Scared for next steps

Breathe! We’re all here, because we’re STILL all here!
You’ll get responses from others who’ve gone thru similar procedures.

For me, and my level of nervousness, if I was going to have a stereotactic biopsy I’d ask for something to relax me during the procedure and ask about asking something like Tylenol beforehand. I like to go in as prepared as possible to have a good outcome with as little inconvenience to me as possible.
I had a core needle biopsy. The radiologist told me the lidocaine (Novocain) used to numb the skin will sting for 20 seconds. I realized that was the same amount of time we’re supposed to wash our hands - and she and I laughed that I was going to sing the Happy Birthday song to get through the stinging stage. There was a sting, I didn’t sing, but the entire procedure was not painful.
Wishing you peace through this early time, keep us updated on how things are going!

Thank you

I have dense breasts also. At first I was getting mammograms, but now I get MRI's. I found a lump and it was diagnosed as stage 2 breast cancer. I went through chemo first then radiation and finally surgery. I've been on Exemestane for about 4 years now and am doing well. YOU CAN DO THIS!!! We are all here to help you. Keep me posted!!

Hearing your have BI-RADS 4 and reading the word suspicious can send you for an emotional tail spin. I like the support and tips you've received from @sally484 and @triciaot.

You might also appreciate the information shared in these discussions:

- Help me understand: Architecture distortion with BI-RADS 4 https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/architecture-distortion-with-birads-4/

See all https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/breast-cancer/?search=Bi-RAD&index=discussions

@bkfx2, how are you doing?

Oh boy, we are in the exact same boat. I’m newly diagnosed, have dense breasts, and my anxiety level is through the roof. I had a stereotactic biopsy too and had the hardest time keeping still. The radiologist suggested I get a prescription for Xanax (or something like that) for the next one I have to have. So I’m hoping that’ll help.

It’s the unknowns and not knowing what to expect that’s been so hard on me. I wish I didn’t have such a vivid imagination, because I’m imagining that everything is going to be horrible. I will say, that so far, the doctors and nurses have been so great, and that has been comforting. Unfortunately they’re not available to talk me down from the 2:00 am panic attacks. Anyone know how to get through those?

I am quite prone to those, I don’t know if my tricks will work for you but here goes.
Firstly, I get out of bed and make a warm cup of sleepy time tea. Then I remind myself that I have a 30 minute time slot reserved for worry, this allows to trick my brain into setting it aside until that time slot.
Also because I also worry that if I don’t get back to sleep, I will be exhausted all day, I remind myself that I can take a nap if I need to and that usually allows me to relax and get back to sleep.
If I lay in bed, and fight it, I will still be awake when my alarm goes off.
Have you had ways to deal with these late night panics in the past?

I cried frequently in the beginning after my triple negative BC diagnosis. I did get the prescription for Xanax even though I’ve never needed anti anxiety medication in the past. If I cried, I took one (low dosage). I was still easily able to manage my day and it did work for me. The benefit is you only take when needed-there’s not a loading period.

I’m also on board with other methods, but you mentioned Xanax so I thought I’d weigh in.

Best wishes,
Cindy

You have gotten some good response here. I'm sorry you are suffering from these. What I do is prepare for sleep in a positive way. I usually do some light stretching or very gentle dance movement for a few minutes. I write in my journal, just getting all my fears and worries down on paper (rather than in my head). I do some meditation, or focus on good things about the day, and maybe think ahead to what I can enjoy the next day. This isn't 100% but it has helped a lot over the years. When I first got my cancer diagnosis I did well by daylight--had activities, support, good habits. But night can be quite another matter! Maybe try a thing or two and get back to us? I take a beta-blocker if anxiety gets really bad, and it works well. I do think the start of breast cancer can absolutely be the hardest, as much is unknown. I'm guessing you'll start to do better as you get further along.

@auntieoakley @cmdw2600 @mir123 I can’t tell you how grateful I am for your words and suggestions. I feel better just reading your responses. I found this group yesterday, and spent about an hour before bed going through many of the posts, and for the first time since the diagnosis, I slept almost through the night. Not perfectly, but much better. I already have a journal writing habit—I’m going to write all of your suggestions down. I know there are going to be a lot of ups and downs, but at least now I know that it’s even possible to have some “ups.” Thank you thank you.

Now just keep some positive thoughts for me tomorrow morning when I have to have an MRI. I’m so claustrophobic so right now I can’t imagine there’s enough Xanax in the world to get me through it! I’m actually more afraid of that than surgery. Funny how fears work, huh.

You probably already know this, but if your MRI is like mine (2019) you will be face down with your breasts in two holes. For me, it was way easier in that position with m eyes closed than if I had been face up. My techs were kind and compassionate and I’ll bet yours will be too!

Keep us posted!
Cindy