Multiple site stereotactic biopsies in one breast.

[vermontgirlII]

Hi,  I was just told that instead of a single stereotactic biopsy site, they are going to sample two different areas.  My BIRADs is 4, with heterogeneous micro calcifications.  My question is this.  Does the multiple site sampling change the odds that I have breast cancer?

Thank you

[Montana girl 06]

There is a huge difference in medical centers. I'm so sorry you had a bad experience. I had a nurse rubbing my shoulder during the stereotactic. Then she compressed my breast after the stereotactic to keep bleeding to a minimum. Then I was walked down the hall for a mammogram. After that they sat me in a recliner with a warmed blanket and offered me juice. Of my 3 biopsies, this medical center was definatley the warmest/most patient centered. I would definately look for another place. I hope your results turn out ok.

[laure113]

That sounded awful. I was told not to eat several hours befor the surgery because some woman get sick. I was lucky! Mine also took an hour. I was not left alone in the room. I hope my next one is as okay as the other. Not fun by any means. Medicine has become so cold. Most of the time, I feel like a number. You have to feel comfortable with your doctor and I'm glad you wouldn't settle. Hope everything turns out okay. Please let us know.

[Ladymusical]

Hi All:
I had a stereotactic biopsy yesterday.  I had two sites also. Quite frankly the whole experience was not good.  I thought the initial meeting with the surgeon was pretty good.  My opinion from yesterday was entirely different.  I, unlike other women found the procedure to be invasive. I felt nauseaus during the entire procedure.  Start to finish was 45 minutes-not 15 as I was originally told. I was given sufficient novacaine.Thank God.  Then it changed it was like I wasn't there. After it was done they told me to sit up. The surgeon went to filling out forms and dictating to his office on the phone about the procedure and she (the tech) was reviewing the screen and going on and on about the samples. How great they were. And that I should be excited about this. They left me sitting for over 10 minutes holding my breast where the incisions had been made. As they chatted on and on.  Yes I understand the importance of getting good samples and noting the information  BUT note to doctors and techs make sure the patient is taken care of. Everyone else was lovely and empathetic. These two were much too clinical. If it turns out that they had to take care of these matters immediately, then have a nurse come in or someone to make sure the patient is ok. Afterwards I went to have another mamogram so they could record the markers. For the most part I have found the medical world a different place than the doctors I grew up with.  If it turns out to be malignant I will have to find a different surgeon.  Someone that recognizes that this is a difficult and scarey time for the patient. I am to call my doctor's office tomorrow for the results after 10. This past month has seemed surreal. You ladies and my husband have been so helpful, thank you.Good luck to all and my prayers are with you.

[ziggy123]

I am sorry that you had such an unpleasant experience with your biopsy. It it amazing how all of us have had such a wide range of experiences with procedures and the medical profession in general. You are right to plan to seek out a new more understanding physician if need be. I will say a prayer that this is not necessary and that everything will be fine for you.

[blondieny]

HAPPY THANGSGIVING! Once i again i have to say what an amazing forum this is. I work for a family MD and i feel as though i have acquired more info through everyones experiences. I seen the surgeon yesterday good news is they feel as though the one area of calcifications which i was extremly concerned about because it was in the duct, was more like  a ribbon of calcifacations, and that we need to keep eye on, when i go in for the biopsies of the other calcifacation, and  the fibroadenoma i will requestion my concern reguarding it being in the duct. I just want to tell all of you that getting the most knowledge of what is going on before you talk with a surgeon ( or md ) is extremly important. My us showed the mass diagnosed as fibroadenoma, which now has become smaller, I asked if this was possible answer being NO, it probally is a cyst, they will find out during biopsies. I didnt think us could confuse fibroadenoma and a cyst, SO just ask lots of questions and be knowledgable.  HAVE A GREAT THANKSGIVING

[laure113]

Yes, I did have the sterotactic and my first cluster was removed completely. I'm not sure if this is always the case. I hope so!