I don't think they are actually going to biopsy the artery itself but the surrounding tissues and nodes. Having had this done a few times, it is uncomfortable, and I am always anxious about it, but as pain goes it ain't nothing compared to where you have been.... and it is only temporary while they have the needle in and wiggle it a bit, no discomfort as soon as they take it out. If the idea of it all is freaking you out a bit, ask your doc to give you some anxiety meds to take before the day of the deed... like for me, they need to give them to me as soon as they even TELL me they are going to do it again. This is not because it is such a bad deal to go through, it is because I am the world's biggest puss and whiner. Clonazapam (Klonopin) 1MG when anxiety gets the best of me - mother's (and Brian's) little helper.

Brian, stage 4 oral cancer survivor. OCF Founder and Director. The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.