Terrified of my biopsy tomorrow, please help!

[bavmoorda]

I'm having my first stereotactic needle biopsy tomorrow on the mammatome machine and I am totally terrified.  I HATE needles and I have a very low threshold for pain.
I am trying to keep myself calm but the not knowing what to expect is making me panic.  If anyone has some words of wisdom, comfort or information that might help, PLEASE respond to this.
And thank you in advance for your generosity.

[pdm228]

I have to have a biopsy and have no insurance. I am 62 and recently divorced ..Is there any help I can get. Thanks for any information.

[maa64]

Go to www.medhelp.org/posts/show/308624
Sorry no one posted on this one for quite awhile and I didn't check it. Boy do you have a lot to catch up on. If that thread closes then we'll go to another thread, just check for our names.
All is okay with me how about you?
Take care
maa

[mistyb361]

Maa, How are you?! I can't find the other string.  I miss all of you all.  

[Tygerpen]

By now you probably have had the stereotactic biopsy, so this is also for anyone who's nervous about having one. I had read horror stories about it, but I found, like most everybody else here, that it was really no big deal. The local anesthetic injections were relatively easy, and I didn't feel the harvesting of the microcalfications. So no big deal (the procedure)! The hard part is waiting for the results, which I am now!!!

[maa64]

How did the procedure go? When will you get your results?

[trixie567]

Take a deep breath & wed. will be here before you know it, then you will already be looking back at how well tuesday went for you. I know its easier said then done...but I had 2 weeks to search the net & read all the horror stories (most people only post the bad experiences). I am more than glad to share my good one so people know its not that bad. Let us know the results!

Almost forgot....the room was mostly dark (no lights) due to the x-ray so it made it more relaxing & comfortable....you'll be FINE!

[bavmoorda]

thank you soooooo much.  Your specific info. has really helped demystify this for me.  I am thrilled that your results were B9, yipppeee!  I'll keep you posted on mine.
Many many thanks and blessings to you.

[bavmoorda]

You are all so wonderful.  You have made my anxiety decrease ten-fold.
It is such a comfort to know that there are beautiful, decent, kind women all around me who care.
I am grateful for your kindness and support and send you blessings galore!

[maa64]

I had the same procedure as trixie. Let us know how you made out and what the results are. Thanks. Praying for you! The procedure wasn't bad.

[trixie567]

Yes, they did numb up the breast very well, as I did not feel a thing after that...not even any pressure as some women report, I believe they numb you a couple of times & my surgeon was great- he continually asked to make sure I did not feel any pain throughout. The biopsy itself aside from getting you adjusted in the table and mammogram pics etc...was maybe 5 -10 minutes of the actual taking of the tissue samples, after that they placed a titanium clip at the site (I had suspicious microcalcifications BIRADS 4). It took quite a while for the lidocaine to wear off for me but honestly, I really wasn't sore-make sure you get a good sports bra to wear afterwards- I actually wore mine 48 hrs. straight- less movement and more support is best along with keeping it iced. I got a presc. for darvocet which I never needed and tylenol which I did not even take that- I was lucky! They took 12 samples from me which sounds like a lot but it goes faster than you think. I suppose laying still is the hard part for some, but I was only on the table for 30 min. total-it goes by quick cause the surg. tech & Dr. talked to me the entire time.
My results came back some type of benign breast condition: sclerosis adenosis, but no malignancy which is great- going in I was just as scared of getting diagnosed with cancer as the biopsy itself.


Not everyone heals the same, I went to work the next day & was fine- I just have a small bruise now- and it can be sore to put pressure on it or accidentally knock into the area.
I wish you luck & a B9 outcome, let me know if you have any other questions.

[bavmoorda]

Thanks for your comments.  Sounds like the same thing.  I have to lay on a table and put my breast through a hole and then the needle is guided.  Did they give you a local anesethsia ( a shot in the breast) before hand?   How long did the biopsy itself actually take?  Were you very sore afterwards?  Also, did you get your results yet?  

[trixie567]

Hi there,

I was in the exact boat as you monday a week ago! My surgeon wrote me a script for valium, I ended up taking half of one about 10 min. beforehand but wish I hadn't because it was too strong for me (I don't handle well with pain meds). It will take the edge off for you- so I recommend at least doing that. I had the stereotactic biopsy, I don't think its quite the same as mammotome though ? I had to lay face down on a table where your breast hangs through an opening and they work on you like that guided by x-ray. I did not feel a thing! It was way better than I worked it up to be. let me know if you need to know any more details.........

[bavmoorda]

Thank you for that advice.  I have some Valium that I will take beforehand.  When you had your biopsy was it in the machine, the Mammotome?  And how long did the actual biopsy part of the procedure take?  And were you in much pain afterwards?
Your prayers are graciously appreciated.
Blessings to you as well.

[maa64]

Can you call the doctor and tell him you are having some fear. They can give you a pill that relaxes you. They gave me one before the biopsy and it helped relax me. I'll pray for you.