Biopsies. Two. Right and left. Why? My MRI showed additional areas of concern.
On the right, a smaller mass similar to the initial mass. It was not seen on a mammogram or the initial ultrasound. Although, to be fair, they were looking at the 2 centimeter (cm) mass. My MRI said it’s 2.1. Hence the Stage 2 now. Just .1 cm makes it sound scarier.
On the left, an irregular calcification that is kind of linear and in an area 1.6 x .7 cm. This was noted on the mammogram but only after being viewed on the MRI. The chances of it being caught with just the mammogram were maybe not great. Plus, they were concerned about the right mass and focused there.
I know you want to know what this was like. It was so fun! Kidding. The PET scan was a cakewalk. Biopsies? Less so.
They were running late. We showed up at the appointed time, and I had to wait. I was pulled into a room to do a mammogram on my left side in preparation for my stereotactic biopsy. I behaved and held my breath when requested and the pictures were fine. Then I kept waiting. I think it was around an hour and a half to two hours of waiting until we got down to business. They were running behind. I hope it wasn’t because they’d had complications with someone and needed lots of extra time.
Right biopsy. Ultrasound-guided. I was face-up on a table and a bolster placed behind my right side to elevate the area. My offenders have all decided to be on the under part of my breasts, so that’s where they needed access to. After thoroughly cleaning the area, I was numbed with lidocaine that the doctor inserted into the affected area after spending time making sure it was the correct spot. That hurt a little, but it’s just a pinch. And much better than feeling, oh, anything.
I haven’t read the notes on this biopsy yet, but I did a little research on the size of the needles. A core biopsy needle will be 14,16, or 18 gauge. The higher the number, the smaller the needle. There is a ‘click’ as they take the samples, but she let me know so I would hopefully not jump. I didn’t jump. Trying to behave in the parts I can control and make their job easier any way I can.
Samples were taken. Three or four, I don’t remember. I just stared at the ceiling mostly. Then, the biopsy needle was removed and pressure applied to the wound. Steri-Strips were placed over the area and then gauze was taped on. I can remove the gauze tonight before I shower – no shower for 24 hours after these procedures – but I am to leave the Steri-Strips until they fall off.
When they do a breast biopsy, they put in a little marker that is called a clip. It is titanium-based and is to mark where the site of the biopsy occurred to help mark where surgery might be needed. I have three clips, two in the right, one in the left. I am fine with this number of clips. I was fine with one. Obviously I would have preferred zero. I don’t want to collect the whole set since apparently they put different clip shapes in every site to note on my charts. Three is good, and I think all doctors currently involved would agree.
Next: Stereotactic biopsy!