Topic: questions about stereotactic biopsy

kwoodson--what kind of biopsy are you having done? I have had both the stereotactic core (an out-patient procedure) and a surgical excisional biopsy (day surgery). The first requires local numbing and takes about an hour; the 2nd requires anesthesia and  several hours at the hospital. The hardest part about the SCB was having to lay so still for so long with my head turned to one side; actually my neck hurt more than my breast! (it was numbed up really well). A bandaid, an ice pack and I was good to go. But I would have someone drive you to and from if you are going to take meds to relax. (if you don't take anything, you can drive yourself). I had very little pain, just pressure. Same thing with my wire localization procedure, done just prior to my surgical excision. Afterwards, I was wrapped snugly in a chest binder that I was allowed to remove after 2 days and shower with the steri strips on. Took it easy for a few days, then back to normal activites in less than a week. The hardest part is waiting for the results--mine took about 7 to 8 days each time.  Praying you get benign results and for peace and strength.

Anne 

Thanks for the information. I'm having the core biopsy so I know I'll be awake. I'm the type that doesn't mind being knocked out! Glad to know there isn't too much pain involved. And yes, my husband is driving me to and from. I'll probably have a flash back to my wayward teen years and make a fool of myself! I did that with my last c-section and relaxation meds. Thanks again.

Kathy

I didn't have any problem with my first stereotactic mammo-guided core biopsy. I was told 'if you start to have any pain, tell me right away, and I'll stop and inject more anesthetic." I was completely stressed out. I think the hardest thing was hearing when he said 'Breathe' versus 'Don't breathe', because sometimes the table would jerk or make noise.


The second time I had a stereotactic mammo-guided core, it was a little rougher because I had been traumatized by a wire insertion for excision a year previous where they had not given adequate anesthesia. I freaked out even before they made the first injection - I pulled out of the mammo. I was silently sobbing the whole time. This was all emotional. I think it would have been fine had it been my first core biopsy.


The third time I had a ultrasound-guided core biopsy, just under the nipple. I was freaked out about this one too, because I heard its more sensitive around the nipple. But it actually was more comfortable and went quicker than the mammo-guided.

I wasn't offered and didn't have any anti-anxiety meds for any of these - I think I could have used some.

The mammo-guided ones took about 3 hours and the ultrasound about 1 hr. I got the results in about 2-3 days. For me, a jogbra 24/7 except showering and tiny ice packs were great. I just used the pain meds to try to make me sleep. (I didn't have pain issues, but I had insomnia from anxiety issues.)

If you have pain - COMPLAIN! All of my biopsy radiologists were actually quite responsive to my pain and injected more anesthetic right away.

Kwoodson, I have had 3 sterotactic biopsies since 2005, the first one I was not offered any antianxiety meds. The doctor was very good and as Leaf said, he told me that if I felt any pain, he would stop and inject more numbing medicine. The last 2, the same surgeon did them and he prescribed 2 valium to take at the hospital after I signed the paperwork. I was more relaxed during those, 1) the valium helped and 2) I knew what to expect. Just try to relax while you are on the table and take a few deep cleansing breaths before they start and focus on your 'happy place' while they are doing the procedure. at the last one I even joked with the radiologist techs and the doctor about looking for Bill Murray to walk through the door and 'I got you Babe' to play on the radio (aka - Groundhog Day).

I also used the ice pack that afternoon and the sports bra 24-7 for several days.

good luck Friday

sheila

I had mine done just on May 8th. I did not take anything before. I worked the night before so I would be dead tired. But if you need something take it. My biopsy was a mammo needle core. It took about 35-40 minutes. I felt some tugging but no pain. Almost at the end I started to feel some pain, not too bad but I wasn't sure how much longer it would be. They gave me more numbing stuff right away. The toughest part for me was my neck too. A nurse held my hand the whole time. I bled a little after wards & the nurse put some pressure on it for about 10 min. It is 3 days since it was done & I'm still a little sore. I was using ice packs for 2 days & tylenol. But a good support bra is a big help. If you jiggle when you move or walk, I can feel it. If you have ever had kids & nursed....well it kind of reminds me of being full of milk in certain spots. Good luck & I wish you well...Remember the women on this site are really here for you...