Biopsy

What a morning it was.  It was physically and emotionally draining.  I had the MRI and biopsy.  I was in a good mood this morning and was ready to tackle the task ahead of me.  I didn't know what to expect with the appointment this morning.  Then it all happened.  It was one of the longest hour (or so) of my life.

As usual, they had a hard time finding a vein on my left arm.  Got poked about three times and were unsuccessful.  They tried to convince me to use the right arm to no avail, they even told me they've done it to other patients who had lymph nodes removed.  Not on my arms they didn't.  I told them that I had a history of slight lymphedema a couple of years ago and had to do some exercise to remove it.  Fortunately I didn't have to fight for it because they found a healthy vein on my left hand.  It really hurt that I cried!

Then came the MRI/biopsy.  Tears were still flowing down my cheeks from the IV and found it hard to take in the information they told me.  They said so many things that only bits and pieces stuck on my head.  This was the time I wished Mark was with me.  He's my sponge who takes in all the info I can't but he was not allowed to go in with me. 

Anyway, they said I had to have a mammogram after the MRI.  I'm like "what? another mammogram?!?!?"  The MRI tech explained that they had to do a mammogram to make sure the titanium or chip they inserted in the breast to mark the spot is actually on the right spot.  Titanium?!?! Chip?!???!  What the heck? I thought it was only a biopsy!  I was confused and emotionally stressed.  It was too much information to deal with.

So here's what happened... They took pictures of the right breast only using the MRI.  The left breast was covered with a metal of some sort.  That lasted about 15-30 minutes.  Took me out of the MRI machine and asked me not to move at all.  A couple of doctors came in to freeze the area.  Someone put pressure on my back (maybe so that I won't move).  Freezing was freakin' painful, they injected me four times.  I wanted to sob but had to control myself because I cannot move at all.  Tears were flowing like crazy.  I wished Mark was with me to hold my hand. 

After the freezing, they wheeled me back in the MRI, took more pictures then took me out again.  The biopsy started. I heard a drilling sound it went on and off three times.  I was terrified!  I did not open my eyes during the entire procedure because I was afraid I might see something that I don't want to see.  All I heard was the biopsy was "bang on" according to one of the doctors.  I think they meant they got the right spot.  They took me back in the MRI again, then it was over. 

They asked me to sit up.  I was so dizzy, weak and crying.  Then I saw blood, oh that made my knees buckle!  That was gross.  They explained stuff to me and quite frankly I don't even remember what they told me.  The only thing I understood was it was time for the mammo.

A nurse took us to the mammo section of the hospital.  The mammo was only for the right breast.  I asked why do I need another mammo.  The technologist said it was to check if the chip was in the right location so that if they need to do more tests they know exactly where to go.  More tests?  Gosh I hope not.

The actual mammo lasted about five minutes.  The technologist cleaned the breast area where the biopsy was done.  I saw the open wound and I felt nauseous.  It's about pea-sized and bloody. I cannot stand the sight of blood. Good thing I didn't throw up.  I will be sore for about 24 hours or so.  Cannot take a shower for 24 hours and I'm not allowed to do strenuous activities or do heavy lifting. 

The next step is to see Dr. Y on March 24th to discuss the results.  It will be nerve-wracking on the days leading up to the 24th.  I'm on pins and needles every time the phone rings.  But here's hoping for the best.  This is now in God's hands.