Breast biopsy

Hi

I went for a breast MRI mid March, I was told in my consultation a couple of weeks earlier that a biopsy would be done at the same time if necessary. I didn't have a biopsy and it wasn't mentioned during my MRI appointment. I contacted my Consultant last week for the results and I've been told I have to go for an ultrasound guided biopsy in my left breast and axilla. I am worried sick, has anyone else had this and is that more than usual, breast and axilla or is that how a biopsy is usually described? I have no idea but everything seems to be taking so long. After the biopsy next week I have an appointment at the beginning of May to see the Consultant to discuss the results. If it was urgent would I be contacted straight away? Just extremely worried about it all.

x

Parents
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    Hi Tootsweet,

    I am sorry that this hasn't been explained to you more clearly by your care team. A lot depends upon what type of clinic you attend as to what type of tests will be carried out at your first appointment. Some clinics are 'one stop shops' where everything is dealt with at once. Other clinics don't always have the facilities to do everything at once, so they bring you back for further tests. Most people under 40 don't have a mammogram, as their breasts tend to be denser and the image tends to be less clear.

     Many people have an ultrasound guided biopsy of breast and/or underarm. I know that it seems as if all of this is taking forever, but it is actually much quicker than most hospital referrals. It is always difficult to deal with the unknown and most of us tend to give reign to our over-active imaginations, which can lead us to all sorts of dark places.  It is normal to wait between 1-3 weeks for a biopsy result, whatever the outcome. It is not all that common to have your appointment brought forward and, this is more often due to a cancellation by another patient, than any need for urgency. Try to keep yourself preoccupied with a hobby or pastime to help the waiting time to pass.

    Whatever you do, steer clear of Dr Google. Much of the information is poorly researched, out of date and aimed at the more spectacular cases. This will only scare you further and serve no useful purpose.  Finally, if it does come to a cancer diagnosis, breast cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer nowadays. I myself have had 2 bouts in the past 12 years and I still lead a busy and fulfilling life.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Thank you for your reply, I'm just all over the place at the moment. I just want to know once and for all so I can deal with it. I am trying to keep busy and it does slip my my occasionally but then I remember and the worry and stress starts all over again. Like you say Google doesn't really help. I've stupidly been Googling all sorts of things and it's probably made me feel worse! I will steer clear. I have my biopsy on Tuesday which I'm dreading but just want it over with. Thanks again for your message.

    x

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    HI Tootsweet,

    The biopsy is straightforward. You will have a local anaesthetic inserted into the area first, so you will hardly feel it. The biopsy is guided by the ultrasound so that the sample can be taken from the exact spot where the mass is. The ultrasound is totally painless and you can even see what is happening on the screen if you want to. 

    Not long until Tuesday now - I hope that it all goes well for you. Please let us know how you get on and remember that we are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Hi i am new here and like you am feeling anxious  ....if it's any help I had my biopsy last Tuesday at the same time as my ultrasound and  it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be (prob the sound of it is worse than it is) and everyone was so kind and understanding at the clinic they put me at ease - hope all goes well for you xxxx

Reply
  • Hi i am new here and like you am feeling anxious  ....if it's any help I had my biopsy last Tuesday at the same time as my ultrasound and  it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be (prob the sound of it is worse than it is) and everyone was so kind and understanding at the clinic they put me at ease - hope all goes well for you xxxx

Children
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    Hi Mamamia,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I am glad to see that you have had your biopsy and that it all went well. Were you told when you will get your results? Waiting for them is always an anxious time and I hope that you don't have too long before you get them. 

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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    Hi

    i had my biopsy yesterday, and like you said, it wasn't as bad as I thought. The Radiology Dept we're running behind with appointments so I waited an hour before I went in, which didn't help. I have an appointment for the results next Thursday which I'm very nervous about. But at least I'll know once and for all what's going on.

     I hope you're OK and you don't have too long to wait for your results. Take care.

    x