Excruciating pain during stereotactic biopsy

denn · New User Joined: 20 Apr 2006 Posts: 3

Thank you so much for the reply and I hope everything ends up well with you. I find out today at 3:10 the results and he is going to look at the area that is bothering me so I hope it is all good news. Again....thank you for responding.

birdd · New User Joined: 07 Mar 2006 Posts: 5

I hope you have good news. Apparently I had some internal bleeding and it settled in an area and that needs cleaned out. Please post you results.

AlaskaAngel

Here is a discussion at another breast cancer site online, this time in regard to wire localization. To me there is a clear need for professional RECOGNITION of the need for pain control, and then standardization of pain control measures to protect us all.

Each one of these people innocently went in to have the procedure done, believing that whatever might happen they would be provided with reasonable pain control. The experiences women are having with these procedures are not "rare". Even IF it only happens occasionally there is NO EXCUSE for not verifying adequate pain control in each situation prior to performing these procedures. And nothing will be done to "fix" this unless women DEMAND a change for the better.

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/BreastCancer/messages/3730.html

Please print out these discussions and take them to the doctor you trust.

Sincerely,

AlaskaAngel
_________________
Dx Dec 2001 at age 50
Lumpectomy Jan 2002, 1.6 cm IDC plus some DCIS
Node neg
ER+, PR+, HER2+++
CAF x 6, 35 rads+boost
NED
Tamoxfen 1 3/4 yrs
In 2 clinical trials
bc for mom and 1 sis and 1 aunt and 1 granny
ovarian cancer for 1 aunt

birdd · New User Joined: 07 Mar 2006 Posts: 5

It took me one month - after three phone calls to the Breast Center, one to my Gyne and a visit to the ER before someone would take my pain seriously. I was told by the Radiologist who eventually saw me fo a follow-up that it was disrupted nerve endings. Almost two months later, I demanded to be seen by my Gyne and am now being told there is actually a problem and need to have a nipple excision. I go to a Breast Surgeon in two weeks and will definitely go much better infomed . Thank you.

denn · New User Joined: 20 Apr 2006 Posts: 3

I got great news on Friday. The lump was benign but he is going to keep and eye on things and make sure everything remains okay and he is also thinking about prescribing evista or tamox....something or other in about six weeks. He also said the site of the biopsy looked great....easy for him to say....it doesn't feel so great. He said the brusing and redness was normal. I told him I never wanted to have another stereotactic biopsy done and he said he can't guarantee that. I know there has got to be a better way. The fear is already terrible when you find out you may have cancer and then you have to go through terrible pain to find out...something has to give. I hope you all are well and you all are great people...May God bless you all.

birdd · New User Joined: 07 Mar 2006 Posts: 5

Happy to Hear Good News! Now we all still have to keep after the doctors to be more understanding (mine said "they both look the same") to which I responded "one hurts"! - and find better, less painful ways to do cancer screening. I read the notes on the wire-guided and saw a woman who had just had one done. I have never heard of any procedures done on a penis without anesthesia.

Irene Konen

I can't imagine a stereotactic biopsy that isn't excruciating. Simple mammograms are rather painful, and this procedure compresses your breast for 45 minutes or more. I had my second stereotactic biopsy yesterday-- and they had to stop because I was shaking from the pain. It is as close to medieval torture as anything I've had since hemodialysis. The radiologist actually admitted that I would need valum to get through it-- but she refused to dispense any. The conclusion was that I should have brought it with me-- can you believe that? Doctors suggesting self-medication?? Altogether, I've had about 40 surgical procedures now, including two kidney transplants and a hysterectomy, and the stereotactic biopsy ranks among the most painful. Why will doctors use Versed for other procedures, but not this one? Colonoscopies and cystoscopies are a breeze compared to this.

anncape · New User Joined: 15 Oct 2009 Posts: 1 Location: Cape Cod

I had a stereotactic biopsy yesterday and it was so much easier than I thought it would be. The Techs and the Radiologist were so caring and nice to me. There really was not any pain - just discomfort. It was all over in less than 20 minutes!
If I can make any of you women feel less nervous by my story, I am glad.
_________________
ann on the cape

