biopsy, what to expect

so...here's the dealy deal
as you may recall: my mom has had breast cancer 3 times, my aunt *her younger sister* passed away from breast cancer last year

in the last 5 weeks, I have had the following:
~1 appointment with my gynecologist
~1 appointment with my surgeon
~1 appointment with cancer services
~4 mammograms
~3 ultrasounds
~2 manual breast exams
~1 MRI with contrast
~1 core, ultrasound guided biopsy *5 samples taken*

yes, that is a lot of stuff to pack in!
on top of, you know, "everyday" stuff.

the trickiest part of this for me has been...processing.
everything has happened SO quickly.
we went from everything is good...we don't see anything to...
there is something suspicious in the opposite breast...we need an ultrasound to...
biopsy two days later.

i feel the need to share a little about the biopsy
i know MANY people are finding themselves in my position and looking for some idea of what to expect

first of all...there are different types of biopsies for different types of masses
my mass is not calcified *it does not show on mammogram*
the best case scenario is that its an odd looking fibroadenoma *benign*
i had what's known as an ultra sound guided, core biopsy.
core biopsy meaning they are taking chunks of tissue, not just cells alone
*it's a large gauge needle that frankly, i did NOT watch him insert through a tiny incision*
when they are actually removing bits, it is not a smooth transaction
it sounds and feels like an old stapler *a 'ka-chunk' sound, that jars you*
i would have only felt the tugging *no pain* if they hadn't nicked my pectoral muscle *ouch!*
you do feel the prick of the injection to numb you...but it wasn't awful.
the doctor is able to get really close to the areas he wants because a tech is using an ultrasound probe
it's real time, as opposed to a stereo static biopsy where you lay on your tummy
they use a mammogram type imaging for that and gauge entrance through looking at the images
for ultrasound guided, you are positioned in the best way for the tech and doc to have access to the area
i don't know if it is standard but, i had a metal clip inserted after taking the samples
this can be used for surgery if needed, or in mammograms everyone will know that i've had a biopsy there
they covered the incision with a couple of butterflies, applied bacitracin and a pressure bandage.

now for the parts you really want to know
it's NOT excruciating
it's not comfortable, but it is definitely NOT up there with child birth *as i had read*
afterward, there is discomfort
i didn't want to lift my arm
they provided me with the cutest little ice pack that fit in my bra *it felt awesome*
i've had drainage, pain under my arm, and dull shooting pain through my breast
it's not unbearable, just uncomfortable
you can't lift heavy things...or do much with it for a couple of days
*i would listen to that bit of advice, i kinda over did it today and am paying for it*

i mean really, in the scope of things...if you consider what is to come if it's a positive result...
this was quite bearable

do not misunderstand, it is one of the most emotional events of my life
i wasn't prepared to meet with a cancer service rep prior to it
i hadn't really considered that part yet, i was most concerned with pain/disfigurement
it generally takes 2 business days to get your results
my tummy feels fine, as i wait for mine
tuesday or wednesday should be my day
my surgeon will call me *instead of the breast diagnostic doc*
we had a heart to heart on thursday before my procedure
i like her...i trust her

happy thoughts to all! :0)