Core Needle Biopsy-Terrified!

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HeatherJS
HeatherJS Member Posts: 50
edited December 2018 in Waiting for Test Results

Hi all,

I'm 32 years old and mother to an 18 month old. I have been back on oral birth control for a few months due to the uncertainty of the future, as I'm going through a divorce. I noticed a lump in my right breast about two weeks ago and was hopeful that it was just the birth control, but when I saw my PCP last week and she recommended an ultrasound. The imaging place had me do a mammo first. The doctor mentioned an incidental finding that could be one of a few benign conditions (fibrocystic changes, stromal fibrosis, fibroadenoma), but he isn't totally confident, and I now have to go in for a core needle biopsy tomorrow morning. I'm terrified of the upcoming wait for results, and the idea of dying and leaving behind my baby girl behind. The stats are scary-I read that 30% of all CNBs result in a cancer diagnosis? Any advice or feedback would be much appreciated!!

Heather



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Comments

  • bella2013
    bella2013 Member Posts: 489
    edited November 2018

    Heather, I am sorry you find yourself here in this place. You will find love and support here. Your fear is very real. This path is very frustrating and scary.

    Take a deep breath. Just because they are going to biopsy the area in question doesn’t mean that it’s cancer. It is good that your team is being thorough. Most breast lumps are benign, especially at your young age.

    Keep us posted. Keeping you in prayer 🙏.

  • Redleaf
    Redleaf Member Posts: 2
    edited November 2018

    I had my core needle biopsy on Nov 15. A biopsy doesn’t mean cancer. It’s another step in diagnosis. Even if it is cancer, it doesn’t mean your life is over. My mother is a 2 time, 35 year survivor. You are strong. You can get through this

  • MDRR
    MDRR Member Posts: 133
    edited November 2018

    Just take it one step at a time. Thank goodness you have access to the proper diagnostics and can determine what’s going on. The unknown can be scary, but once you have results and, if needed, a plan,I think you’ll feel much better. Be sure to check the various forums for questions and support; it helps to have so many others who have been through the experience available for support

  • HeatherJS
    HeatherJS Member Posts: 50
    edited November 2018

    Thank you to everyone for the feedback and support. I got more information from the radiologist before my biopsy yesterday--the BIRADS rating is 4, with the finding being a 6 mm mass, with nothing concerning having been noted in my lymph nodes. I was reading about the stats online and found that with a mass of less than 1 cm, the chances of survival are high. So I'm trying to tell myself that even if I do have cancer, it will be treatable and my prognosis will be good. Does anyone else have experience with a similar mammo/ultrasound finding?

    Heather

  • HeatherJS
    HeatherJS Member Posts: 50
    edited November 2018

    I just found out that the mass is a fibroadenoma. The biopsy came back negative for cancer, but the radiologist and doctor found the irregular margins of the mass to be concerning enough that they want to surgically remove it. Has anyone else been through this procedure? Any info on what to expect would be much appreciated! Regardless, I'm breathing an enormous sigh of relief--I got this!

  • Megadoo
    Megadoo Member Posts: 61
    edited November 2018

    Heather, I just had my fibroadenoma removed today. It has been there for 4 yrs, but over last couple months it started causing discomfort because it changed shape/grew. This is not uncommon. At first, theu numbed it (like the core biopsy) and used US to insert a thin metal wire. This is fornthe surgeon to know where exactly it is. This was painless. Then they pretty much knock you out...take it out...took about 45 mins. I was warned that boobs are notorious for bruising and swelling. Um yeah...for sure lol. Pain isn't too bad yet. They give you meds. Def wear a good soft bra afterwards for support. I will let you know how it feels tomorrow, the "day after ". All in all, I wasn't nervous, just anxious to get it done. The entire procedure was really not THAT bad. Hang in there....day at a time. Very happy the biopsy was benign.

  • HeatherJS
    HeatherJS Member Posts: 50
    edited November 2018

    Megadoo, I'm so happy to hear that you got through the procedure OK! Did they use general anesthesia? I've never had surgery, and the thought of being put under is a bit scary. I hope you get plenty of rest and wake up feeling better tomorrow! Did the doctor tell you what kind of recovery time to expect?

