My biopsy was lying on my back. When I've had procedures facing down, they set it up so there's room you to lie comfortably. You do have to lie basically still, but I think if you really needed to shift you'd just say so and they'd accommodate.

Most of the time is setting up and setting down. The actual biopsy is very fast - maybe 3-5 minutes? The staff was really nice. One tech held my hand. I was numbed up and did not have any pain during. It's like a dental procedure where they give you local anesthetic. Mild pain after but they sent me home with ice packs and recommended ibuprofen iirc. Everyone's pain thresholds are different but for me it really wasn't physically bad.

I found that the biopsy was really not a big deal. What it represented was much scarier and it really hit me the night before.

If you know you have anxiety for medical procedures, you might ask your doc for a couple of valium/ativan prescription.

Mine took place while I way lying face down. If you have that position, no you cannot turn your head from side to side. They made sure I was as comfortable as I could be before they began. The radiologist injected the lidocaine, gave it time, then tested to be sure I was numb. He also told me what he was doing before doing it. He warned me I would hear some clicking which was when he was actually obtaining the tissue. At one point, as he was advancing his core needle, it hit a nerve that was not numb - it was shocking! He immediately was able inject lidocaine through the device and only proceeded when I was ok again.

I'd agree, the actual biopsy itself is very fast. The actual positioning took time. I tend to make light of as many situations as possible, which causes me to laugh = deep breaths. I would encourage you to try to get some deep breaths before, during & even after. I find I can cut my own anxiety a lot when I don't hold my breath.

Good luck,

Jane

my biopsy was quick and “easy." I was positioned on my back and was basically allowed to watch everything happening. The radiologist injected the lidocaine, and once I was numb, she advised me that I would hear a “clicking" sound, which was when the sample was being taken. I did bleed afterwards, so the nurse had to apply pressure for about 20 minutes. The bruising came two days later.. and it was ALOT of bruising. Bruising subsided about a week later. Results were in within 72 hours.

Ultrasound-guided biopsies are usually done with the patient lying on her back. I think that's what several responders are referring to. Having had several ultrasound-guided biopsies and several stereotactic biopsies, ultrasound-guided ones are certainly the easiest, from a positioning / comfort standpoint. Both types of biopsies use the same needle - the one that sounds like a staple gun.

Stereotactic biopsies are mammogram-guided, and are done with the patient either seated or lying on her stomach. Mine have all been seated, which can be awkward but isn't really comfortable. I was told to not move at all, and I assume that would be the case when the patient is prone. What's important is to get as comfortable as possible during the set up.

What does a stereotactic breast biopsy involve?

Bookpusher, good luck!

I've had 3 stereotactic biopsies.... The worst part for me was my neck and ribs... If you're concerned about your ribs (hard table) let them know in advance. The third one they put a small cushion under my ribs that helped some. That way I could just focus on my neck pain LOL They should have your breast numbed up enough so you don't feel breast pain. If you do then just let them know.... Wishing you the best with the procedure and results....

That is unbelievable!!! I cannot imagine how you're feeling.... I hope they get you back in really soon... Honestly if you don't hear from them tomorrow I'd call - there are already people who have been scheduled in the upcoming spots and now they have a day of people to reschedule.... Be proactive.... wishing you good fortune with a near future spot!