job. No problems and I am not particularly tough. My bust size is opposite of small, so I do have some extra boob-a-la to work with. Hope that helps!

    Love, Belle xxoo

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  • Dani444
    Dani444 Member Posts: 522
    edited August 2018

    Thank you all so much for the responses!! I will plan on working, and trying to remain hopeful for good results! I am sure I will probably have more questions and I truly appreciate the support.

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  • JaBoo
    JaBoo Member Posts: 520
    edited August 2018

    I had some soreness after my biopsy, but took no pill and had normal routine. I had core needle biopsy, 4 samples taken. The doctor punctured a vein on the way in and there was a considerable amount of blood. I work in an office, so no restrictions there. at home no restrictions allowed with 2 small kids and I really was just sore on the biopsy spot and had a blue-green breast.

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  • Dani444
    Dani444 Member Posts: 522
    edited August 2018

    ok, I have what might be a silly question. Do they require you to keep your bra on for a period of time after the biopsy? I had a fibroadenoma removed years ago from my left breast and had to wear my bra day and night for a few days. I understand this is just a tiny incision so maybe that's not a thing with the core needle biopsy. I was going to get a more comfortable bra if that's going to be needed. Sorry for a random question. To be honest I am getting more and more nervous as time approaches, and a lot of the anxiety is coming from figuring out how to tell my family and friends. I realize I am not diagnosed yet but unfortunately my mind goes straight to worse case scenario. I really think that comes with my job, I usually am seeing peoples worse case scenarios. Thanks for letting me ramble!!

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  • Snickersmom
    Snickersmom Member Posts: 926
    edited August 2018

    I had several core needle biopsies done. It was a bit uncomfortable but I felt fine afterward. I didn't need any Tylenol or anything, and I'm a real baby when it comes to pain!

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  • WinningSoFar
    WinningSoFar Member Posts: 951
    edited August 2018

    I agree with the others--the post biopsy period is pretty unremarkable. An ice pack and some tylenol should be sufficient. I didn't even take the tylenol because I forgot about it. You'll need the bra to hold it on though.

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  • moth
    moth Member Posts: 4,800
    edited August 2018

    None of my instructions said I had to wear a bra. I chose to wear a stretchy low support sport bra because it made for a convenient way to hold an ice pack. Also the first night, the less the breast moved, the less the bruising hurt, so wearing the bra felt nice. For the biopsy they don't make an incision, just a large puncture.

    Hang in there. Whatever the results, you'll handle it as it comes. (fwiw, telling people was pretty easy in my case - I told a couple people, told them to spread the word to friends & family, and put it on social media as well. I just got it over & done with. I didn't want to talk about it on the phone so I told people not to call me. I reply to texts & emails when I feel like it but when I don't feel like it I don't.)

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