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Biopsy reset!?

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Posted 1/25/2006 12:15 AM (GMT 0)
Okay, what a day I have had! I didn't have a great to begin with. Sleep deprived and a headache to boot, I know I couldn't have aspirin or tylenol so I refrained. I went to appt and was 15 minutes early and had all my paperwork. I was sent to my room fifteen minutes after my appt was supposed to start. I got the paper top and put it on. My hubby came with me for support and we sat down to wait in our room.

After 45 minutes went by I was beginning to think they had forgotten about me so I popped my head out and saw no one around, after another 15 minutes my hubby had to leave to go back home to get our son from school. I flagged down a nurse and asked how much longer and she said any minute. Finally she came in and asked what was going on. She said the mammo and sonogram were fine. I showed her the sunken spot and the lump. She had me raise my arms and lower them and put them out to the sides and front and then she did a breast examination of both breasts and said: "Oooh here it is. There is a lump here for sure." She said there was a large lump and my lymph nodes were slightly swollen. She wanted to do an ultrasound to get some pictures. She marked the spot and did the ultrasound and took 2 pictures of the lump. It looked huge to me when it was on the screen, surely they magnify the images don't they?

Long story short she said since I took aspirin 2 days ago I had to wait another week aspirin free and come back for a biopsy. She said because of it's size she was going to make an incision instead of a fine needle aspiration. Now I am panicking. I am glad she found the lump because I hate feeling like I am crazy, but scared because it is there. I go in on the 3rd of February.

Melissa
Posted 1/25/2006 12:29 AM (GMT 0)
OK Calm down, actually the incision biopsy is the best in my humble opinion, because it will remove the whole lump not just a tiny section of it. If the results of the needle test had been positive you would have had to have the lump removed anyhow. The incision is nothing. Day surgery and not bad at all. The lymph node biopsy is a little more painful but did they say anything about doing it? Waiting til Feb 3rd is not so long, although I know you just want to get it over with. We all felt that way. Hang in there, we are here to help with any concerns you have. Hugs, MK
Posted 1/25/2006 1:21 AM (GMT 0)
What a day! Now it is time to hurry up and wait....as someone told me today, which I already knew, worrying is wasted emotion...it won't change the outcome. As far as the fact that they are doing an excisional biopsy...that does not mean anything worse. It just means it has to come out. My surgeon told me that they often remove fibroadenomas (benign tumor), as they tend to grow too large.

Panicking is normal, but try not to...there is no reason to just yet. Hang in there!
Lori
Posted 1/25/2006 3:04 AM (GMT 0)
Melissa

Im sorry for what you are going through but it is easier to have the lump taken out and biopsied. I had a fairly large lumpectomy and did not have very much pain at all. We will all be there for you to give you the support you need.
Posted 1/25/2006 4:19 AM (GMT 0)
Thank-you all so much for your support. I really do appreciate your kind words and encouragement. I am not panicking anymore, I will let you all know how it goes. I hope you all have a great evening!

Melissa
Posted 1/25/2006 6:41 AM (GMT 0)
Melissa, did she say they were going to actually remove it or just make an incision in the skin for the biopsy? I ask because I had a core biopsy and they made a small cut in the skin to insert the hollow tube into it. It wasn't fun, but definitely bareable.

Best wishes for a big fat benign!!!
Posted 1/25/2006 2:46 PM (GMT 0)
Louieloui,
She said they would take a chunk then place a metal marker in it so they could locate it again if need be. She said she would make an incision about the width of her finger and the marker would be the size of George Washington's nose on the quarter. Not too bad I guess. lol

Melissa
Posted 1/25/2006 6:12 PM (GMT 0)
Melissa,

I believe what you're having is a core biopsy and I had that done. The pulled 11 cores out - they were going to stop at 8 but I said it wasn't too bad and that they could do more if it would help make sure we knew what the lump was. You'll be able to handle it. Can you get someone to pickup your son from school on the 3rd so you DH can stay with you (although usually they won't allow him in the room during the biopsy). Hang in there. The waiting is always the most difficult part about anything! We're here for you if you want to talk or ask anything. Take care!

Laure'
Posted 1/25/2006 6:37 PM (GMT 0)
We all know what you are going through.  It is scary, but try to stay busy and not think too much about it.  My best advise is to do your research, so you are an educated patient.  That makes all the difference in how you are treated.  We will be there with you on the PCE during the biopsy, so don't mind all the feathers.  The doctors love that!  LOL  Let us know as soon as you can.
Posted 1/25/2006 8:48 PM (GMT 0)
Melissa:

 

Right now I am looking at a book on my shelf at my desk.  It's Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book.  It's perfect to get you quickly educated.  The sisters had great ideas, too, especially about your husband staying while you are there.  You're that important.

 

I'm praying here in The Catskills.  Do something nice for yourself tonight. 

Posted 1/26/2006 5:15 AM (GMT 0)
OOOhhh, big hug for you all!
I have started researching and it has really helped me understand the procedure. I have my pink feather and I will let you all know how it goes. I can't tell you all how much you have helped me and countless others. I really do appreciate you!

Melissa
Posted 1/27/2006 12:49 AM (GMT 0)
Melissa- Just adding my thoughts for your biopsy and benign results... hang in there, the waiting stinks!!
hugs
stefanie
Posted 1/27/2006 3:53 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you too Steph! Yeah I am quite the impatient person. I am planning to get out and have a little fun this weekend, celebrate my B-day and leave my worries at the door. Have a great weekend!

Melissa
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