Please give me your experience

[rubytuesday702]

I was supposed to have a stereo tactic needle biopsy due to unknown calcium deposits they wanted to check out from my mammo. At the last minute at my arrival they realized they could not proceed with the test due to where the calcium deposits were located right below skin line and suggested surgical breast biospy instead. I am a nervous wreck over this procedure. Can u advise me if its painful -if I feel it? I will probably have local anethesia- anxious to know the healing process also- Anyone who has experienced this please discuss it with me asap. Thanks


This discussion is related to Soreness in arms after surgery.

[patti001]

Hi.  My name is Patti.  I live in Georgia.  I had a needle biopsy of calcifications in Dec. 08 which turned out to be malignant.  I then underwent a lumpectomy.  I have a scar up from my nipple which is several inches in length.  I then received 35 radiation treatments and finished up in April 08.  Was put on Tamoxifen for five years.  I just stopped taking it.  I can't tolerate the pain in my joints and muscles and the dry mouth and the 30 pounds of weight gained.  I have breast implants and the radiation really messed me up.  I saw a plastic surgeon last week about taking the implant out.  All of this has made me wish I didn't even have breasts.  I know you are scared.  I've been there.  I wish you the very, very best!  You hang in there!!

[iam1butterfly]

Oh, I forgot to mention. After I healed from the biopsy/ surgery, I noticed that the site of the scar felt rather hard and stiff... like a knot. This was the result of the scar tissue. I massaged the scar with vitamin E oil nightly for about 6 months; and that seemed to soften the scar and minimize the stiffness.

[iam1butterfly]

Yeah, my stitches were also the type that the body absorbs. For me, that pre op seemed to involve a whole lot of paperwork (i.e. allergies to medications, pre-existing medical conditions, consent forms, health insurance, etc....). On the day of the surgery, I was weighed in and met with the anesthetist who asked me several questions regarding past experiences with anesthetics. And, she said that I should expect to have a very sore throat for a few days following the surgery. She didn't say why; but, I know that it was the tubing that was used to keep my airway open that caused the sore throat. Anyway, once I was in the operating room, a mask was placed over my nose and mouth; and I don't remember a thing, thereafter. I was very lethargic, in fact, I believe that I slept that the remainder of that day. But I had no nausea and no pain. And, although I felt very sore and achy, I was able to drive the following day. I was also told to expect to hear from my doctor and make an appointment to see him for a follow up within a week. He called and gave me the good news within 3 days.

[rubytuesday702]

I appreciate all the info you have given me. I just spoke to my surgeon have an excisional breast biopsy scheduled for Mar 23rd. I will have stitches that  disappear on their own. I asked him several questions approx 4-10 stitches. Need my pre op done first to get clean bill of health. Let me know if your familar with this too. Dr. claims I won't feel a thing. I also asked him if breast size or shape changes he claims most probably not. Says of course everything should be fine. I still can't cope with this tramatic experience ahead of me. Please share with me more of your experience with this. Can I drive the fllwg day also.? Says I call him 5 days later to find out results? Please give me all coments on who ever is familar with this.  Thanks

[healingwell62]

I had both kinds of biopsies -- the stereotactic was the worse of the two!

Let us know how things turn out.

Warmly,

Chris
Healingwell62
Breast Cancer 1 & 2 Community Leader

[iam1butterfly]

The same thing happened to me. In 2005, my annual mammogram showed that I had "microscopic calcifications of a suspicious origin" in my right breast. Initially, I was set to have the stereotactic needle biopsy; but, my calcifications were located in an area where the needle probe couldn't reach. So, I had to go with the surgical biopsy instead. On the day of my surgery, a fine wire was inserted in the area were the biopsy was to be performed... this was done at the radiological facility. From there, I went directly to the out patient surgical facility. I was fully anesthetized so, I had to have someone with me (to drive) on the day of the procedure. A sampling of the both the calcifications and the surrounding tissue was removed. My incision had a few stitches ( I forget how many; but it wasn't a lot). I was told to take it easy for the following 3-4 days (no heavy lifting) and, to avoid swimming pools and hot tubs. Although I was given a prescription for Vicodin for pain; I never needed it. The pain was minimal (I took only a few extra strength Tylenol tabs). However, I was left very sore and achy and I had quite a bit of swelling and bruising. But, that would happen with any surgical procedure. I also took antibiotics; but, I somehow managed to get a mild infection, which quickly cleared. In total, the healing took a few weeks. And, I was left with a very fine line 1 inch scar. Oh, and my my biopsy... it came back benign. Best wishes and good luck.