A breast biopsy is commonly used to ascertain whether a person has breast cancer or not. Here is how one can prepare oneself physically and emotionally for a breast biopsy appointment.
The prospect of a breast biopsy appointment can be depressing for many women. It is even natural to panic at this stage as you fear to hear the doctors’ verdict. However, you need to calm down and realize that, going for a breast biopsy need not always mean that you have a malignant breast tissue. It is just a test to prove the status of suspected presence of cancerous cells in your body. Here is how you can prepare for the breast biopsy appointment.
Prequel to Your Breast Biopsy Day
Educate Yourself
One of the most important and foremost things to do is educate yourself on breast cancer and breast biopsy procedures. Browse through some user-friendly websites detailing the procedures involved. You may also refer to some reputed books on the topic. It is essential that you be abreast with all the medical terminology relating to the process.
Such websites also help you understand the latest medical techniques used in different countries. Some interactive websites help you get in touch with some of the best doctors around the world who can clear your doubts. Another reason to be on the Internet is to chat online with some other women who went through the same ordeal previously. This will help you understand how to keep a positive attitude about the whole procedure.
Communicate With Doctors
It is essential to communicate with your doctor about the kind of medication or diet that you need to follow till the day of the biopsy. You may also speak to your doctor and understand the kind of procedure that he will follow on the biopsy day.
- Stop consumption of pain killers or pills to curb arthritic pain 2 days prior to the biopsy.
- Stop consuming anticoagulants at least 3 days prior to the biopsy as they increase the chances of incessant bleeding after the biopsy procedure.
- Stop consuming aspirin from at least a week prior to the day of the biopsy.
- Stop consuming herbal products like St John’s Wort, ginseng, garlic, ginkgo biloba from at least a week prior to the biopsy.
- Avoid consuming vegetables rich in vitamin E from at least a week prior to the biopsy appointment day.
Join a Support Group
It is essential to join a support group so that you can interact with other patients. This helps to relieve the emotional stress experienced by you till the biopsy gets done. You may also understand how others are dealing with similar emotions.
Strengthen Yourself
Your family and friends are often your best emotional supports through the whole stressful period. Make sure to interact with them about your deepest emotions. You may also ask one of your close family member or a trusted friend to accompany you to the medical center on the day of your biopsy appointment. To strengthen yourself from within you may resort to some meditation and breathing exercises. Tell yourself that you will sail smoothly and safely through the whole procedure.
On the D-Day
- Ideally try to get the biopsy appointment fixed for morning. This gives you plenty of time to rest through the rest of the day.
- You may have to start your day with a very light breakfast. Avoid consuming beverages rich in caffeine on the day of your biopsy.
- Use a good supportive bra along with a loose and comfortable garment. Avoid wearing any valuable jewelry on the day of the biopsy.
- Before the biopsy process is started you will be given an oral rerun of the whole procedure by a qualified nurse from the medical center. You will also be asked to sign some ‘no objection’ forms to help the medical team carry out the biopsy.
- You will be asked to wear a hospital robe before the biopsy procedure begins.
Post the biopsy, care to follow all dietary restriction as prescribed by the doctor. Most importantly, do not come to any conclusions about your health till you get to see your biopsy reports. These reports usually take 3 days for processing. So keep up your willpower through the whole waiting process and stay calm.
