HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

I need a stereotactic biopsy

Support Forums
>
Breast Cancer
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 2/10/2012 8:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone,

This is my first post.  I am a little nervous cause I was called back for a second mammo which I had today.  Then I had to have an ultrasound and then they told me this.  They said that because they did not see on the ultrasound what they saw on the mammogram, they want to do a stereotactic biopsy and to come back in 10 days.  Has this happened to anyone.  I thought the ultrasound was golden and they can see everything on them very clearly which is why they do them.  Should I worry.  Of course I am going to worry.  I am trying to stay positive.  I am 43 and have no history, but I know that doesn't matter anymore.  The tech said that in years past, they would usually tell a person to come back in 6 mos but today they want to be more sure.  I guess this is a good thing, right?  Anyone gone through this?  Please share your experience.  Thank you. 

Posted 2/11/2012 3:51 PM (GMT 0)
Of course you are going to worry! And of course, it is a good things that they are going to find out what this is. An ultrasound is done if they suspect something they see on the mammogram may be a cyst. An ultrasound will tell if what they're looking at is fluid-filled. Some fluid-filled cysts have some "stuff" in them. If that is the case, then there is a slight possibility that the "stuff" can have cancer cells. If what they're seeing isn't fluid-filled, that doesn't mean it is cancer. It just means it is not a cyst. Even with all the technology they have today, more often than not, a biopsy is negative for cancer. Hope yours turns out to be nothing. I think a biopsy scar is a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Hugs...
BEV
Posted 2/11/2012 6:06 PM (GMT 0)
Bev,

Thanks for responding and thanks for your insight.  I feel so alone with all of this.  Thanks again. 

Posted 7/8/2012 6:36 AM (GMT 0)
Hello @Englistea I too had a mammogram & ultrasound in December 2011 and told I had fibrocystic breast and told to come back 6 months for a follow-up. I had the mammogram and ultrasound done a second time June 2012 and told I have precalifications that would require a "stereotactic biopsy" as well as a ultra sound guided biopsy for another area on the same breast, (one of the nodules in my breast seem to have a gray haze over it - should be a solid black core).

I had the stereotactic biopsy last Thursday 7/5/12 and was told it would take 1-1.5 hrs. Mine took about 2.5 hours. Here's a video to help put your mind at ease: http://youtu.be/aOJahVP0qCo Mine went well enough, the (procedure) Dr.'s bed side manners weren't very courteous though, (he told me I'd feel nothing when he put the needle in position and well...I definitely needed more numbing. He responded nonchalantly to my cry as if I were being over dramatic to the pain he had just caused me. However, the assisting nurses were very kind, sympathetic and even holding my hand. A much appreciated and comforting gesture.

I am now waiting for the results. I am also scheduled for a ultrasound guided biopsy next Thursday 7/12/12 (a week from the first one) for a 'hazy nodule' in the same breast. I'm a bit anxious and sought out this forum to help me to not feel so overwhelmed.

So far... so good. lol! Not much in the forum about the stereotactic biopsy yet. It looks like it's just you and I kid [@EglishTea]. I noticed it's been a few months since your last post. I'd love to hear your updated story.

I pray all is well. I'll be sure to come back and post my story of 'what happened next'.

Stay UP - Stay Buoyant!
Posted 7/10/2012 9:35 PM (GMT 0)
Hello,

I am sorry it took me some time to get back to you as I misplaced my user id and password!  I know it's such a worry when you are waiting...perhaps you already have your results back by now.  It felt to me as though life just stopped until I got my results back...which by the way were normal.  Everything was benign and normal but I was told I need to go back at the 6 mos mark and get another one tested just in case but that will be in September!  So I do hope you are doing well.  Hang in there.  It's awful just waiting.  I have no support system and not much family besides my husband (who is not that supportive or likes to talk) and two young beautiful kids, so I turned here to try and get some support like many others I guess.  I'm sorry I can't help you...except to remember this.  Most biopsies come back benigh!  They really do. 

Posted 8/26/2012 4:17 PM (GMT 0)
TI am having stereotactic biopsy in 2 days ... So glad yours was ok .... Gives me more hope
Take care xx
Posted 8/28/2014 2:50 PM (GMT 0)
I had one yesterday. In fact, I had one in each breast. It's way over-hyped. Like you, I was scared, and I have a terrible fear of needles. But the staff couldn't have been nicer. The bed wasn't one I would want to sleep on all night, but it wasn't bad. The paddles did hold my breasts, but not too tight. They put a warm blanked over me, and told me what they were doing as they went along, so no surprises. The numbing shot was a piece of cake. Felt a twinge, but no sharp jab. Expected it to go into full-blown pain as they pushed the medicine in, but didn't happen. No real pain. I would go for this over having blood drawn any day, and I've have some good phlebotomists. They had to biopsy three spots on one breast, but arranged the shots so that after the first one I really didn't feel the second or third. They said I would feel some pulling during the actualy procedure. I did, but no pain at all. They rubbed my back, kept me warm, spoke gently to me. Doctor was the right amount of upbeat without being flippant or maddenly cheerful. Felt a bit light headed when I got up, so they had me sit on the table and offered me tea, water, juice or coffee. After I was dressed, they walked me out to the waiting room. Could not have had a kinder group of people around me.

I do have to say that, because I was so panicked before the procedure - days before it - my doctor prescribed a mild sedative. It was for panic attacks. (Was able to take one the morning of the procedure, too.) It kept the creepy crawlies away, allowed me to sleep at night, and made it possible for me to face the day without being so freaked out I wanted to run away. It did mean, though, that I had a relative take me to the waiting area and pick me up afterward, as it made me feel like I had just a bit of a buzz on. I didn't want to risk driving. Imaging hurting someone else because you were anxious.

Altogether easy experience. Haven't gotten the results yet, but the procedures was nothing to worry about. Take a deep breath and relax.
Posted 9/25/2014 10:47 PM (GMT 0)
I was scheduled for a stereotactic bopsy after a 2nd mammogram. It was not pleasant but it was tolerable. They told me they would call me within 24 hours to give me the results. I got the call almost exactly 24 hours later. I was told on the phone that I had breast cancer and that I would need to get in touch with a surgeon in the next day or so. I have had 2 surgeries and 33 rounds of radiation and my last mammogram was clear! The worst thing I went through, though, was the wire guide to pinpoint the tumor. It is like being stabbed with a wire with a fish hook on the end. Worst experience of my life. I even went into shock after the procedure and the surgery to remove the tumor was delayed. Just be cautioned if they tell you they are going to do this!
Posted 10/6/2014 9:47 PM (GMT 0)
I live in the New York area and I need a stereotactic biopsy and i don't know where to go. Can anyone recommend a good place for the biopsy? I don't want it messed up.
Where did you have yours done?
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply