Hi beautifuls,just putting this here to get a confusing day out of my brain more than anything...but also:Has anyone had a tomosynthesis-guided vacuum assisted biopsy? I am willing to bet my only $2 that you probably have. I saw my surgeon today and it was confusing. The powers that be want me to have a TGVA biopsy so I got my referral and called imaging people to make appt. They said I have to have a consultation appt with the breast specialist doctor/radiologist first, separately to the actual biopsy. Is this normal? What happens at the consult??and why do I have to end up paying $390 for the biopsy when I have a health care card and my surgeon requested that Imaging bulk bill me? Blah. Bad day. Was having a good day before I plunged into biopsy anxiety land. Oh and im assuming the TGVA thing is bloody painful and stressful?? How bad is it? Don’t sugar coat it lol xoxoxo

@"Summer Prevails" It sounds like you're having a rough time. I endorse what the other ladies have said.Don't beat yourself up about forgetting what doctors have said, and getting confused. We all do it. I've always been mildly claustrophobic: I completely freaked out once when a beautician wrapped a cloth over my whole face - nose and mouth. But through all the scans etc I've had since my diagnosis, I've learned to calm myself by closing my eyes, breathing steadily and singing a favourite melody in my head. It's odd, but all these experiences seem to have "cured" my claustrophobia.I wish you calm, and to be surrounded by understanding people. xx

Okay I have been officially biopsied!just got back from the procedure, it was exactly what I thought it would be - anxious, squeezing nurses hand, mildly painful, uncomfortable. Took a couple Valium before it and BOY was that a good idea..had the giggles and sailed right thru it lolthe mammo tech said I was and I quote ‘The perfect patient’ lolso now I waitwith ice pack and panadol at the ready. Xoxo

Hi @Summer Prevails. It's a worrying time for you. I had a vacuum assisted biopsy in April. Mine was using a normal mammogram - I think Tomosynthesis is 3d - but mammogram all the same. The breast is 'held' while they do the procedure. I had mine done at the Wesley Breast Clinic in Brisbane. Could you wear headphones and listen to music or your choice of distraction? I find in a stressful situation my mind sometimes can't override the external sounds and situation so that saying or singing in my mind isn't reliable to get me through. You are given anaesthetic and it isn't painful as such but your boob is in the mammogram clamp. I had a wonderful breast care nurse who held my hand the whole way through it. I didn't ask for support - she is just part of the process. Maybe ask if you could have someone with you during the process to hold your hand or reassure you or a breast care nurse if you were comfortable with that. As with all the procedures I've had I tried to 'remove' myself mentally as others have described. It's not pleasant, but the people that did the procedure were incredibly sensitive and aware of my worry and apprehension. Their constant reassuring and compassion really helped. I had time afterwards to sit with an icepack in a comfy recliner with the breast care nurse talking with me and checking on me. But if you can, a friend/someone close to accompany might be best. I agree with @Vangirl that a mild sedative might be helpful and to ask if you can do that. When do you have your procedure? Please keep us posted how you go. Thinking of you. Xx

So glad that part is over for you @Summer Prevails. :)xx

Hi ladies, I have emerged somewhat victorious from several weeks of bodily invasions. Biopsy was benign ! My surgeon told me the microcalcs were a thing with a long fancy name I can’t remember now, but not cancerous. So. That’s a Phew. Then a week after that, I had day surgery, general anaesthetic the whole deal, dilation and curettage of the endometrium to remove a suspect polyp. Was terrified of the surgery flashbacks to lumpectomy but it turned out to be a fine experience. I actually felt no anxiety thanks to whatever amazing drugs they gave me while I was under! :D I had a faux ‘period’ and bled for a week. Was high as a kite. Now I’ve recovered from all that and am left with a weird feeling of Phew but also What Next. Have to call the gyno doc and adk if the polyp pathology was all good.

Tomosynthesis biopsy shenanigans | BCNA Online Network

27 Replies

kmakm
Member
7 years ago
@Flaneuse I'm almost always glad to go home when the time comes.
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
@Sister It is an absurdity!
kitkatb
Member
7 years ago
@"Summer Prevails" Good on you. A close friend of mine is claustrophobic so I could only imagine what you went through. We are all crossing fingers for you hoping for good results. Its just the waiting that sucks big time. Be kind to yourself and try not to stress. xox
Anonymous
Not applicable
7 years ago
The user and all related content has been deleted.
Flaneuse
Member
7 years ago
@"Summer Prevails" @kmakm and @Sister I agree about the pleasure of not having to think about meals while in hospital, though I only have myself to look after at home. However, the joys of my own bed and quiet at home, compared with the night noises in hospital, trump the task of preparing meals.
Sister
Member
7 years ago
I was thinking the same thing @kmakm. Ridiculous, isn't it?
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
Ha ha @"Summer Prevails"! You're not the only one who feels like that. I've got four kids, a husband, a father-in-law and two dogs to look after. Everytime I go to hospital there is part of me that totally regards it as a rest/break! To not have to worry about what's for dinner and to have someone else do the laundry? I'm down with that! K xox
Summer_Prevails
Member
7 years ago
@kmakm Thankyou x o The gyno doc said polyps are usually always nothing, but gotta be checked anyway.

I was just glad to have a nurse to bring me warmed blankets and tea and a heat pack in bed (the hospital bed) and feel like someone else was looking after things for a change! Haha how sad is that. It made me realise how much work it is to be a single woman without much of a network to rely on going through all this - I mean I actually felt like I was being pampered in hospital lol I dunno if that’s healthy
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
Victory is yours, huzzah!! Thank goodness. Fingers crossed for the polyps. You are a WARRIOR! K xox
Flaneuse
Member
7 years ago
@"Summer Prevails" Well done. Hope the results are good.

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Tomosynthesis biopsy shenanigans

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