  • Rah2464
    Rah2464 Member Posts: 1,647
    edited November 2018

    HeatherJS so glad you received B9 results and that your team is taking the extra steps to ensure your health. I had a fibroadenoma removed when I was 30. And I was glad to get it out of there. The recovery is relatively easy but take care of yourself. Especially with a little one, be careful lifting for a few days.

  • AliceBastable
    AliceBastable Member Posts: 3,461
    edited November 2018

    I suggest a zip-front supportive sports bra with firm insets for afterwards. It will help control swelling better than a soft, stretchy one.

  • Megadoo
    Megadoo Member Posts: 61
    edited November 2018

    My swelling is moving upwards and to middle of the chest. I did bleed a bit last night. The bruising is all over bit that's expected. Pain isn't too bad so far today. I slept decently.

    It wasn't general anesthesia, but heavy sedation. I was out for it all. But it was easier to wake up from. No nausea.

  • gtgirl
    gtgirl Member Posts: 129
    edited November 2018

    is this for a ultrasound biopsy

  • gtgirl
    gtgirl Member Posts: 129
    edited November 2018

    I asked to be sedated and was told no. I was told Valium 10 mg 1 hr to biopsy. I’m a wreck, I have never taking Valium.

  • HeatherJS
    HeatherJS Member Posts: 50
    edited November 2018

    Gtgirl I'm sorry to hear that. They might be refusing sedation for the biopsy because the risks outweigh the benefits. Local anesthesia seems to be the norm for the biopsy, mine wasn't bad at all. I think you will get through it just fine. The more recent posts are about surgical removal of a fibroadenoma, which is a more involved procedure.

    I appreciate all of the tips and feedback regarding the surgery and recovery! I will definitely take it easy with lifting and get a zip-front bra!

    Megadoo, how are you feeling? I hope you were able to enjoy your Thanksgiving!

  • CasM
    CasM Member Posts: 110
    edited November 2018

    Megadoo - hope you are doing well. I have my wire excision biopsy 11/29 to remove an area of ALH. I was glad to read your story as it appears the procedures and hopefully recover will be a lot alike. Thanks so much for sharing your story.

    HeatherJS - so happy you received B9 results. I know that when I had my core biopsy I was terrified. I purchased a Danskin front zip bra from Amazon. They run SMALL I am normally a medium and had to get an XL. I believe it was under 20$. It even has thin pads you can remove and replace with ice packs. Ice packs are another thing I purchased was 3-4 in round reusable ice packs (amazon) they have soft material on one side and they came with a soft bag as well.

  • Megadoo
    Megadoo Member Posts: 61
    edited November 2018

    Hey! Thank you for asking! I am doing well. The second day I switched to a tighter sports bra which helped the swelling very much. My boob is still pretty ugly to look at, all sorts of different shades of purple LOL. Otherwise, pain has not been bad at all. Well, except for when my adorable niece ran up to hug me and head butted my boob by accident LOL, but otherwise all good. I go in to see my surgeon for follow up on Thursday. I'm back to work/routine, but do use an ice pack as needed. More so for the little swelling left and slight irritation at the end of the day.

    Still no path results yet, but NOT worried. It was a fibroadenoma. Just can't wait for the extra "peace of mind" seen in writing as benign again.

    CasM I will keep you in my thoughts. I am sure your procedure will go great. Just rest and definitely have a soft sports bra and good ice packs :) I look forward to your updates.

    HeatherS, yes I had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Even helped do some cooking! Keep us posted!

    GtGirl, your biopsy will not be bad. Take the valium, it will help alleviate your anxiety. Wear a sports bra there because the little ice pack they give you fits perfectly in it. You will have bruising after but it really isn't painful. You will be completely numb for the procedure so you won't feel a thing. Just breathe in, breathe out. You will do great!

