I have had it done and don't remember that it was all that painful...Routinely they turn out to be nothing important but thankfully mine found cancer and I ended up with surgery. I think you can pretty much count on the fact that if you are going to have anything that is terribly painful, they will give you something for the pain or put you to sleep.

I have had it done twice. The first one, a couple of years ago, I didn't watch. It didn't hurt too much. The second time, this year, I watched. I wonder if my seeing the procedure made me think it hurt more... But it was really more discomfort than pain. And certainly the immediate mammo after the procedure did not hurt at all.

Both times I was blessed to find that it was not cancer, although the first time they deemed it necessary to remove the "thing" they found. Good thoughts are coming your way.

I had it done and it was painless. The fact that you cannot moveat all while the biopsy is taking place is a bit bothersome, but not awful.

If you are taking an aspirin a day be sure to stop at least 7 days before the procedure or you may have extra bleeding. (Ask me how I know this.)

I've had this once, and as Donna_Loomis says, it's more uncomfortable than actually painful. I do remember that they give you drugs, because I had to have someone to drive me home.

Good luck. I hope yours is nothing, as mine was.

I had the Guided Needle Biopsy for my liver and there was no pain at all.

I passed out from fright I guess. I told them I was going to pass out, and when I came to, all these people were standing over the top of me looking down, until I awoke and answered them that I was all right. I have absolutely no recollection of the actual biopsy being done other than that, so I remember no pain. I wonder if they got it while I was out cold or something?

Sue

Yes and yes. Good luck on your test.

Linda~

I had my second one three weeks ago. No cancer. They wouldn't let me drive, so my sister came with me and after we went out for lunch. Not painful unless I lay down on that side. I second laying off the aspirin and wait a couple of weeks after the biopsy to start taking it again. Good luck

My sister just had it done a couple of weeks ago. She said it was a piece of cake, and it didn't hurt. Her's showed it is very early stage of cancer. DCIS She goes for an MRI soon.
Leslie

Yeppers, had this done twice.

I was so shocked the first time(1999) don't remember if it hurt or not, the 2nd one (2003) in the arm pit for the suspected lymph node...HURT like heck! Both times; my surgeon was quick and hit "it" on the first try. I didn't have drugs or sedation for either of mine.

It has been 10 years since my first diagnosis...and almost 9 for the 2nd...my breast is still tender and I dread the annual mammogram.

Good luck...sending lots of positive vibes and thoughts your way!

i just had this procedure done (which they called a stereotactic biopsy with radiology).

i agree, i didn't feel pain - just discomfort. you are laid on your belly on a table that has a cut out for your boob and they secure it - to the point of "bondage". you don't move for the next 30+ minutes. anesthesia is given so you'll feel that pinch. at the third needle site i did feel that "digging in" (she took samples from 5 areas), so they shot me with more anesthesia. mammo followed once i was off the table and able to move around.

i drove myself, although i wasn't supposed to. if it had been my right side, i definitely would have had someone else drive. doctor recommended keeping the area iced, which i did. i didn't take anything, but i highly recommend the ice. i had some bruising, but nothing compared to what i would have had i not iced. sleeping i propped myself where necessary.

as for the clip it's the smallest little thing but for a while after, i swear i could feel a little buzz/shock from it now and again. the radiologist told me i wasn't the first person to say that. and as for the area that they took the samples, i know it sounds strange, but i feel like there's a little indent in my left boob, like i'm missing something.

i was fortunate in that they didn't find anything and i sincerely wish the same for you, marilyn.

maryanne

I just had a needle biopsy on my throat because a scan showed a potential problem with the thyroid. My dr did a thyroid scan and found nothing, but the ultra sound did show up something, and they did a local, put in 6 tiny needles for biopsy, felt nothing and thankful it was all non cancer. No swelling, no bruising, just a great Dr. who did it.

I had the same procedure that earthlydelights described. The actual procedure was not painful, but the "binding" down of the boob was. The worst was that my right shoulder hurt so bad the entire time I was laying there, it was from the position I was in for the procedure. The lady doing all the preparation said that is the most complaints they get, is the hurting in the shoulder.

I had it done twice to 'empty' those fluid filled cysts and felt no pain at all. They'll numb the area with some topical anesthetic liquid, so you won't feel a thing. :)

The area looked bruised afterwards, but they will probably give you a little ice pack for it.

Sending my best wishes your way, (((Hugs)))

earthlydelights, I feel my clip all the time. I actually have two of them put in at the same time. My doctor thinks I'm nuts of course and that there is NO WAY that they can be felt. I'm glad you shared this. Now I know that the doctor probably put it in wrong and won't admit it.

What exactly is the clip?

It is a "marker" that will show up when you have a mammogram. The purpose is to make sure that the suspect spot is closely checked.

Never had it done but just want you to know that I'm sending you good vibes that all goes well for you, Marilyn.

Clubm and others.....

I have 4 "clips/markers" in my left breast and 5 in my left armpit! Do I know they are there...YES! Especially when I have my annual mammogram and PET Scan or go through the machines at the airport. They do not set the machines off but I feel a tingling sensation.

I need to clarify......my 1999 biopsy was just that...a biopsy! However; while in surgery on 2/19/2199....the "clips/markers" were inserted. I also had the Sentinel Lymph node Biopsy prior to my surgery...the tech inserted the radio-active dye directly into the mass that would travel and mark any cancerous lymph nodes...no numbing or anesthesia involved.....that hurt like he**. During surgery, my breast surgeon used a geiger counter to locate any "nodes" involved. I was one of 40 women to have this procedure done....AND one of 4 with negative test results!

I have all of this on film...a local news channel was doing a segment on breast cancer; they filmed my "adventure" from the minute I walked into the hospital scrubbed in for my surgery and was with me for "some" of my recovery room time. A year later they did a follow up story...my 15 minutes of fame!

SORRY...did not mean to hi-jack your post!

That was interesting. I'm going to Google for more info on this new procedure. Are they going to start using it anytime soon as a matter of protocol? Is it still in the experimental stages?

Thank you for the feedback. All of you have been very helpful. I will let you all know when I go to have it done. Marilyn