Stereotactic biopsy yesterday

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slh1952
slh1952 Member Posts: 14
edited June 2019 in Waiting for Test Results

Greetings - a routine mamo found an irregular cluster of calcifications in my left breast. They did a second one with magnification, which indicated the need for biopsy. Right now I'm angry because there was much more than a "pinch" with the anesthetic, and they didn't even numb the area where they were actually collecting the sample, so excruciating pain. I'm planning to talk to the hospital about this, perhaps sparing other women from the sort of experience I had. Bad enough to need a biopsy, right?

Results are expected Friday or Monday, when I have an appointment with my long-time, very trusted PCP. I would rather wait and hear it from Ann than from the hospital. This is much different than when I saw a tumor on ultrasound 8 years ago. (It was in my kidney but actually a rare form of bladder cancer.) I found it very helpful to learn as much as I could from dx through follow-up; having worked as a statistician on medical research projects in the past, I already knew how to navigate PubMed.

So, I've gotten as far as studying DCIS and various recommendations, assuming this is some form of it. Any other topics I should especially look into? The conventional wisdom of trying not to think about it doesn't work for me -- I know just enough for my mind to race ahead to worst case scenarios.

Thanks in advance!

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  • vlnrph
    vlnrph Member Posts: 1,632
    edited June 2019

    Ouch! Sorry that was such an ordeal. I recall getting some small ice packs to apply afterward but still had amazing bruises. I wonder whether the area was too deep for the anesthetic to work properly?

    I am also one who reads and researches extensively. My sister said she had to limit herself to three hours a day when LCIS was a concern. I do think it helps to be prepared and have intelligent questions ready.

    One thing I would look at is where to have follow-up done, assuming you might need a breast surgeon and possibly radiation. Perhaps your PCP will have suggestions. Also check for insurance coverage at that facility.

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  • slh1952
    slh1952 Member Posts: 14
    edited June 2019

    Your sister sounds like a smart woman. I'm spending more time on DCIS, but looking at LCIS too, since it's probably the worst thing it could be. If the statistics aren't on my side I'll have time to research more thoroughly Monday afternoon.

    Checking out options for follow-up is a really good idea, since I'm working with a Medicare Advantage Plan that doesn't cover all providers and facilities. My only friend who has had breast surgery went to Kaiser, where he husband works, so of course she got excellent treatment. Yes, Ann will have suggestions and she is very honest with me about whom she recommends and why she doesn't recommend others.

    Oh, the area where they took the sample numbed fine after 10 minutes when they finally used anesthetic there :-( I used a whole bag of frozen peas yesterday because the little ice pack they gave me wasn't nearly big enough.

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  • countdooku
    countdooku Member Posts: 63
    edited June 2019

    I blurted out an F bomb during my 1st biopsy because I could feel the device taking the biopsy sample. They stopped and then injected some more Novocain. I think it's a great idea for you to comment to the hospital about it. Nobody should have to go through your experience!

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  • slh1952
    slh1952 Member Posts: 14
    edited June 2019

    Countdooku, Exactly. They had to hold me down on the table until they finally injected the right area.I wound up having to take prescription pain meds (which I have for back issues and rarely take) yesterday, and I was not up to communicating well today, but I will make a formal complaint tomorrow. In today's world, there is no reason why women should have to endure such pain from diagnostic procedures, or from surgery. Here's hoping you have really compassionate and competent professionals next week, along with excellent advocates.

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  • footballmomma
    footballmomma Member Posts: 29
    edited June 2019

    When making your complaint, I would write it all down in letter form so that you get all your thoughts together and aren't sidetracked by someone you might be speaking with at the hospital. I had an issue with a doctor a few years ago, I wrote a letter detailing my concerns to the head of the practice. When I met with the head of the practice, we went through my concerns one by one using the letter.

    FWIW, I had a stereo this morning. I had no pain during the procedure at all. The doctor and the 2 techs were constantly asking if I was feeling anything at all and were telling me about each step of the process as they were doing it. This should be the standard for all patients.

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  • slh1952
    slh1952 Member Posts: 14
    edited June 2019

    Excellent idea. I did go ahead and call it in, but will follow up with a letter. Since I'll be seeing the oncology nurse team before I meet the surgeon on Friday, I plan to discuss this with them too. (I'm still having to wear a tight bra 24-7.) So glad you had the sort of experience every woman should have!

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  • footballmomma
    footballmomma Member Posts: 29
    edited June 2019

    I think you should definitely give them feedback. I realize they deal with this everyday, but for each individual patient this is a very emotional time. I want the medical staff to be empathetic and I want them to get it right.

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