Fear after needing a biopsy

@hannah1 - the biopsy process is scary - but as previously mentioned it is an important piece of the process. I'd much rather go the biopsy and be told it was nothing, than to not have the biopsy and find out too late that early treatment would have been so much easier on me. I unfortunately had multiple biopsies - first to determine that it was in fact cancerous then a second time - I'd have to look at my notes to identify why. But the assists there during the procedure where there to help me through the process - to help ease my anxiety. The only helpful tip I'd like to provide is buy some extra bags of frozen peas or corn to keep the area iced after the procedure. After the procedure the facility only gave me one reusable ice bag - but I wanted to keep the area regularly iced - that was comforting to me - to minimize any discomfort. Best of luck when you have your biopsy if you chose to have one done.

Not all biopsies are cancerous...so have alittle grace with yourself.its scary,but it's not always cancer.i have had 5 biopsies in the past 3 years and the first one had me nervous...mostly because I never had one.each one of mine was actually fine.i ended up having them all removed,because I didn't want them living rent free in my body...lol...but they don't always need to be removed.its a personal decision that your Dr's can help you with.i have been lucky.on my last biopsy, I was advised i had LCIS.my surgeon set me up with an oncologist to discuss my options.since I am not in menapause, I was advised to take 20mg tamoxifin everyday for 5 years.i was nervous and decided to continue my every 6 mth mammo/sonogram screenings and once a year mri.after researching all info and speaking to other women...I decided to give it a try.i had found out I am at an extreme high risk for breast cancer and if I can do something to prevent it...I am willing to give it a try.i have only been taking tamoxifin for several weeks.i found the comments on these chats to be very helpful with side effects and what I am possibly in for.i guess I am just trying to say...you have every right to get scared,but all biopsies are not cancer and like myself and quite a few women I have spoken to...can actually put you on a path of prevention that you may have not known you may need.good luck to you and I hope everything works out.

@hannah1, I thought I'd check in. How are you doing? Did you need to have a biopsy?

I had three biopsies. The worst part was the fear in my mind prior to it. The first thing you get is a local shot of lidocaine. You feel it at first but it numbs the area pretty well. When they put in the needle for the biopsy, all you feel is some pressure, no pain, and then it clicks when the sample is taken. They may take several samples. Then they gave me some ice packs for after. 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off.

DebCF, just checking in to see how you’re doing after your biopsy. Are you okay?

Yes, I survived them. Thank you for asking.