Hi Kym
I had 19 core biopsies in total over three appointments. The last 3 of these were vacuum assisted. I had a large area of atypical cells that was at that point suspected DCIS that they had a lot of trouble locating through mammograms and ultrasound. I also had an area near the chest wall that they were unable to reach. All of my biopsies where done with me laying on my stomach but when they were having trouble reaching the area close to the chest wall they placed me upright in a chair and were going to try biopsing that way. I was absolutely terrified of having the needle come down so close to my line of sight and asked for a mastectomy instead. The nurse was incredibly insensitive at that point and really should have handled the situation differently. Rather than offer additional support she was condescending and abrupt telling me that if I was in the UK all my biopsies would have been done this way. At this stage I had already had 9 biopsies taken from the one breast on that day without whinging or even shedding a tear.
All weren't as bad as I was expecting although very scary. Pain was managed quite well through the local anaesthetic and apart from the nurse above everyone involved were really supportive. I think I was in shock throughout each procedure. The noise was worrying and the fear of what was going to be found was at times overwhelming. I had these biopsies done at Breast Screen in Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital in Perth and on the wall I had to face in the biopsy room was a painting of what appeared to be a mother hugging her small daughter in a ballet costume which hit home and made me more emotional than the procedure. I have always wanted to contact them to suggest replacing the picture with a peaceful landscape or similar so as not to condure up unnecessary emotional feelings.
The procedure was explained to me well so I had a good understanding of what was happening. I was extremely fearful that because I had so many biopsies that my cancer would be leaking through the holes caused from the biopsies and therefore the chance of spreading into my system was greater. These biopsies took place over a period of a couple of weeks so I also believed this was giving the cancer time to spread. I understand I had to wait for the pathology results but when I asked the question of the cancer spreading due to biopsy I was told there was no evidence this had ever occurred however they weren't sure it was impossible.
I eventually had to have a surgical biopsy which brings my biopsies to 20 under general anaesthetic so a larger sample could be taken. After all my biopsies I had minimal to no discomfort slight bruising and swelling. I have had bilateral mastectomies now but would have repeated the biopsies had I been medically required. I found the hardest part was the fear of what was to be found and how my life was about to be turned upside down. I would like to see research to ensure women are supported emotionally as well as physically at all times throughout these procedures and under no circumstances should she need to endure insensitive medical staff.
I hope this helps and good luck with your research.
Lara xx
