breast biopsy question

[mouseclick1]

I had a biopsy done last week and finally got the good news today that everything was normal. My doctor, however, wants me to come in for a follow-up mammogram this week to make sure everything in question was removed. While I don't normally dread mammograms, I am dreading this one with a healing one-inch incision. I know I should have asked this question when I was on the phone with the nurse this afternoon, but I was so happy to hear the good news that I couldn't think of anything else!

Is this a normal follow-up procedure?

 

[crs7568]

I think that it is routine but I am not sure. I know that I would rather be safe than sorry. By the way, congratulations on the good news.

 

[luvtogo12]

Congratulations, that is great news.

I have had three surgical breast biopsies and I did not have to go for a follow-up mamo so soon after. My Dr usually waited six months. I imagine the site would still be sore, ouch...just the thought.

But as the previous poster mentioned, better safe than sorry.

 

[HOGFAN]

its absolutely the norm. In fact, I would be wary of any surgeon that didnt double check his work. we see patients getting 6 mo post bx mammos all the time. gotta make sure the surgeon/doctor really did get the area. Its not common you have to go back in and reexcise, but it does happen.

 

[robinc71]

Congrats. What a weight that must have lifted.

 

[NHAnn]

6 months post biopsy yes....not so sure about 1 week post-biopsy though...ouch, that is a bit soon!

What type of biopsy was it, was it for a lump or an area of microcalcifications?

I am glad you had good results!!

 

[nbodyhome]

Yes, I had a mammogram very shortly after a biopsy (also benign, thank goodness!) I don't know if it was exactly a week, but it was within a few weeks after my biopsy. Then I had another one at 6 months after.

 

[OceanAnnie]

Congratulations on the good news! I wonder if you could get a ultra sound instead of a mammo? I don't know if they do one in lieu of another, but it might be worth asking. Seems like an ultra sound would be a little gentler.

(I don't know if it's a viable option, just thought it might be something to explore.)

Hope it goes well and pain free for you!

 

[snappy]

Especially if it will be a diagnostic mammogram (which I assume it will be), I would think you would need to heal a bit first.

I was told by my plastic surgeon to wait 4-6 months after the reduction on my unaffected side to have another mammogram. Of course the incision was much larger than one inch.

Glad the biopsy was benign.

 

[laurabelle]

Don't ever be afraid to pick up that phone and ask your nurse. This is their job, what you pay them for.

Questions I would ask off the top of my head...
Does this surgeon always request a follow up mamm. after negative biopsy results? Or is there something in the report that is questionable and making him want to take a second look? (BTW- ask for a copy of these results, even if things are fine, it's good to keep a copy for your records) Yes. ask if an ultrasound can be used first instead.
I'd really be interested to know how you are followed up...
You are more than welcome to come visit us over at the GAGWTA thread!
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=810357&page=393

 

[mouseclick1]

Thanks everyone. I might go ahead and give the nurse a call today and see what she says. It was for an area of microcalcifications, not a lump. My appointment is scheduled for tomorrow morning.

 

[laurabelle]

I'm glad you're calling today...I hate having those nagging questions.

 

[NHAnn]

Thanks everyone. I might go ahead and give the nurse a call today and see what she says. It was for an area of microcalcifications, not a lump. My appointment is scheduled for tomorrow morning.

Well that explains why an ultrasound isn't in order...the calcifications don't show on u/s. Interesting though, I was told on my original excisional biopsy that they'd actually Xray the tissue removed to make sure they got the area of calcifications they wanted, even with a wire locator procedure before the surgery.

Good idea to call the nurse...

and again, it's GREAT news that the results are benign....more than 80% of them are