Tell your doctor if you:
- Are taking any medications, and which medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medicines or herbal remedies, especially Gingko Biloba, Dong Quai, fish oil, Black Cohash and mandarin tea.
- Have bleeding problems, or are taking any medications that are blood thinners. These include aspirin, Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Exedrin, Feldene, Vitamin E, Heparin, Coumadin, and Plavix. If you are taking any of these medications, your doctor may want you to stop them up to two weeks before the exam.
- Are allergic to any medications.
- Are pregnant, or think you might be pregnant.
The day of the exam, please:
- Do not wear deodorant, powder, perfumes or lotions under your arms, or anywhere above your waist.
- Leave your jewelry at home.
- Wear comfortable, two-piece, dark colored clothing. Do not wear anything that is tight around the waist.
- Wear a supportive bra or sports bra.
The St. Joseph Hospital Comprehensive Breast Center wants you to be as comfortable as possible during your biopsy. You may be offered a thermal Warm Heat Wrap (scented or unscented), a personal CD player or aromatherapy during your biopsy.
If the biopsy will be performed using local anesthesia, there are no special preparations necessary. You will be awake during your biopsy, and should feel little or no pain.
It is not usually necessary to have stitches; a small bandage or a compression dressing is usually enough. Most patients resume their normal routine right away. For some biopsies you will be given a complete list of "aftercare" instructions. |