What questions should I be asking after breast biopsies?

Posted by DMD81 @dmdinapoli81, Jul 13 4:39pm

I just turned 44 and have dense breasts. Had my mammogram then a week later a DX mammogram and ultrasound a week later. I have 2 “areas” of concern and my lymph node. This is some of what was said, left breast irregular hypoechoic area with indistinct margins and shadowing is identified, approximately measuring 1.0 x 1.2 x 1.6 cm… and left breast show a ill-defined hypoechoic area with angular margins, approximately measuring 1.7 x 0.8 x 1.4 cm and lymph node with focal cortical thickening. I have biopsies being done on all 3 tomorrow but want to know what to ask. And what should I know?

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Rubyslippers | @triciaot | Jul 13 9:03pm

If they are doing a core needle or fine needle biopsy on the breast lesions, they’ll probably use lidocaine to numb the skin beforehand. Lidocaine is used when cuts on other parts of the body are stitched and probably used by your dentist. It has a sting initially, my radiologist said it might be for 20 seconds, but it was not that long for me. I joked with her that it’s the same length of time we’re supposed to wash our hands so I was going to sing the Happy Birthday song so I know when the 20 seconds would be up.

If they’re doing a biopsy of the lymph node, check with them to see if you should take a pain reliever before the procedure, like at home a few hours before. It evidently makes a big difference in comfort levels - but I didn’t have one so I’m only repeating what I’ve heard.

Other than that, I don’t know of anything to do or ask before the biopsies. Once they look at the type of cells, they’ll know more. And that’s when you might have more questions.

Best wishes to you for tomorrow! Know that there are many of us here to virtually hold your hand and be sending good vibes!

salamander | @salamander | Jul 14 7:17am

In reply to @triciaot "If they are doing a core needle or fine needle biopsy on the breast lesions, they’ll..." + (show)

Just take three motrin.
No worries.

anatomary | @anatomary | Jul 14 12:18pm

Don't worry too much about the biopsy process - that's pretty easy. The lidocaine was an interesting numbing sensation - and yes, stings a little upon injection. I had very little pain following my biopsy - but I did not have lymph nodes biopsied ...yet. I am waiting on a path report after having a profylactic bilateral masectomy. The worst thing of the whole process is waiting to get your path report/diagnosis - only second to trying to figure out which treatment option (if you are presented with more than one) you would like to follow. Good luck with the procedure - you got this!