Hi Kym,
Given when you first posted your request I'm likely too late but thought I'd post anyway so that other women who are about to go through a core biopsy can read a good experience with it.
I had a core biopsy done yesterday, under ultrasound guidance and was so nervous leading up to it that I was more frightened of the procedure than the results of it. Imagine that. Being more scared of the needles than of possibly having cancer ! I googled the internet inside out and found a range of experiences from no pain at all to the most excruciating pain ever so I, of course, was prepared for the worst.
I took my sister in with me for support and she sat behind me to stroke my face and hair to try to keep me relaxed. I told the nurse, doctor and radiographer that I was very anxious and that I understood that they would try to talk to me and ask me questions in an effort to distract me, and whilst I would appreciate their efforts it would only serve to make me feel very chaotic, out of control and thereby make me feel worse, so I politely requested silence other than letting me know when the local anaesthetic was going in so I could breathe it out.
They were all so wonderful. My sister and the doctor warned me that the local was about to be put in and I did my big breath out and honestly didn't feel anything. Not even an initial sting. Then the doctor cut a small hole in my skin and tried to insert the biopsy probe but despite much pushing he couldn't get it in so had to make the hole a little bigger. I didn't feel anything other than immense pressure. Then he inserted the probe 5 times for 5 biopsies, none of which hurt ... just the pressure. (I was a little surprised at the pressure throughout the procedure but not in pain. It felt like someone was kneeling on my chest.) He warned me each time he fired the spring loaded mechanism, which was quite loud (much like a staple gun. I didn't expect it to be that loud. I thought it would be more like a rubber band flicking.) I jumped at the noise the first time because it startled me but was fine after that.
When he finished they got me to apply pressure over it for a few minutes then the nurse put on a couple of steri strips and a waterproof dressing and I was done.
I took panadol for the rest of the day and the only pain I had was at about 10pm for about 10 minutes. It was a sharp/stabbing/stitch type pain deep in my breast but I just stretched my arms out and moved around a bit and it went away. So far today no pain, and no bruising, but the bruising could take a few days to manifest I imagine.
I know everyone has different experiences and different pain thresholds ... I just wanted to say that I expected the worst and came out of it pleasantly surprised at how nothing it was for me. I hope many others can experience the same.
Now to answer your questions just in case it's not too late:
1. Was your core biopsy a little bit uncomfortable or extremely painful?
The only discomfort was the immense pressure. But it wasn't painful in any way.
2. Did you experience any after effects, such as swelling, bruising, or discomfort?
A tiny bit of sharp/stabbing/stitch type pain that went away after about 10 minutes when I did a bit of stretching. No swelling. No bruising as yet.
3. Was the core biopsy procedure explained to you beforehand to your satisfaction?
Yes. But I'd already researched it inside out beforehand anyway.
4. Is there anything you wish you’d been told about your core biopsy before you underwent the procedure?
No.
5. Knowing the physical impact of a core biopsy, could you consider undergoing a core biopsy for scientific research purposes?
No, because of the possible side-effects. I can deal with possible bruising and pain but not the possibility of any of the more severe and serious side-effects. (infection, lung collapse)
6. Can you briefly describe your experience of core biopsy?
See above.
