I wasn’t worried about the actual biopsy procedure. I didn’t tell very many people that I was having it – just Sam and my mom, and a few friends. of course at that time I was still hoping it would turn out to be nothing. First mammogram and everything. But also concerned, because two masses and a lymph node.

The Mighty Sam drove me to this appointment. I could have driven myself but it was nice to have the moral support. He did wait in the car though, because they didn’t tell me I could take someone with me.

It was the same drill – stopped at the door to make sure I don’t have any COVID-19 symptoms, then up to the breast imaging center.

You’re supposed to wear comfortable clothes and a sports bra. I stripped them off and put on a hospital gown, ties in front. The people working on me were the ultrasound tech, the doctor, and a PA.

This was an ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy. So they use the ultrasound to see exactly where the mass is, and then they put in a needle tube, and then put the biopsy needle through the tube to grab the tissue sample. Simple.

First they gave me lidocaine shots. I told them that I need extra shots at the dentist and that I burn through it fast. They said they would give me extra. I barely felt the shots and they worked pretty well. It was mostly not uncomfortable at all, except for one twinge when they did the lymph node. The biopsy needle makes a funny sound when it’s deployed, kind of like a cap gun without caps in it.

The same needle tube could be used for the two breast biopsies. When those were done the PA put on direct pressure and then bandaged me up with Steri-Strips and a clear dressing. The lymph node was similar. I didn’t watch any of it.

They also put little titanium clips on each mass during the procedure. After it was done I had to go get a “gentle mammogram” which is where they look to make sure the clips got put on correctly. After that I was totally done and could change back into my clothes. They said results would be back in 3 to 5 business days and someone would call me.

It took a little bit longer than I had expected. The Mighty Sam was very patient!

Post-procedure instructions: Keep the sports bra on for a full 24 hours, even in bed. It’s ok to take the dressings off that night but can leave them on until the next day if they’re not causing skin irritation. Leave the Steri-strips on until they fall off. No lifting things over 5 pounds for 24-48 hours. Take tylenol for pain. It’s ok to take a shower after 24 hours.

I did take Tylenol but I probably would have been able to manage without it. It was sore for the first couple of days, and then just felt like a big healing bruise.