salmongirrl · New User Joined: 29 Dec 2009 Posts: 3

First and foremost Stereotactic biopsies should NOT in any way be horrendously painful nightmares! I had one performed at the Breast Center at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, IL (core needle vacuum assist) and it went fine even while requiring 2 separate areas biopsied during the same procedure. I am highly sensitive to pain and suffer from an anxiety disorder so expressed those concerns to my GYN and the biopsy surgeon (her specialty) who I met and asked all the questions I needed to prior to the procedure; how long have you performed these, how many per year. etc. Again, this should be a PAIN FREE procedure. Don’t let anyone tell you different. If they can’t guarantee that find a hospital and surgeon who specialize in this procedure and use the most updated equipment. I was told that should the procedure turn out to be problematic in any way it would be stopped (I would be listened to and respected) and I could schedule a surgical biopsy under twilight sedation (there would have to be 2 wires inserted, w/Novocain to aid in pain reduction, as a way to mark the areas to be biopsied just before the procedure) so don’t let anyone tell you there are no other options! I talked to a lot of people and a friend had the same procedure done 2 years ago at the same facility. She had a very supportive, caring, pain free experience (all women), which as it turned out was the same for me. I did take 0.50 mg of Xanax to help me sleep the night before and after a light breakfast the morning of the procedure took 0.75 mg to be relaxed when I arrived at the Center (be sure to have someone drive you).So, don’t get sucked into all the horror stories on these forums as I made the mistake of doing. Ask questions, talk to people, check out the facilities and doctors and then you can make a smart educated decision.
_________________
Just breathe and don't let fear control your life.

catmom · New User Joined: 28 Mar 2009 Posts: 1

I too experienced extreme pain during my sterotactic biopsy. I was screaming and begging them to stop. I am no baby, I had a good sized lump removed with lidocaine only from my left breast at age 27 and it was cake walk compared to this! The Demerol/Versed doesn't work on me so that is not an option. I did a LOT of research after and found that the pain is much more common than they tell you. It seems to be related to the size needle used and the skill of the doctor involved. The cost of the procedure is considerably less, so I think that they don't tell the whole truth to get you to do the cheaper biopsy. I told them I will NEVER have that again! By the way, I had an all female staff at one of the most prestigious breast cancer centers in the USA.
I also had an episode of bleeding 8 days post-op that left the breast horribly bruised. They had no explanation for it... but again research showed that it happens; not often, but enough. It seems related to the substance put in the breast to replace the tissue removed, as it dissolves there can be bleeding. The "marker" inserted in the area can also move. These are things that I was not told ahead of time.
I still have pain off and on in the breast and it is almost a year post-op! It was overall such a horrible experience, I gave up trying to convince them of the continued pain. The ONLY good news out of this is that the biopsy was negative. I am due for my mammo, but truthfully I am putting it off as the idea of having so much pressure on the still sore breast scares me.

shemay · Regular Joined: 23 Oct 2009 Posts: 35 Location: Canada

Hi catmom

I think you are very wise to put off having another mammogram not just because your breast is still sore but because of the evidence that this test is not only harmful, it can actually cause cancer. Here are a few links from some of the research I have done over the past few years. It is really important that we women educate ourselves before just going along with the status quo.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10675181
http://www.thermography.com.au/documents/IsScreeningJustifiable.pdf
Here is a link to the bio of Dr. Samuel Epstein, International Leading Authority on the Causes andPrevention of Cancer http://www.preventcancer.com/about/epstein.htm#bio and three links to conclusions presented along with Barbara Seaman, Co-Founder, National Women's Health Network, about the dangers and effectiveness of mammography
http://www.preventcancer.com/patients/mammography/dangers.htm http://www.preventcancer.com/patients/mammography/ijhs_mammography.htm
http://www.iicph.org/docs/dangers_of_mammography.htm

salmongirrl · New User Joined: 29 Dec 2009 Posts: 3

[color=indigo][b]What a horrendous experience. I'm [u]so sorry[/u]. NO ONE should experience that kind of treatment and pain EVER. This procedure should be PAIN FREE, and if they can't guarantee that then you go somewhere else, preferably a large metropolitan hospital. We, as Women must never accept this kind of treatent anytime! [/b][/color] Please write a letter to the facility and the doctor, and, if it were me I'd send another to the local newspaper and tv station. That's barbarism! Completely unacceptable and has to be stopped! We're the only ones who have the power to do it. My heart is with you, m'dear.

[quote="catmom"]I too experienced extreme pain during my sterotactic biopsy. I was screaming and begging them to stop. I am no baby, I had a good sized lump removed with lidocaine only from my left breast at age 27 and it was cake walk compared to this! The Demerol/Versed doesn't work on me so that is not an option. I did a LOT of research after and found that the pain is much more common than they tell you. It seems to be related to the size needle used and the skill of the doctor involved. The cost of the procedure is considerably less, so I think that they don't tell the whole truth to get you to do the cheaper biopsy. I told them I will NEVER have that again! By the way, I had an all female staff at one of the most prestigious breast cancer centers in the USA.
I also had an episode of bleeding 8 days post-op that left the breast horribly bruised. They had no explanation for it... but again research showed that it happens; not often, but enough. It seems related to the substance put in the breast to replace the tissue removed, as it dissolves there can be bleeding. The "marker" inserted in the area can also move. These are things that I was not told ahead of time.
I still have pain off and on in the breast and it is almost a year post-op! It was overall such a horrible experience, I gave up trying to convince them of the continued pain. The ONLY good news out of this is that the biopsy was negative. I am due for my mammo, but truthfully I am putting it off as the idea of having so much pressure on the still sore breast scares me.[/quote]
_________________
Just breathe and don't let fear control your life.