  • HeatherJS
    HeatherJS Member Posts: 50
    edited November 2018

    CasM, good luck on your excision biopsy! And thank you so much for the tips about the zip front bra--I love that I know exactly which brand to buy on Amazon, where I do the majority of my shopping :)

    Megadoo, I'm so glad you're feeling better and recovering well. One thing you said jumped out at me, because I was wondering about exactly that--when they removed your fibroadenoma, did they explain why they felt the need to run a pathology on it? Mine is being removed because of the "irregular borders", and while I'm trying to tell myself that cancer would've shown in the biopsy, the fact that they would run another pathology does have me a little worried. I am confident that yours will be benign, and hopefully mine too--I just can't help but worry that I'm not totally out of the woods yet!


  • MCBaker
    MCBaker Member Posts: 1,555
    edited November 2018

    irregular borders might indicate a pre-cancerous condition.

    I was totally fed up with docs fretting about lumpy righty, and just take a look at what happened to her.

  • HeatherJS
    HeatherJS Member Posts: 50
    edited November 2018

    MCBaker, any idea what a precancerous fibroadenoma would mean for my prognosis? Is the whole idea of removing it to hopefully eliminate/reduce the risk of it developing into cancer, or that they need to do further testing to be sure that cancer isn't already present?

    I'm sorry what you went through with your own lumpy right breast, I have the same issue!

  • MCBaker
    MCBaker Member Posts: 1,555
    edited November 2018

    yes, reduce risk. Path will test it, as it is likely to be similar to other lumps. No need to panic, just get a good screening protocol in place to catch any changes early. I had a diagnostic lumpectomy on righty at the age of eighteen, and she fulfilled the reason for her existence.

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

    Fibroadenomas aren't precancerous. They are benign and they don't turn into anything else. Can they have other conditions in the same general area? Yes, but they don't become cancerous.

  • Megadoo
    Megadoo Member Posts: 61
    edited November 2018

    I wanted mine taken out because it changed shape which was causing discomfort/pain in the breast. Anytime a mass is removed from your body, it goes to pathology. It's just protocol, at least at my hospital. That's all. I had the thing for 4 yrs with no problems/changes. But the discomfort increased over 3 month period and my GP wanted me to get an opinion from a surgeon. He agreed we could remove it.

  • MCBaker
    MCBaker Member Posts: 1,555
    edited November 2018

    I am waiting for further clarification.

  • HeatherJS
    HeatherJS Member Posts: 50
    edited November 2018

    I just called the patient advocate from the imaging center and she clarified that they do indeed test the mass for cancer, especially in my case because of the irregular margins. It's scary to know that despite the benign results thus far, I might still receive news that I have cancer :(

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

    There are lots of fibroadenomas that don't read the "rule book" and so don't appear "textbook" on imaging, but they often are, in fact, just that on biopsy.

  • HeatherJS
    HeatherJS Member Posts: 50
    edited November 2018

    That's good to know. I'm just anxious to get it over with. I can't even get in for my surgical consult until January 2nd.

  • MCBaker
    MCBaker Member Posts: 1,555
    edited November 2018

    Yup. My discarded comment was "When is a fibroadenoma not a fibroadenoma?"

  • Megadoo
    Megadoo Member Posts: 61
    edited November 2018

    MCBaker, did you have a fibroadenoma that turned out to be cancer? Is that where diagnosis came from?

  • MCBaker
    MCBaker Member Posts: 1,555
    edited November 2018

    All I know is that they fussed about righty for years because she was so lumpy. No the last mammogram on her showed the starry sky of microcalcifications. The ducts were so crowded that the runaway cells had no place else to run away to, hopefully, I don't have path report yet.

    I got so desensitized to their concern that the biopsy was emotionally a walk in the park.

  • JenCanDoThis
    JenCanDoThis Member Posts: 49
    edited November 2018

    McBaker,

    This is my first post in this group. What a wonderful group! I have my first biopsy on the 5th and was told I would need to wear a bra for 24 hours after. This might sound silly, but what are firm insets?

    Thank you!


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

    JenCanDoThis - I think she meant "foam inserts" - bras that have the removable foam inserts usually have a pocket you can put an ice pack in. I didn't need that - I just stuck one in my bra.

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