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Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

General health

OK,so has anyone experience of 'excision biopsy'? Wondering just how horrible this is going to be...

41 replies

SolidGoldBrass · 02/02/2013 10:54

Day unit, general anaesthetic (and going to my mum's overnight for recovery and pampering) - but how long will my poor abused tit hurt for, and will I have to stop work (ie no lifting and lugging things) for more than a couple of days?

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digerd · 02/02/2013 11:09

You should have had a written list of dos and don'ts and an explanation of what the biopsy entails and how it will affect you, from the hospital.

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Furball · 02/02/2013 12:48

SGB - I've followed you from the other thread - I've no knowledge or experience but just wanted to say am thinking of you and sending best wishes.

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RooneyMara · 02/02/2013 13:03

Hi SGB, is this for a skin related thing or something else?

It will be sore, from what I know. It might also be a bigger scar than you are expecting and the stitches will look ugly for a while.

You should take a few days initially and see how you go - you might find you can start work again after that, but definitely avoid lifting anything much for at least a week or two to give it time to heal properly.

Everyone I've spoken to who has had an excision has said it was pretty sore. I think you'd rather me be honest yes? So you can prepare.

Best of luck and it's good they are doing this if it's a skin issue, other sorts of biopsy can lead to difficulty with diagnosis and/or prognosis etc. if there turns out to be a problem.

Take care x

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SolidGoldBrass · 02/02/2013 16:42

Rooney: It's a breast lump. I have had two needle biopsies; the first one was 'fine' and they said, oh, we'll do a final ultrasound check in three months. So I went back for the ultrasound and they went 'Hmm, think we will do another needle biopsy, just to check' and when I went back for the results it was 'Oh, right, we're going to remove this lump and have another look at it, we'll have you in very soon and by the way you'll need someone to look after you...'

Sorry, jabbering in a bit. Yes, OK, I am scared shitless. Even though I know that 80% of these lumps are just lumps and a bit annoying and all that...

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RooneyMara · 02/02/2013 16:45

YY Solid I'd be scared too. Tis normal. And it sounds a right faff all this coming and going.

You're right it's a low probability it's anything nasty and if it is, mostly that can be sorted too - I'll keep everything crossed for you.

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digerd · 02/02/2013 16:53

I read on another thread that if a biopsy of any lumpis inconclusive, it it usually removed for thorough testing. They didn't give you much info. Perhaps they will give you more after the op plus written instructions of what you must or must not do.
Is DM picking you up from the hospital.? You will be in good hands being pampered by her.
Good Luck

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IamtheZombie · 02/02/2013 16:59

SGB, you may or may not be aware that I'm being treated for breast cancer. I've had a mastectomy, chemo, radio, the lot.

Just over 20 years ago I was diagnosed with DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma in Situ) in the other breast. I had two excisions. Because I was "only 40" at the time of diagnosis they didn't really think the specks that showed on my mammogram (there was no palpable lump) would be cancerous so they were a bit too conservative during the first excision therefore I needed a second one 6 weeks later. I was an inpatient for 2 - 3 days for both excisions. I don't recall any great pain or discomfort following either. I probably did take it easy for a couple of weeks following both but it didn't really affect my ability to do most things. Frankly, the after effects of the general anaesthesia may have the most impact on you. As far as going back to work, that really depends on what your work involves.

Fast forward to my mastectomy 14 months ago. This was obviously a much more major operation! Yet again, I was still only in hospital for 2 - 3 days. I had no real pain or discomfort and the only pain relief I was given was paracetamol and ibuprofen. I probably could have got away without taking anything. Because they had also removed a couple of lymph nodes to check for spreading I was told to be careful about lifting etc. But I was back to all normal activities within about a week.

I hope it all goes well for you.

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SolidGoldBrass · 02/02/2013 17:07

Oh Zombie, poor you, and thanks for sharing your story. I am 48 by the way which is perhaps why they are being a bit thorough now. Hope all goes well for you as well.

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paddyclamp · 03/02/2013 17:03

I've also had a DCIS and it treated by excision biopsies - they had to go in twice because as IamtheZombie says there is no lump, just cells!

The biopsies were fine, i was in and out on the same day. Thankfully didn't react badly to the anaesthetic was just a bit tired... Was a bit sore for a few days that's all!

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IamtheZombie · 13/02/2013 00:40

SGB, I think I saw you post on another thread that today is the day of your surgery.

I hope it all goes well for you.

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SolidGoldBrass · 14/02/2013 16:40

Yup, duly chopped and sent home. It really wasn't as horrible as I expected and all I feel today is mildly hungover and mildly uncomfortable. I have to see the GP next week for the dressing/stiches to be removed and will be sent an appointment within a fortnight for results. Feel quite optimisitc, though isn't hospital boring? Especially when they have confiscated your book and requests for something to read only net you fecking Hello magazine...