salmongirrl · New User Joined: 29 Dec 2009 Posts: 3

[color=indigo][b]What a horrendous experience. I'm [u]so sorry[/u]. NO ONE should experience that kind of treatment and pain EVER. This procedure should be PAIN FREE, and if they can't guarantee that then you go somewhere else, preferably a large metropolitan hospital. We, as Women must never accept this kind of treatent anytime! [/b][/color] Please write a letter to the facility and the doctor, and, if it were me I'd send another to the local newspaper and tv station. That's barbaric, completely unacceptable and has to be stopped! Never, ever be afraid to get up off the table or leave a doctor's office to protect yourself! We're the only ones who have the power to stop this kind of abuse, and that's what that was. My heart is with you, m'dear.

[quote="catmom"]I too experienced extreme pain during my sterotactic biopsy. I was screaming and begging them to stop. I am no baby, I had a good sized lump removed with lidocaine only from my left breast at age 27 and it was cake walk compared to this! The Demerol/Versed doesn't work on me so that is not an option. I did a LOT of research after and found that the pain is much more common than they tell you. It seems to be related to the size needle used and the skill of the doctor involved. The cost of the procedure is considerably less, so I think that they don't tell the whole truth to get you to do the cheaper biopsy. I told them I will NEVER have that again! By the way, I had an all female staff at one of the most prestigious breast cancer centers in the USA.
I also had an episode of bleeding 8 days post-op that left the breast horribly bruised. They had no explanation for it... but again research showed that it happens; not often, but enough. It seems related to the substance put in the breast to replace the tissue removed, as it dissolves there can be bleeding. The "marker" inserted in the area can also move. These are things that I was not told ahead of time.
I still have pain off and on in the breast and it is almost a year post-op! It was overall such a horrible experience, I gave up trying to convince them of the continued pain. The ONLY good news out of this is that the biopsy was negative. I am due for my mammo, but truthfully I am putting it off as the idea of having so much pressure on the still sore breast scares me.[/quote]
_________________
Just breathe and don't let fear control your life.

stonemaven · New User Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 1

Had a stereoscopic biopsy & thin needle biopsies 3 days ago, chose to have them done with no anesthesia. Have had nearly all my dental work done that way, suspect the 'caines make me sick. Hurt some of course, but kept my upper body very still. Asked for some ice after the procedures, first heard they didn't have any, but they found a cold pack. Iced the areas for 3 hours, then removed it experimentally & started to cry from the pain.

Now the surgeon, very experienced, tells me the pain happened because of my refusing anesthesia. Not so sure. Iced the areas for 48 hours, no visible bruising. Cried alot. Still quite sore with movement, a seat belt feels like torture in any position, trouble sleeping.

The fine needle biopsies continue to hurt almost as much as the core biopsy. Feels like maybe a nerve or tendon got hit. Pain fading gradually. Facing mastectomy soon, fearing lymphedema, my mom suffered for 25 years. Waiting for results & getting a second opinion too.

Sarah Charles

A new clinical trial published in January 2010 found that physical therapy begun as a preventive measure soon after breast cancer surgery can reduce the risk of lymphedema. The study initially included 120 women, of whom 116 completed follow up. The women were divided into two groups. An intervention group was treated by a physical therapist with manual lymph drainage, massage of scar tissue, and shoulder exercises. This group also received education regarding strategies for limiting lymphedema, including advice on how to avoid further injury and prevent infection. A control group received only the education regarding lymphedema. Both programs lasted three weeks and the patients were followed up at four weeks, three months, six months and one year after surgery. Of the 116 women who completed the trial, 18 developed lymphedema (16%): four in the intervention group (7%) and 14 in the control group (25%). In addition, lymphedema was diagnosed four times earlier in the control group than in the intervention group. The authors conclude that early physiotherapy could be an effective intervention in the prevention of lymphedema in women for at least one year after surgery for breast cancer involving dissection of axillary lymph nodes.

Based on this, it might be worthwhile to look into whether your cancer center has a program to prevent lymphedema after mastectomy using early intervention. If they don't you might be able to arrange it elsewhere.

I wish you all the best,

Sarah Charles

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