Biopsy...that is such a scary word, is it not? We all associate that word with the dreaded "C"...cancer. In my 60-plus years, I have had a few, most while asleep; but I was wide-awake, staring at the ultrasound screen for the one I had May.
From my personal journal: "Today was "B Day"...biopsy. Traffic was light, so we got to the 1-Day Surgery area early. At 7:30 in the morning, the surgery lobby was already filled with people either waiting for their surgery, or family members waiting for their loved ones. When you feel alone in your struggles...look around you! There are so many hurting people!"
Dr. K. was to perform an ultrasound-guided biopsy...with two Amys attending. They explained the entire process beforehand, and the "whys". When there is a nodule or lump, biopsy is the only way to rule out or confirm cancer.
I think there are two ways people approach medical concerns. There is the researcher-type who wants to know everything there is to know; and then there is the ostrich-type who out of fear wants to know NOTHING. I am a researcher when it comes to myself, but a bit of an ostrich when it comes to those closest to me that I love dearly.
I did my research and watched a needle-core biopsy online, so I knew what to expect. The numbing shot was supposed to feel like a bee sting. Dr. K. told me to say "Ow, ow, ow!" He inserted the needle in several places and numbness occurred quite quickly. Most of what I could feel was pressure, pushing, and tugging sensations.
Dr. K. used ultrasound to locate the nodule and had one of the Amys measure it and take screen shots. I watched the entire procedure. A wire was inserted through a tiny breast incision and the needle through that. The hollow needle was inserted into the nodule, and a popping sound, similar to stapling papers, occurred when the tissue was cut and harvested for biopsy. From the online video I watched, the samples are spaghetti-like pieces of tissue. Dr. K. harvested about four samples.
After the samples were taken, a small titanium marker or clip was inserted through the wire to the biopsy site. I was told that "if" I needed further surgery, or for future breast scans, the clip would indicate the biopsied area. Once the procedure was over, one of the two Amys took me to a small exam room and did a few mammogram scans.
Immediately afterward, I was sent around the block to the Breast Center where I had my first MRI. I had "another" mammogram and a short (maybe five minute) MRI to make sure the biopsy and clip were in the right place. I was sent home with an ice bag and a small compression bandage to be removed 24 hours post-biopsy, and surgery strips to remain in place for five days. No aspirin or ibuprofen could be taken for a few days; but Tylenol instead for pain.
It was two days later when I received the dreaded phone call that I had breast cancer. Dr. K. made the phone call himself instead of delegating it to an assistant, which I felt was a kind gesture. I am sure he performs and reads hundreds, if not thousands, of pathology reports, yet he took the time to call me and put the wheels in motion for the next step....surgery.
Copyright 2015 Laney's Musings
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