Sterotactic biopsy not thru ultrasound.

Yes that's how I had it. US didn't see anything in my breast while mammo and MRI did

Coal, I had one last summer. It wasn't as bad as I was expecting! They will do a mammogram first, trying to find the area of concern. They found mine right away. They then had me sit in a padded chair. They did another mammogram, and the doctor injected the Novocain, which pinched at first but then went numb. They then attached the gizmo that takes the sample to the machine. They suggested I shut my eyes at this point - I did! - but told me each step what they were doing. I could feel pressure as the needle went in, not no pain. After they took the biopsy sample, the doctor injected a titanium marker the size of a sesame seed. If the biopsy had been negative, the marker would show up at future mammograms, to show that that area had already been checked out. (Since mine turned out to be cancer, it was a guide for the surgeon during my lumpectomy.) The nurse then put pressure on the area for a few minutes, and then put a band aid on. The band aid stayed on until I took a shower the next morning. I iced it several times that first day, and took Advil. I drove myself. I was off that day from work, but could've gone back that day if I wasn't. The worst part was being squished in the mammogram machine for so long.Good luck!

I had 3 biopsies last fall. 2 were stereostatic and 1 was ultrasound guided. I think stereostatic is used for very small areas (mine were calcifications) or areas that won't show on an ultrasound. The ultrasound one I had was for an actual lump.

I had to lay on a table on my stomache with my right breast going through a hole in the table. I felt a bit like a cow! Sounds strange I know! But the nurses will make every effort to make you as comfortable as can be. They then raise the table to allow room for them to work. They then find the location via a mammogram and while under compression they do the biopsy after numbing the area. They also will leave a tiny titanium clip in to mark the spot where the tissue was removed. The clips are actually kind of cute and you can say you got some bling! I attached a picture that I took of the clips when I had mine done. It sounds worse than it is and is not hard to endure at all.

Be sure to wear a compression bra that you can get a small slender ice pack in.

You will get through this. Best advice is to keep busy in the days ahead to keep you distracted. 80% chance all will be ok.

I had 2 US biopsies and yesterday had a steriotactic. The radiologist told me small calcifications don’t show on US. It was the same as described by SDWoman in above post. For me it was not quite as easy as the US biopsy but that was only because of the position. It’s very tolerable. You’ll do great.

I just had this done yesterday. Please dont back out it is so important you get this done. I am terrified of needles & the whole thought of this about made me want to run away. I had my doctor prescribe me a xanax to take before the biposy. I don't know if it helped or not but would definitely give it a try.

I had two spots clear back by my chest wall. The worst part was getting my boob positioned just right on the machine due to where they were. The actual biopsy itself does not hurt. The mammogram part sucked. I survived though. Was sore yesterday so I just rested afterwards. Today the biopsy sites themselves pretty tender but mine were deep.

I have a 90% chance of them being benign & really wanted to not get it done. My mind just kept telling me early detection is key & I want to see my kids grow up. I know you can find the strength to do this.

Coal1017

I remember the feelings you are talking about and felt like I was trapped in some extremely slow moving nightmare that was never going to end. But it does. Benign or not you need to know in order to put this behind you. You will find you had strength you never knew you had. YOU CAN DO THIS! The women in these forums will be here to help you through it!

Coal So glad to hear it went smoothly for you! Please let us know how the biopsy turns out.