Breast biopsy identifies suspicious breast tissue

A breast biopsy — removing a small sample of breast tissue for pathology analysis — is often the only way to be certain that a suspicious area in your breast is or isn't breast cancer. A breast biopsy helps identify any abnormalities in the cells that make up breast lumps or other unusual breast changes, and it can help determine whether or not you need surgery or other treatment.

How do you prepare for a breast biopsy?

Before the breast biopsy, tell your doctor if you:

• Have any allergies
• Have taken aspirin in the last seven days
• Are taking blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants)
• Are unable to lie on your stomach for an extended period of time

If your biopsy will be done using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), tell your doctor if you have a cardiac pacemaker or other electronic device implanted in your body or if you're pregnant or think you may be pregnant. MRI generally isn't recommended under these circumstances.

Wear a bra to your appointment. Your health care team may place a cold pack against the biopsy site after the procedure, and the bra can hold the cold pack in place and provide support for your breast.

Be sure to follow any other special preparation instructions given to you in advance of the procedure.

What to expect after a breast biopsy

With all types of breast biopsy except a surgical biopsy, you'll go home with only bandages and an ice pack over the biopsy site. Although you should probably take it easy for the rest of the day, you'll be able to resume your normal activities within a day. Bruising is common after core needle biopsy procedures. To alleviate pain and discomfort after a breast biopsy, you may take a nonaspirin pain reliever containing acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) and apply a cold pack as needed to reduce discomfort and swelling.

If you have a surgical biopsy, you'll likely have stitches (sutures) to care for. Take care to keep the healing incision dry during bathing until the sutures are removed. You'll be instructed to avoid strenuous activities for a few days to prevent bleeding. If you experience swelling or bruising, it should go away in a few weeks. Scar tissue that forms after the biopsy site heals can make breast self-exams challenging, so ask your doctor how you'll be able to tell the difference between the feel of scar tissue and the feel of new breast changes.

Risks of the procedure

Risks associated with a breast biopsy include:

• Bruising and swelling of the breast
• Infection or bleeding at the biopsy site
• Altered breast appearance, depending on how much tissue was removed and how the breast heals
• Additional surgery or other treatment, depending on biopsy results

Contact your doctor if you develop a fever, if the biopsy site becomes red or warm, or if you have unusual drainage from the biopsy site. These signs of infection may require prompt treatment.

Adjusting to life with a newborn

Round-the-clock newborn care can turn your life upside down. Appreciate the joy your newborn brings to your life — and cope with the rest one day at a time. Consider these practical tips:

• Take care of yourself. Resist the urge to count caffeine as a major food group. Instead, eat healthy foods, drink plenty of water and get some fresh air. Do something you enjoy every day, either with your baby or on your own. Good habits will help you maintain the energy you need to take care of your newborn.
• Get plenty of rest. Sleep is at a premium right now. Grab it when you can! Sleep when your baby sleeps. Work out a nighttime schedule with your partner that allows both of you to rest and care for the baby.
• Establish visiting hours. Friends and loved ones may come out of the woodwork to admire your newborn. Let them know what time works best, and ask anyone who's ill to stay home. When you have visitors, don't be afraid to set aside your social graces. Let them care for the baby while you get some much needed rest.
• Go with the flow. It's never too early to establish a routine, but let your baby set the pace. Allow plenty of time each day for nursing sessions, naps and crying spells. Keep scheduled activities to a minimum. When you need to head out, give yourself extra time to pack your supplies and change the inevitable out-the-door dirty diaper.
• Expect a roller coaster of emotions. You may go from adoring your newborn and marveling at tiny fingers and toes to grieving your loss of independence and worrying about your ability to care for a newborn, all in the space of a single diaper change.
• Share your feelings. Chances are, you and your partner are both tired and anxious. Talking about what's bothering you — such as a strained budget or difficulty soothing the baby — can help you stay connected. A shared laugh may help lighten the mood.
• Relax your standards. Hide the broom and leave dust bunnies where they lie. Store clean clothes in the laundry basket until you need them — or in stacks on the floor, for that matter. Clean the bathroom with a fresh diaper wipe. And yes, cold cereal is acceptable dinner fare once in a while.
• Get out of the house. If you're going stir-crazy with a fussy newborn, take the baby out for a walk. If you can, let someone else take over for a while.
• Accept a helping hand. When friends and loved ones offer to help, take them up on it. Suggest holding the baby, folding the laundry, running a few errands — whatever would help you the most.
• Nurture other relationships. Your newborn needs your love and attention, but you won't let your baby down by spending time with others. Set aside one-on-one time with your other children. Schedule dates with your partner. Meet a friend for lunch or a movie.
• Keep your perspective. The newborn days won't last long. Step back and appreciate the moment, even amid the chaos.