MRI guided Biopsy - What was your experience like?

Colleen,
Thanks for the compassion I appreciate it. I made the appointment with the breast cancer surgeon today for November 27th. My husband wants to go with me. So far, he is O.K. in public. He is so upset that he can't drive me to my appointments. He has been by my side for 56 years and has always helped me through all of my many illnesses. Our daughter drove me to one appointment that I thought would include a biopsy and our son drove me to the other appointment when I had the core biopsy done. Unless I am having biopsies or surgery, I will probably drive myself. The breast surgeon and radiation facility I might be going to is not too far from my home. My daughter has offered to take a leave of absence from teaching, but I hate to have her do that. I could change my mind depending on what my treatment will be. I have an appointment with my oncologist this Friday and I will probably learn a little more about what the plan is. In the last 4 years I have had 6 MRI's, 6 3-D mammograms and 7 ultrasounds. I am very perplexed as to why this mass was not seen sooner. Also perplexed that our local hospital imaging department could not see the mass but the university hospital had no trouble finding it.

Oh Katrina, I'm so sorry to read your news. While one might think that having a second go around at this you might be prepared. But I can only imagine that knowing what is to come is unsettling to say the least. You didn't expect this I'm sure. And to have to go through this while also caring for your husband certainly adds a layer of complexity.

When will you meet with the surgeon? Is there someone who can accompany you to your appointments and someone else who can stay with your husband if necessary?

Update...
I was called back in to the breast clinic and I had another ultrasound instead of an MRI and this time they saw the mass so they went ahead and performed an ultrasound guided biopsy. Unfortunately, the diagnosis is invasive ductal carcinoma with mucinous features grade 2. They took 6 core biopsies. I am very upset because January of 2020 I had a different kind of breast cancer in the other breast and had a lumpectomy and 4 weeks of full breast radiation with a boost. So, I didn't even make it 4 years without cancer. My life is so much more complicated now since my husband has Alzheimer's and he can't drive.
Right now I am waiting for a call from the breast surgeon's office to schedule an appointment for me.
(Are we having fun yet?)
Katrina

I was face down. My breast was actually in a “frame”. I got to choose music that I could listen to during procedure (Jimmy Buffett) and given a mild sedative. If these things are not offered, you can ask. I was overwhelmed and scared at beginning of diagnostic processes, but once I discovered all the staff was there to help and very willing to answer my questions. Good luck to you!

I am 77 and I just don't have the energy that I used too. Also, I have to go to a city that I am not familiar with. I do wish that I could drive myself.

You are amazing!

Hi. Get a friend to help if you need. I was able to drive home after my MRI biopsy. It is rather noisy because of the big magnet in the machine. The anatheisa was local, a sting, the biopsy needle still did sting a bit. I had a bruise for a week from the grid that they use to hold the breast in place. The needle mark healed up and my breast was tender and itchy for a week. But within a day they told me it was not cancerous but pre-cancer. I have a friend who has had small breast cancers in both breasts, so you are not alone. Do not let the fear take over. I found the doctor doing the biopsy was very intelligent and able to answer my questions.

@katrina123 - I had MRI biopsy and yes you lie face down and the biopsy procedure can be uncomfortable. I like several others had extremely comforting assistants during the procedure that either held my hand or touched me with soothing music during the procedure. I had a previous Ultrasound needle core biopsy where they implanted a marker so there was no doubt where the MRI biopsy needed to be done. I can't for the life of me remember why I had two biopsies. But I know one was done at the start which determined I in fact had BC - determined it was Triple Negative; and the second was done after chemo, but before my bilateral. Not to give the impression that I'm tough, but I drove myself to both biopsy appointments and was provided an ice pack to place on the sight of the biopsy for my drive home. I'm just trying to impart that I was uncomfortable but not in pain and able to safely focus on my drive home from the appointment. I used that drive home to focus on my driving so I didn't focus on the what if's after the procedure.

kissmekate48,

There are so many nice people on this site.

Thanks for your well wishes!
Katrina

jportal, resort, ssmab,

Thank you all for the information. I am glad that you warned me that it could hurt so that I won't think that something has gone wrong if I feel some pain.

If I do have cancer again, I am going to look into getting some help with the transportation. I never thought I would be in this position. Never thought that I would be in this position.
Katrina

My experience was excellent. I previously had a stereotactic biopsy, and this was much easier, to me.

I found the compression to be lighter, and that really helped. They biopsied 2 sites very quickly with just a couple of trips in and out of the MRI. I also healed quickly with no residual discomfort (again, I think the lighter compression helped) and I took 1 Tylenol that night, then that was it.

I hope your procedure goes well!