keymom

For me, cancer turned me from a worry about everything type of person to one who can really take each day at a time. When I was first diagnosed the feeling was indescribable, it hit me right in my core, a deep horrible feeling. I am lucky to be a person of faith as that is what really got me through my 7 month ordeal. My faith deepened and I felt comfort and peace from my relationship with God.
My mantra was " I can do all things with Christ who strenghtens me"
I will never call cancer a blessing, but I received many blessings during my journey.

MyLB

A few more words about the needle biopsy--they take *very* good care of you through the whole thing. I had three people with me the whole time--the doctor, a nurse who was helping him, and this lady whose job as best I could tell was to rub my back and give me reassuring words. The positioning took longer than taking the samples. I thought the idea of the clip was kind of cute--it's a small titanium object ("about the size of Lincoln's nose on a penny") they leave in so the area can be easily located in future. There are several shapes, including the breast cancer swoosh. I asked for Mickey Mouse ears but they aren't available.

The most disconcerting thing to me was the *sound* when taking the samples, although they warned me about it. It's just pretty loud--sounded to me like a staple gun.

Also, the aftercare was more than I'd expected. Somebody *should* have told me to make sure to have a sports bra at home (which I happened to, but still). You need to wear something with a lot of support 24 hours a day for the first (?--2-ish--?) days. You'll be wrapped up in an ace bandage around the chest.

I can also tell you the only significant pain I had with any of the procedures was the evening of the needle biopsy (not with the bigger surgery for some reason). I was all "oh I can make dinner/bug the kids about homework/. . .", but was in quite a bit of pain by evening. (They don't want you taking aspirin/ibuprofen which are blood thinners, and I swear acetaminophen has never worked on me.) Don't know if it was cuz mine was directly on the bottom of the breast ("6:00"), but I felt LOTS better when I laid down on my back. I think just taking the pressure/gravity off was what I needed. Was really up and about and attending youth sporting events the next day.

zipyourlips

Teri -- I forgot to mention that they numb you with injections prior to the biopsy!

vulture3

Let's all focus good energy in HeartArt's direction today as she meets with her doctor.

teriwtt

You know, I think this is the funniest thing after reading all these accounts. I believe all the stories that it's basically a painless thing, but anyone who has ever had any sort of local injection knows that it feels like much more than a 'pin prick', as the medical staff/literature will tell you. I've had lots of moles removed over the years, and my dermatologist is absolutely honest with me when he says (right before he gives that injection), "This will really sting, but just try to breathe through it." And he's right, it smarts like a bee sting, not a pin prick. He has also frozen some spots off without numbing me first because he always says that the numbing hurts worse than the freezing, and he's often right. So I am always completely prepared whenever someone says, "You're going to feel a little pin prick" for something (unless it's just for a blood draw).

downtoearth

Sending lots of positive energy your way-All of you!

catalina

I've had two needle biopsies. The first time it was at a hospital's breast care center and it took about 3 hours - most of which was counseling and handholding and telling me "everything was going to be okay." I actually ended up being a bit annoyed at how long the process took.

The second time I went to see a surgeon. I thought I was just going for a consult, but he said, "You want to do it now?" I was happy to get it over with and this time, he just stuck the needle in, no anesthesia, no fuss, not even ultrasound guidance and I was done. I have to say, it did not hurt at all. He was, however, a very skilled surgeon. But it was great to have it over with in 10 mins. And, fortunately, both results were normal.

HeartArt

Thank you everyone for your kind thoughts and best wishes. The biopsy went well today, the doctor and staff could not have been nicer and all in all, it really wasn't that uncomfortable. I am a little sore, but mostly relieved to have it over with. There were two areas of concern, one was a mass, but the radiologist decided that area was normal after looking at more pictures. They did biopsy some micro calcifications and the results should be back in the next few days. I am grateful that such advanced technology exists, we do live in amazing times.

As difficult as it is to talk about our experiences, I can't help but think that these stories will help many other women in the same situation. Also, I am reminded that I am very poor at reaching out to friends or family during a period of difficulty. I seem to be the one everyone calls with their problems or worries and while I like to be helpful or empathetic, I do not feel comfortable telling those around me that I am in some kind of need. Not sure why that is, I need to spend more time thinking that through. Why am I ok with posting on CC but not calling my family or friends with this problem? I know they would listen and offer great concern. I guess I just hate the thought of upsetting anyone.

Therapy time! Anyone else like me?

AdvicePlease

HeartArt -- I'm glad it went well today and hopefully after the results come back all will be well. I completely understand your sharing with people on this board. I think it's safe to assume that all if not most of the women on this board are somewhere in between 40something and 50something....definitely in the Mammogram years! Women in your target audience who understand the fear of an abnormal mammogram and most of us all know someone who has had breast cancer.

Also I think you noted that you are the lone female in your immediate family? Good to reach out to others.

I did think of you today and was sending my warmest virtual prayers and general best wishes your way!

Marian

Here is safer. Anyone who would be really upset about hearing about your situation simply won't reply to your posts. And you don't have to feel that you're imposing on anyone. We answer you by choice.

Glad the procedure went so well, and I hope you don't have to wait long for those test results. The nicest part of medical issues is when they're over!

HeartArt

teriwtt: Hope all went well on Wednesday and everything looked fine.

pathfinder: Will be thinking of you on Friday and sending prayers and best wishes

Thank you everyone!

CountingDown

HeartArt, glad you were treated compassionately today and that the procedure went well. Here's hoping for good results!

Pathfinder317

HeartArt, so glad to hear that things went well today. I too thought of you. I am anxious to hear good results from your test as well. I definately will keep you in my prayers. I must put on a brave face tomorrow & get this checked out. Hopefully it's going to be fine...thanks everyone.

sax

HeartArt...hoping your results are good news. When I was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer I had a very difficult time saying it outloud. I have no idea why. I did tell my kids and husband from the beginning as we have a deal to keep nothing health wise from one another. I find this is just best for all. No surprises and everyone has the same amount of time to come to grips with it. It's important to have this support everystep of the way. I would hate for my daughter to go through this alone because she was afraid of worrying me. This was right for us but maybe not for everyone.

justwonderful

Hi --
Just wanted to add my voice to all of those who have had a scary mammogram, then an ultrasound then a needle biopsy, which all turned out to be nothing. Totally nerve-wracking, so I understand your feelings, but the odds and anecdotes are very much in your favor. Don't borrow trouble. Remember, worrying is a thought process, not a feeling, so use your worry productively - like examining the unlikelihood you'll have a problem. Hang in there -- it will be fine.