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IamtheZombie · 14/02/2013 18:39

I'm glad it's behind you and you're OK. I shall now cross my fingers for a clear biopsy report.

Yes, hospital is boring. I'm convinced that hospitals must exist on some parallel time line where our minutes are their hours. Why on earth did they confiscate your book? As for offering you Hello magazine, well, words fail me.

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SolidGoldBrass · 14/02/2013 19:35

Well it wasn't specifically the book: I had to put all my belongings (apart from slippers and dressing gown) into a crate which was then locked and stored safely, when I went to the operating theatre. Then, after surgery, I was in the recovery room for about 2.5 hours, partly because there were no beds in the recovery ward, and after a while I asked if I could have something to read. And all they could offer was Hello, but I was polite and grateful because it was better than staring at the ceiling...

And now I have to go and ask the GP about my bloody finger which has a Wierd Lump... still, as I have to go to GP for dressing removal/stitch removal will ask then.

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NamelessHereForEvermore · 14/02/2013 22:42

Good wishes for a speedy recovery SGB. Was in for a barrage of tests myself today and I so feel your pain about Hello magazine! I was given that and Woman's Weekly. It's a whole other world in there!

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CoteDAzur · 14/02/2013 22:44

Get well soon, SGB.

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BewitchedBotheredandBewildered · 15/02/2013 00:47

Fingers and everything crossed for you SGB.

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SolidGoldBrass · 19/02/2013 10:25

Sneaking back on here for a bit of a grump; the healing cut is uncomfortable today: I think the stitches or whatever are pulling (not allowed to take the dressing off till Friday). And I am supposed to be sorting out dance bookings for the summer ie whether or not I can dance at various festivals. I feel such a berk going, 'Well I don't know, it depends on the test results.' Because I just can't quite say 'Oh book me in', and then have to go, 'Sorry, will be all bald and puking from chemo...'

(Yes I know I am being thoroughly whiiny and self-indulgent. I feel perfectly well and 80% of lumps are nothing to worry about. It's just the not knowing...)

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BewitchedBotheredandBewildered · 19/02/2013 10:35

I think in the circumstances self-indulgent is exactly what you should be.
It doesn't sound like whining either, it sounds like worry and frustration which no-one could blame you for.
Sorry you're so uncomfortable.
Sending you (((hugs)))

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IamtheZombie · 19/02/2013 10:44

((((( Hugs ))))) from me as well, SGB.

Yes, the not knowing is the worst part. Have you had your appointment through for getting your results?

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SolidGoldBrass · 19/02/2013 11:30

Yes, 28th ie next Thursday. So I keep telling myself that there can't be much to worry about or they would have called me in sooner...

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IamtheZombie · 19/02/2013 15:43

Well, Zombie will hold your hand while you wait.

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SolidGoldBrass · 19/02/2013 20:32

Thank you Zombie. I had the most gorgeous afternoon out with DS today, walking in the woods and spotting snowdrops, then going on to the park so he could romp in the playground. ANd most of the time I was just enjoying the spring sunshine and everything, except for those tiny moments when a little voice in the back of my mind kept reminding me.

Oh, and that MacMillan advert was on the telly at lunchtime, and DS said 'Mummy, what's cancer?' I managed to be very calm and say that it was a nasty illness that some people got and that many of them got better - I have not suggested to him in any way that I might have it, we've gone no further than Mummy having a 'poorly bit on her boob that the doctors removed'.

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BewitchedBotheredandBewildered · 20/02/2013 08:19

Well done staying calm, that was brave.
I guess it will seem like a very long week.

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weegiemum · 20/02/2013 08:26

Just sending you best wishes for next week SGB. I'm sure you're right, if it was worrisome they'd have called you in earlier. I do love the idea of you dancing at festivals!

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Lonecatwithkitten · 20/02/2013 08:38

Just wanted to give you an idea SGB as to how long you will be sore and brusied for. I had core biopsies two weeks ago tomorrow, my consultant does not believe you need a GA for them so they were done under local anaesthetic in my lunch hour!
So my Boob still has fresh bruising arriving on the surface two weeks later and is still sore when I do something a bit strenuous. The steristrip stitches came off on Saturday - I am a vet so I was allowed to do them myself.
I have told only 3 people in RL and my DD doesn't even know I have been to the doctors. I was told if it was all okay I would get a phone call at 7 days and if it wasn't I would get the plan at the 3 week clinic appointment - I guess I am getting a plan. The waiting is the worst bit for me I can cope with anything once I have a plan.