stereotactic biopsy 10/17, scared, questions to ask radiologist?

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CasM
CasM Member Posts: 110
edited October 2018 in Waiting for Test Results

I had my annual 3D mammo (my 4th 3D) last Thurs and a cluster of indeterminate calcifications/focal asymmetry (BI-RAD 4) was found on the inner posterior LB. Tomorrow is the biopsy and even though I have multiple tattoos a hollow needle freaks me out a little.

Anyone else getting a biopsy this week? Any tips from anyone on the process (how to dress, breathing techniques?) What type of questions should I ask the radiologist? I have read where other people have said their Rad gave them their opinions. How do I squeeze some info from him? ;)

I have googled too much and have been watching a ton of movies/videos on BC. I know I should probably not be doing that .. but I also want to be informed.

I have been in the process to improve my lifestyle and this SCARE is my WAKE UP call!! I guess my instince was right I DO NEED to improve my lifestyle.


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  • puzzled1
    puzzled1 Member Posts: 34
    edited October 2018

    I’m having a stereotactic biopsy today also. Interested in the responses of others who have had this done. Like you, I’ve watched videos of the process. Seems much better than the MRI guided biopsy I had in May. Hope youhave good results!

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  • CasM
    CasM Member Posts: 110
    edited October 2018

    puzzled1,Good luck on the biopsy and I will be thinking of you today, mine is tomorrow afternoon. I hope you have good results as well. Do you have a list of questions that you are going to ask the rad?

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  • puzzled1
    puzzled1 Member Posts: 34
    edited October 2018

    I will ask the radiologist what she thinks but she’s really already told me everything she probably knows. So I guess I will wait till I get the results and see my surgeon. I hope someone can answer you with a good list of questions. I’ve done so much research my mind is numb, lol

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  • PurpleCat
    PurpleCat Member Posts: 358
    edited October 2018

    I had one last month. It wasn't fun, but wasn't too bad. They arranged things so none of it was in my line of vision, and there was a nurse whose entire job it was to just chat with me and keep my mind off things, although she did have to stop now and then to assist with something. Make sure you're well hydrated beforehand and eat the kind of breakfast that will keep your blood sugar up but not be a problem if anxiety makes you nauseated. They'll make sure you're steady before sending you on your way afterwards.


    Good luck, and I hope for great outcomes for all of you!

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  • CasM
    CasM Member Posts: 110
    edited October 2018

    Purplecat - thanks so much for the reply, I appreciate it. I will be sure to have a good breakfast/lunch and drink plenty of water. Thanks for those tips! My appt. is at 2pm tmrw. I was hoping not to see the procedure as well as hoping for a distraction so I don't go deep into anxiety mode. Also, thank you for the good thoughts!

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  • Thisisbleak
    Thisisbleak Member Posts: 6
    edited October 2018

    I have to schedule my biopsy today, hopefully it will be this week!


    Sending good vibes your way for an easy biopsy experience and good results!

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  • CasM
    CasM Member Posts: 110
    edited October 2018

    thisisbleak - thanks so much for the good vibes. I will be thinking of you as you schedule your appt. Are they going to do a stereotactic one? I will share my experience if you would like, I know I like to hear them. However, I also know everyone's is different - some good and some not so good. ;)

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  • GreenHarbor
    GreenHarbor Member Posts: 265
    edited October 2018

    I would bring water and OTC pain reliever with you, and take it in the car before you leave the doctor’s oso it kicks in while the Novocain is still working. And wear a separate top and bottom. You'll change into a gown, but it's nice to still have clothes on your bottom half. They sent me home with a small ice pack, which I stuffed in my bra for the ride home. I iced it off and on that day, and had little to no pain. As far as questions for the radiologist, I would ask when the results will be ready, and who will be calling. (My PCP was the one to call me.) At the ultrasound, the radiologist told me she could see something, but couldn't say what it was. The needle biopsy would help determine that. I didn't press her for more details than that. Really, the details will come from the pathology report. Be careful on the internet! A little knowledge can be helpful and empowering. Too much knowledge can mess with your head when you don't know what is most applicable to you and your own diagnosis. Believe me, I know how hard the waiting is - just try and take things day by day. Good luck!!

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  • CasM
    CasM Member Posts: 110
    edited October 2018

    GreenHarbor - Thanks for those great tips. It would have been not fun arriving in a dress.

    Loopy

    When you are worrying you don't think about those simple type of things.

    You are correct it is speculation at this point until pathology is complete.

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  • puzzled1
    puzzled1 Member Posts: 34
    edited October 2018

    I just got home from mine. It wasn’t bad really, just anxiety provoking. Actual biopsy was less than ten minutes. Was there for an hour and a half prep work and after care. Good advice above to wear pants and a top and to take Tylenol. They sent me home with an ice pack too and a sweet quilted pillow to hold against my breast because it was in an awkward position. The only pain was the numbing needle and it wasn’t much and over quickly. I felt nothing else just heard the sounds. You will do fine. If I had to do it again I wouldn’t be so anxious.I should know in two days.

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  • CasM
    CasM Member Posts: 110
    edited October 2018

    puzzled1 - I am so happy you got through it ok. A cute pillow is a nice touch. I will try not to be anxious now.

    Winking


    2 days!!! WOW, I hope mine is the same. Makes the waiting less torture. I will send thoughts your way for a B9 pathology report.

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  • CasM
    CasM Member Posts: 110
    edited October 2018

    puzzled1 - thinking of you and hoping that you and feeling okay after your procedure. ;)

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  • puzzled1
    puzzled1 Member Posts: 34
    edited October 2018

    thank you, Cas! I hope yours is done now too and you’re home resting.

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  • CasM
    CasM Member Posts: 110
    edited October 2018

    puzzled1 - glad that experience it over and now the waiting game begins. Happy Thoughts for you today!

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  • RedReese
    RedReese Member Posts: 1
    edited October 2018

    Biopsy tomorrow, not sure how I feel. My emotions keep changing.

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  • CasM
    CasM Member Posts: 110
    edited October 2018

    Hi RedReese - good luck on the biopsy tomorrow. Is it stereotactic? If so, here is my impression -

    It is an odd feeling during the process but mine wasn't super painful based on my pain tolerance (15 large tattoos). There was stinging, burning and pressure/uncomfortableness at the incision site during the procedure. The whole procedure was about 30-35 minutes (including the pressure afterwards). I was a little shaky before and after the procedure, on my commute home it was kinda la la land. Once I got home I made sure to keep the area iced (I bought 4 small cold packs), the center gave me 1 after the procedure and one for the ride home. I didn't want to bother with ice and a Ziploc.

    Once home I relaxed and had a few glasses of vino. Today, there is pressure and fullness but Tylenol (1 x-strength) takes the edge off. Pamper yourself afterwards and try not to hyper focus on results. I know easier said than done, I decided I can't change anything what ever is there is there. I am just gonna take it as it comes.

    I hope for B9 results for you. I will be sending positive vibes your way.

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