When I found out that I needed a breast biopsy, I was full of fear and anxiety - not only about the possibility of cancer, but also about the procedure itself. I have a low tolerance for pain and a fear of doctors and hospitals in general. But the reality was so far from my projected fears that I had to write about it to reassure those who are going through this procedure: please do not be afraid of the biopsy.

My doctor and I decided on the procedure with the Mammotome® System. First, they numbed the breast with an injection, which was painless. (I joked afterwards that one of my cats bites me harder than that needle.) I was comfortably placed on a table with an opening for the breast. Warm and compassionate hands and reassuring voices from both the radiologist and the nurse helped me feel serene. Before I knew it, I was done (and with a barely noticeable 1/4 inch incision)! In less than two days, the results were back - a plus since waiting for answers is hell. Although my results were that it was cancer, I am nonetheless quite grateful that this biopsy option was available to me - on this path from being a cancer victim to a cancer survivor.