Breast biopsy--patient comfort around anxiety

[Anonymous]

And btw my WRA guided needle biopsy was real time ultrasound guided, not real time MRI guided. They used the MRI I had to identify the area, then used ultrasound in real time to identify where the needle would target. They picked a few places on the target area.

[Anonymous]

I hope you arrive at a plan that works for you, OP. Sending good wishes. If you haven't had an MRI before, my best advice is: (1) close your eyes before they put you in and DON'T OPEN THEM until they pull you out. It really, really helps with the claustrophobia.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You don't go IN the machine. You lay ON the MRI machine. No claustrophobia.

I have had several breast MRIs and one MRI guided breast biopsy and I was most definitely IN the machine and very claustrophobic.

Would love to hear about the MRI machine you go ON.

Same. I was IN and had a panic attack. They kept threatening me that if I pushed the button they would end the appointment and I would have to reschedule. It was horrible but I focused on breathing and got through it. I would definitely take a Xanax if I had to do it again.

[Anonymous]

I was a WRA patient through my biopsy and then switched to Georgetown after my BC diagnosis. Georgetown also doesn’t allow any anxiety medication before signing the consent forms, so I think that’s pretty standard.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:And btw my WRA guided needle biopsy was real time ultrasound guided, not real time MRI guided. They used the MRI I had to identify the area, then used ultrasound in real time to identify where the needle would target. They picked a few places on the target area.

Exactly my experience!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You don't go IN the machine. You lay ON the MRI machine. No claustrophobia.

I have had several breast MRIs and one MRI guided breast biopsy and I was most definitely IN the machine and very claustrophobic.

Would love to hear about the MRI machine you go ON.

You lay face down on a "massage type" table. Google it.

[Anonymous]

I have had breast cancer and have had a bunch of biopsies, including MRI biopsies. A few things:

1. Pain from the biopsy is highly dependent on location. IME, the closer to the chest wall, the more painful.

2. MRI biopsies take a while. You definitely going the machine. And they pull you out. Then send you back in. I had 3 biopsies for my last one and it lasted about an hour in total.

3. I can handle MRIs fine and biopsies fine, but combining the two is hard for me. My doctor gives me Valium and I take it as they are getting me ready. I have never had a problem at Sibley doing this. They have always been super accommodating.

I hope you can find a solution. Your center doesn’t sound accommodating or the norm. I would definitely consider switching.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You don't go IN the machine. You lay ON the MRI machine. No claustrophobia.

I have had several breast MRIs and one MRI guided breast biopsy and I was most definitely IN the machine and very claustrophobic.

Would love to hear about the MRI machine you go ON.

You lay face down on a "massage type" table. Google it.

You lay face down and then they put you in the machine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:And btw my WRA guided needle biopsy was real time ultrasound guided, not real time MRI guided. They used the MRI I had to identify the area, then used ultrasound in real time to identify where the needle would target. They picked a few places on the target area.

This just depends on what the area is. Many women have MRI guided biopsies.

[Anonymous]

I was also surprised that Washington Radiology said for a needle biopsy they need to leave a metal tab inserted in your breast for tracking.
Getting surprised by that really spiked my anxiety so you might want to prepare for that part in advance too.
I ultimately declined the metal tab but they were really pushing it.

[Anonymous]

Honestly, I would probably just take the meds. Don’t tell them. Eff their ridiculousness. Just make sure you have someone who can drive you home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was a WRA patient through my biopsy and then switched to Georgetown after my BC diagnosis. Georgetown also doesn’t allow any anxiety medication before signing the consent forms, so I think that’s pretty standard.

You don't need to tell them sh*t. I'm tired of being treated like crap.

[Anonymous]

If they're not giving IV medications, I wouldn't tell them, but if they are, I'd discuss with PCP. Maybe add it to your chart as a regular medication that you take daily.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was also surprised that Washington Radiology said for a needle biopsy they need to leave a metal tab inserted in your breast for tracking.
Getting surprised by that really spiked my anxiety so you might want to prepare for that part in advance too.
I ultimately declined the metal tab but they were really pushing it.

I got one. We were pretty sure it was cancer from the ultrasound onwards. The clip helps find the exact place (my cancer was just 4 mm) to find it for surgery. They take it out during surgery. I didn't feel anything putting it in or afterwards.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If they're not giving IV medications, I wouldn't tell them, but if they are, I'd discuss with PCP. Maybe add it to your chart as a regular medication that you take daily.

This.