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Vaccum assisted/core biopsy complications/infection

Daisy_B
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Hi all. I know it's late in the day, people may not see this, but I'm feeling like there is no one to talk to at home, my husband is dealing with this all by pretending its not happening.

I had 2 breast biopsies which were inconclusive, then 2 vaccum assisted biopsies (VAB) last week. I'm awaiting results next week.

A week after my 2nd VAB one biopsy site started randomly leaking a watery/red/yellow fluid. I went to the GP and I've been on antibiotics 3 days. She told me to take the dressing off after a few days and see how things were. Tonight I have taken it off and it's still leaking a lot of yellow/red tinged fluid. I will ring the GP tomorrow, but I am just looking for experiences. Is this normal? Is it common?

Both sites have been pretty painful and very lumpy/solid since being done, I'm not sure how normal that is.

I know people may not reply, I'm just feeling lonely and am hoping there is some experience out there.

Thanks for reading.

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    Hi Daisy, I'm sorry you're having problems after your VAB. I had US guided core biopsies in my breast and armpit and about ten days later my breast felt really swollen and lumpy, especially where the bruising was, so that sounds normal. You are doing the right thing calling your GP again. Or better still call your BCN or Macmillan 0808 8080 000. They are there 8am-8pm. Hope it clears up soon and results are nothing to worry about. x

  • Offline in reply to Amy321

    Thanks Amy.  I'm glad the lump/bruising is normal, I've been struggling to find much information about  it. Most things (including the leaflet they give you) seem to say 48 hours and a bit of paracetamol and you'll be fine, and that hasn't been my experience at all!

    Hopefully it'll just stop doing what it's doing. I may well end up with completely innocent results next week, but the waiting in addition to these complications is taking its toll now. Thanks for replying, I appreciate it xx

  • Offline in reply to Daisy_B

    You're welcome. I thought the same about the leaflet we got following biopsy. I didn't need any painkillers but the swelling over a week later really frightened me. I do hope it's all ok for you. Please let us know. I've calmed down a bit since the start of all this, but I'm sure the anxiety levels will go up again before I go for the MRI, see the oncologist, and have more biopsies. Then the wait for results.... its agonizing, isn't it? Take care. Will be thinking of you xx

  • Offline in reply to Amy321

    Hi Amy

    I'm glad you feel you've calmed down a bit, me too actually, its not constantly on my mind, but all this faff with the biopsy makes it a bit harder to put to the back of my mind!

    I know you've had your diagnosis and are waiting for further checks on other places, I've got everything crossed for you. I hope you have loads of support while you are both dealing with a diagnosis and while waiting for more tests. 

    Look after yourself, thanks for caring xxx

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