Multiple biopsy

[smithtennyson]

I was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer in May and since then I have had 6 biopsy's where they have been unable to 'mark' the cancer. Has anyone else had the same problem please?

[4EverMe]

Hello smithtennyson , i have had a biopsy but just the one, then a lumpectomy, then a mastectomy. Does the term 'mark' mean no cancer was found?

[smithtennyson]

Cancer was detected the first time, but the biopsy punctured a blood vessel and the 'marker' floated away. Since then, they have not been able to find it again. I don't think it helps having deep breast tissue but the pain from the biopsys are getting me down especially as the last one took over 2 hours

[PJBinMI]

By "mark" do you mean determine the hormonal and her2neu status of the cancer cells? Those determine the drugs that will most likely be effective in treating the cancer. Are you seeing a medical oncologist who specializes in breast cancer and sees only breast cancer patients? If not, it might be helpful to do that, even if it means some travel. If "mark" means something else, it would help me understand if you explain what it means. Whatever it means, I hope you get the treatment you need.

[smithtennyson]

Thanks for your reply. No, the cancer cells are HER2 negative, but I mean mark the cancer tumour for surgery, as that's what they do in the UK, so they know the exact area that needs to come out with a lumpectomy. She is a breast cancer specialist (oncologist) but unfortunately the hospital is inundated and its difficult to get into see her

[Sadiedog12]

Hello Smithtennyson,

I also live in the UK and treatment protocols and procedures are very different from the US I think.

I had the procedure you described , marking the tumours before surgery. I must say though that for me it was all very straightforward, it probably took an hour to ‘ mark’ the tumours that I had in both breasts and not at all painful, uncomfortable maybe but that’s all. Perhaps it’s all down to the skill of the specialist sonographer . It’s not really acceptable that they have tried six times.. did they explain properly why this is a problem? I hope you get this sorted soon. X

[smithtennyson]

Thank for your reply. I have had this done on 3 different occasions, with three different surgeons. Apparently I have a 'dense breast', not sure what it means as I'm certainly not a big person but all I know is I have got to go through it all again! x