Finishing the Core Needle Breast Biopsy
When I was dressed, Kami gave me the discharge paper and removed the hospital bracelets. She gave me an ice pack and told me to insert it into my bra on top of the suture bandage.
Slight problem….I did not wear a bra to the procedure!
Ok, truth be told, I thought they would send me home sans bra….so I just didn’t wear one that day. Mistake!
She said to keep the ice pack under my arm and get a bra on ASAP when I arrived home. I need to wear the bra for the first 24 hours after the procedure, which includes night time.
“It’s not so much the suture area that needs to be contained, but the core needle went deep into your breast, and so your breast needs to be kept motionless for 24hrs to promote healing,” she said.
Kami walked me to the waiting area; she was indeed with me the whole entire time.
She was my angel.
It was so nice seeing my mother and sister in law with Copa once we were in the waiting room! We joked, laughed and hugged. We told each other that I was one step closer to knowing I am cancer-free. I keep my profound moment to myself, as I always want to be positive with others. And maybe, just maybe, my gut feeling is wrong.
My Ultrasound Guided Core Needle Biopsy Recovery
As soon as Copa and I got in the car I started to cry. Well, bawling would be more accurate. It was just an emotional release, and I was back to normal quickly. I couldn’t believe I actually did a core needle breast biopsy!
We held hands tightly all the way home.
My husband is so loving and strong. Plus, he’s not too hard on the eyes! Yep, I’m blessed with my guy. I literally thank God for him in my prayers.
We got home and per the doctor’s instructions, I went straight to bed (flat on my back) with an ice pack. I was told I could take Tylenol for pain, if needed. I scoured the internet to find breast biopsy recovery details, but did not uncover many that gave my play-by-play details. Hence, this blog! 😉
Copa and I binge watched two Tom Hanks movies: The Bridge of Spies and Sully.
Still, the pain was not bad! By 7:00PM, I thought I would be feeling the local pain medicine wear off, but it is still totally bearable.
We ate his amazing beef stroganoff for supper (he brought me a tray) and watched a John Candy classic, Summer Rental. Wouldn’t you know, we just HAD to sample the Halloween candy for dessert?!?!
I slept through the night with absolutely no discomfort, pain or Tylenol. 😊
Core Needle Breast Biopsy Day 2: Saturday Morning
I slept so well last night! This morning, my breast was tender but not painful. I’d like to ditch the bra, but my 24 hours are not done. I got up, rotated ice packs and brushed my teeth.
Copa made homemade grits with a cheese & bacon topping for breakfast. I usually eat a very light breakfast (fruit/yogurt) but I have to tell you I ate the WHOLE bowl! He loves making big weekend breakfasts and is a GREAT cook! His homemade sausage gravy is restaurant good!
I’m staying in bed this morning, watching First Time Flips and relaxing.
Today is the homecoming dance for my niece, and so Donna and I are texting a lot. She’s keeping me updated about my niece’s pre-dance preparations. Texting with Donna keeps my mind off what has just happened; she’s so thoughtful of others and always knows when to be there for me.
Core Needle Breast Biopsy Day 2: Saturday Afternoon & Night
How am I really feeling? I sat up in a chair for several hours, and worked on Totally Tailgates. I kept the ice pack rotations in play until about 5PM. AND, I showered after the 24 hour mandated wait time. Drumroll, please?
Per my discharge instructions, I need to take the bandage off after I shower. The butterfly suture closures stay on another 3-5 days.
The shower felt great, and the bandage came off!
I was nervous to take off the big, protective bandage that cover the butterfly strips. Copa helped me pull it off in really small sections.
There are 3 large butterfly strips over the incision area. I am a little surprised at how broad the strips are, but am glad they are there instead of stitches! These will remain in place several days.
The Kentucky/Mississippi State game is on right now. We are watching the game and eating take out for supper. (I’m also toggling back to the Walking Dead marathon, but hey, tomorrow night is the season premier!)
Night has arrived, and I am still pain free! No Tylenol for this girl!
I’m feeling so good about the procedure. After weeks of worrying, it’s DONE.
If you are having an ultrasound core needle biopsy, definitely try to get it scheduled on a Friday. I was still icing the area until late this afternoon, and I’m pretty sure I smelled a little due to not beings able to shower. So, going to work immediately afterwards would have been really, really tricky. Word to the wise: schedule an ultrasound guided core biopsy on a Friday if you work full time!
Final Thoughts on Recovering from a Core Needle Breast Biopsy
I went back to work today (Monday)….. 72 hours after the procedure! The incision is still held together with large butterfly strips which are uncomfortable. I’m sore, but doing well. Bras rub the area, and tight clothing is uncomfortable so my wardrobe for work is a little more relaxed.
All in all, the recovery was SUPER easy and not painful. I never even needed Tylenol. The procedure itself was rough. Much, much rougher than I was expecting the day I went in for the biopsy.
This Friday I meet my breast surgeon for the results of the pathology report. I could have scheduled an appointment with my family doctor who ordered the biopsy; that would have meant knowing the results as soon as Wednesday. However, in the event this IS cancer, I don’t want to wait for an appointment with a surgeon nor do I want to take time off from work for two appointments.
I’m very ready for Fri-YAY! 🙂
Pssst: You can go back here to learn exactly what happened in the biopsy procedure.
