Ominous looking thing, isn't it?
This is a breast biopsy needle.
Shudder!
You may recall my experience with lumps under my arm.
It was decided I should consult my physician.
She suggested I go see a surgeon.
The surgeon suggested I get another ultrasound.
The radiologist, upon seeing the ultrasound,
suggested a needle biopsy.
suggested a needle biopsy.
Piece. Of. Cake.
I mean, how bad can it be?
They numb me up,
and poke a needle into my armpit to sample the lump.
No one told me that the 'needle' was the size
of those little straws you get in your fancy drinks!
I think I'd rather have a martini, or two... or three five!
No one told me how deep the lymph nodes are.
Poking, pushing, prodding...
Snnnappp!
Sample taken.
Pushing, prodding, poking...
Snnnappp!
Another sample.
Repeat procedure...
six times.
Ugh!
I walk out of the procedure room...
only a bit shaky,
only a bit uncomfortable;
with steri strips holding me together
and tape holding the steri strips on
and a wad of gauze and more tape keeping pressure on...
only a bit uncomfortable;
with steri strips holding me together
and tape holding the steri strips on
and a wad of gauze and more tape keeping pressure on...
Then I wait.
Wait.
Wait.
The doctor who performed the deep drilling
in my arm pit called.
in my arm pit called.
The good news...
There were no cancer cells in the samples.
There were no markers for lymphoma.
Phew!
The not-so-good-news...
The only material he acquired was calcified stuff.
He didn't get any other type of tissue.
He has no idea what is causing me to turn to stone,
and suggests we try to find out what is going on.
To be continued.....
When I know what is going on!
I feel for you. I've been going through a similar maze, but never got to the point of a biopsy needle. It's so frustrating when you have all those tests run and see all those "experts" and still have no answer.
ReplyDeleteGood news is always such a relief. May that continue.
ReplyDeleteOh, those needles do suck. I am glad to hear NO cancer! Hang in there:)
ReplyDeleteThinking about you and hoping you get the answers you are searching for soon. :)
ReplyDelete(((hugs!!))) Good Lord, I am hoping one day they will look back at the barbaric tests and cures they have today and say "what were we thinking??!!!" the same way we look back at early medicine and think the same thing...
ReplyDeleteI know my sister cannot eat or drink anything caffeinated otherwise it shows up in her bosom...it just seems to aggravate that area for her...Lets hope they can find out the cause right away and you will have a worry free summer and LIFE!!! :)
So glad there is now cancer. Odd about the calcification though!
ReplyDeleteOuch! I'm so very glad they didn't find cancer dear Cyndi. That must have been very stressful.
ReplyDeleteThose things are scary and ouchie! :( Glad you made it through and awesome news there is no cancer, whewwww! I had a calcified lump removed from my breast a few years ago, it hurt like hell (the lump not the surgery) and it was nothing, but like having a big rock inside of me! I hope they figure out what's happening and why and do something about it. Will be waiting to hear what does happen next!
ReplyDeleteSo glad the big C isn't the cause, and hope you find some piece of mind on the other c. I am sure this is all very scary. Wishing you nothing but the best outcome.
ReplyDeleteThank you, all, for your support. I still haven't heard back regarding the 'next step', following blood work and a chest X-ray. Maybe tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteOh Dreaming! I'm so sorry you've been going through all of this! Thank goodness it wasn't the C word. I hope it doesn't take too long to figure out what is going on with you. I went back and read your "lumps under my arm post."
ReplyDeleteYikes ~ I've spent a lot of time in a periodontist's chair! You have my total understanding and sympathy. Dental pain drives every other thought out of your mind. Take care! I'm (sorry for the pun) rooting for you!
You are in my prayers. Please keep us posted.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad cancer cells weren't found, but they need to definitely find out what is causing the tissue to be calcified. And I've had so many tissue biopsies with that horrible thing...it is traumatic to go from a needle biopsy to that contraption. And women don't talk about it, so that makes it even scarier. And talk to God throughout it all; He's such a great listener and will be there for you during your most "alone" moments in this medical maze. Thinking of you!!
ReplyDeleteLana
Ouch! I am from the midwest as you know and I have calcifications throughout my breast tissue..it has caused much excitement. They usually measure them and compare them year to year now. All they told me is that they are common and sometimes they are cancerous and sometimes not. I guess they can tell by the enhanced mammo...
ReplyDeleteI hope you can escape that horrible needle again..it doesn't sound like any fun at all.
I am thinking good thoughts for you:)