Experience w breast biopsy

[lust2hart]

I had my very first mammogram yesterday. They needed more images so I went in today and the radiologist came in to tell me that there are some spots of concern. I think I want to get them biopsied vs doing more imaging in 6 months then 12 months, especially bc the biopsy seems like it’s really not that big of a deal. But even so, was wondering if anyone could share their experiences w the procedure. I just got a call that they have an opening for tomorrow, which is a little yikes. If it turns out to be something I’m not sure I’m ready for that news so soon, but logically I know sooner is better than later, right?

[imimahoney]

I had a biopsy this summer.

They did an u/s while they did the biopsy. The u/s tech helped the doctor identify the area of concern. They numbed the area and then used a large needle to take the samples. It lasted about 30 or so minutes. They then put a staple like thing in my breast so that future docs would know that the area is being watched. After that, I had a 2nd mammogram to make sure it was placed properly.

It was sore for about 48 hours but only need to lay around for a few hours. I had to keep the area dry so showering was a pain. The keeping it try lasted for 7 days until the results could be reviewed. That was a pain.

[InBetweenDays]

I had one done 8 years ago. Similar to pp, it was guided by u/s, they took samples with a needle, then placed a marker at the spot. I wasn't even really sore after. I got the result (fibroadenoma) about 4 days later.

Good thoughts to you!

[underwaterrhymes]

First, it’s super common to be called back and/or to need a biopsy after a first mammogram.

Core needle biopsies are not bad at all. The worst part is the noise the machine makes. You will feel the needle that numbs you, but not the biopsy itself. You’ll have some bruising after and mild pain, but I didn’t even need Tylenol after mine.

Boob stuff is anxiety producing. ❤️ I hope everything goes smoothly and that it’s just a fibroadenoma.

[Poeticxpassion]

I had a biopsy done last month. It was the exact process imimahoney described. I received the results the following day. They put a metal marker on the spot that was being checked our. It is to show future doctors that spot has been checked.

[mags]

I went for my annual MRI yesterday and also got a call that i need a biopsy. I have to wait until 11/2! for mine if i want my regular dr to do it.
I'm losing it a bit.

[bex1973]

I've had 2 of them and much like others described it was really not bad. The thing that calmed me throughout both times is the doc & the u/s tech told me exactly what they were doing the whole way through and I appreciated that. And yes the noise of the instrument that puts the marker in has a jarring sound almost like a big stapler or a small nail gun. They made sure to tell me that right before they did it so I didn't get scared. My first one had really minimal bruising but the 2nd one I had more - same doc, same technique but where they had to go was deeper which gave a bigger bruise (for me anyway!). They covered it with a waterproof covering and honestly removing that from the sensitive skin hurt more than the actual procedure.

The waiting for results was the hardest part

[Bad Dingo]

Good luck!! The actual biopsies aren't that bad as PPs have said. I did have a bad hematoma after one of mine but that doesn't seem to be common.

[liverandonions]

I had a breast exam/us/mammo/biopsy in a 48 hour period so I get how it feels to be somewhat rushed. Mine was a lactating adenoma because it was during breastfeeding, but like the others the overall experience wasn't too bad. Some mild bruising afterwards.

Good luck! <3

[whattheheck]

I’ve had one too (ultrasound guided needle core biopsy) and had a very similar experience to others. One thing I will say is that given where they needed to biopsy I ended up having to lie flat on my stomach with my boob dangling through a hole which was held in place by the ultrasound paddles. The table was raised up pretty high and the doctor was sitting underneath he table and I couldn’t see him. I also had the marker placed. I’m on blood thinners so my bandaging and healing process was different than what others have posted so if that’s a factor for you I’m happy to share further.

[lust2hart]

Thank you all for sharing. My procedure was this afternoon and went smoothly. They took 4 samples and placed the marker as well. Results will be in Mondayish.

[laurack]

I had one this summer and it wasn’t painful or bad at all really, a little sore the rest of the day after but not like I even needed Tylenol.

The hard part for me was waiting for the result/overthinking etc. but I did get a benign result thankfully.

One thing about my biopsy I can’t forget - I showered before and never looked in the mirror just left and got in my car.. So I went through the entire experience, including the mammogram after to check for placement of the clip they put in.. and after it all was over I went to pee and realized the whole time my entire face was covered with mascara. Mortifying!

Anyway the majority (I think 80% or more?) of biopsies come back negative so the odds are on your side! Take the soonest appointment you can so you can hopefully put it behind you asap. Good luck!

[imimahoney]

Oct 18, 2023 19:14:15 GMT -5 mags said:

I went for my annual MRI yesterday and also got a call that i need a biopsy. I have to wait until 11/2! for mine if i want my regular dr to do it.
I'm losing it a bit.

Mine was a similar time line because I was going to Europe the day after they said I needed it done but they didn't want to risk infection.

The good news? If they thought it was really serious they would make you get it asap with no choice in doctor.

[Pilsy]

Thinking of you. Waiting for the results can be tough, so I hope the weekend passes quickly for you.

Here’s a thread from when I was in your shoes. It’s really nice to have this sounding board for these things.

pandce.proboards.com/thread/630916/mammograms-breast-biopsies

[lust2hart]

Oct 20, 2023 8:21:24 GMT -5 Pilsy said:

Thinking of you. Waiting for the results can be tough, so I hope the weekend passes quickly for you.

Here’s a thread from when I was in your shoes. It’s really nice to have this sounding board for these things.

pandce.proboards.com/thread/630916/mammograms-breast-biopsies

Thanks for digging this up for me! It's definitely helpful to hear more experiences.

[mags]

Oct 20, 2023 3:51:53 GMT -5 imimahoney said:

Oct 18, 2023 19:14:15 GMT -5 mags said:

I went for my annual MRI yesterday and also got a call that i need a biopsy. I have to wait until 11/2! for mine if i want my regular dr to do it.
I'm losing it a bit.

Mine was a similar time line because I was going to Europe the day after they said I needed it done but they didn't want to risk infection.

The good news? If they thought it was really serious they would make you get it asap with no choice in doctor.

They gave me a choice to wait for my  dr who ive been going to for 10 years or use someone else. I wanted my dr so part of it is my fault

[slimpickins]

Wear a button down shirt. Wear a supportive bra but not a sports bra that has to go over your head. Have some Tylenol at home. I couldn't take Advil for 48hr.