Has anyone had one? What should I expect to happen?
This one of two types of biopsy I will be having on Friday. The letter from the hospital tells me nothing about what’s actually involved and I’m feeling a bit nervous about it.
Really hoping that after this latest round of tests someone will be able to give me a dx!
Hi nymeria
Our helpliners will be happy to talk to you about this procedure if you want to give them a call, the line is open 9-5 weekdays and Sat 9-2 on 0808 800 6000.
Here’s a link to a thread about this from earlier in the year with some descriptions and shared experiences from users which may help :
breastcancercare.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=25555&p=400974&hilit=+stereotactic+biopsy#p400974
Best wishes
Lucy
Hi
I had one of these. Basically its a biopsy taken whilst your breast in in a mammogram machine. They squash the breast and using the images as guidance they extract the sample. It’s not the most pleasant thing but I was advised to take a couple of paracetamol before hand as it can be a bit painful.
Hope all goes well.
Viv xxx
Thank you!
I’m feeling so nervous about tomorrow - I just want it all over with now so that I can have a dx!
xx
I’ve posted elsewhere about not getting a dx but I thought I would update on my experiences from Friday.
The staff at the clinic were absolutely wonderful; very caring and supportive. The test itself was done with me lying on a bed facing into the mammogram machine, which whilst rather awkward wasn’t too bad as everyone made sure I had plenty of pillows and support.
As for the collecting of the samples - I needed the full dose of anaesthetic but once that was onboard I didn’t feel too much. The clicking of the spring-loaded needle sounded like the sort of thing you hear when having your ears pierced. The pressure of the mammogram machine whilst uncomfortable, wasn’t anything like as bad as having an ordinary mammogram. Which is just as well as you have to lie still in the right position for a long time!
I have an ongoing health problem which means I tend to bleed a lot and I certainly did. It took ages for them to stop it and by then there was a right old mess! 
Afterwards both me and my husband were supplied with a much needed cup of tea and the staff kept checking back to see how I was feeling. I felt really well looked after.
I had a big dressing applied to the wound and boy oh boy do I have a set of bruises! Overall I am pleased to report that though there were periods of discomfort during the procedure it wasn’t anything like as bad as I was anticipating. The only downside is the bruises and the pain whilst it heals but I can cope with that!
Thanks again for all the information and support.
Nymeria xx