Jill,
Try not to worry, But don't hesitate to call the Center
and talk to a nurse or technician about any of your fears
and/or questions about the Biopsy procedure
When they say a test takes a certain amt. of time,
alot of it is set-up time.
A local anesthesia can be Very good,
meaning you won't feel any pain.
Do you have any anti-anxiety meds available to you to take now and before test? (Such as Xanax?)
Maybe you could ask the DR. about this now?
Tell him you are not comfortable having this done totally awake.
Versed is a med used sometimes before even colonoscopies, you know what's going on, but you don't really care,or you can even fall asleep..
Don't hesitate to mention your concerns to your DR. now about your ruptured disc area.
I know this last test I took (specialized Breast MRI ),was uncomfortable because I was laying face down also w/ holes in table for close to an hour.
My problem is my muscles.
Having fibromyalgia meant I was sore for days afterwards in my shoulder,neck,and upper arm area,since I had to keep my arms stretched forward over my head.
The table area under my abdomen was cushioned,most of the pressure seemed to be around my chest where the rim of the holes were.
I did some research for you and I have some links for you about this procedure and a great support site also.
Hope I've helped.
Let me know if you would like to e-mail me.
PM me or ask Dan, He has my phone # too.

Remember this! -Biopsies are performed on any kind of abnormality that your doctor can feel or that looks suspicious. It's usually a very simple procedure.
In the United States, only about 20% of women who have biopsies turn out to have cancer.
So keep thinking Positive - 80% will NOT be cancer!
Here are the links if you are like me and need to have as much info as possible.
If more info increases your fear factor, then just ask the DR. ONLY what YOU need to know and ignore these links.
This one explains this procedure:
Vacuum-Assisted Biopsy (brand names, Mammotome or MIBB)
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/biopsy/vacuum.asp
Prone table position on this page
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/biopsy/general.asp#ultrasound_guidence
and they even have a great message/support board here too.
http://www.breastcancer.org/
Nine affirmations to help SHRINK THE WHALE
by the Rev. Dr. Lynn Vanderhoof, D.min., Thomas Jefferson University Health System
Knowledge: The more I know of my own condition, the better; to be unaware is to be frightened.
Decision-making: The more informed decisions I actually make for myself, the more I feel in charge and the less helpless I feel.
Belief in my physician: The more I can trust my doctors, the more confidence I will have in my treatment plan.
Support: Especially talking to others who have been through the same or a similar experience, and knowing they have come out the other side, is reassuring.
Timeliness: The smaller the delay from discovery to diagnostic testing to report to treatment, the less time there is for me to mentally live the "worst-case scenario."
Faith: Awareness that there is some being or force greater than myself helps me keep myself and my issues in better perspective.
Humor: An ability to laugh with others, to laugh at myself and even at the indignities inherent to treating cancer, keeps me emotionally balanced.
Being heard: Stating my needs in as clear a way as possible and insisting the healthcare professionals with whom I am working take my questions/needs seriously is essential to a healing process.
Counting myself part of the healthcare team: No one can know my body like I can, no one can know what symptoms are unusual for me like I can, and this makes my contribution central to my own healing.
Coping with Fear
http://www.breastcancer.org/cmn_copi_fear_diag.html

Remember so many hugs coming your way.
The not knowing and waiting is so very hard.
keep thinking of so many hands here reaching out holding yours.
We care and are with you in spirit.
Let us know when it's scheduled.
Hugs, Marilyn
