Tomosynthesis biopsy shenanigans

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. 

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

Well done. I hope the next few days go swiftly and the results are good. K xox

Great that its over @"Summer Prevails" take care over the next few days until results

Well done for getting through it @"Summer Prevails". Fingers  crossed .
X

@"Summer Prevails" Well done. I love the way they tell you you're a good patient; meaning? You didn't make a fuss and make it difficult for us?

Sending vibes for good results.

Fingers crossed.

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 lol

the mammo tech said I was and I quote ‘The perfect patient’ lol

so now I wait

with ice pack and panadol at the ready. Xoxo

@"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

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