It's great that they're so supportive. Did you get to meet the radiologist (or I guess ultrasonographer) who will do the biopsy? Hang in there... keeping my fingers crossed for you.
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It's great that they're so supportive. Did you get to meet the radiologist (or I guess ultrasonographer) who will do the biopsy? Hang in there... keeping my fingers crossed for you.
Well, since you're a hugger: ((((red))))! Please keep us posted.
Red -- a virtual hug!
I had similar situation only then they all left the room for about 15 minutes while they examined the x rays - I kept calling out hello and asking if I could move. After about 15 minutes one of them wandered back in, told me not to move and wandered out again for another 5 minutes, til they all came back, did the whole thing over again except the numbing and then sent me home. I had a stiff neck that hurt more than anything in the boob for about a week. Wish I had thought to take a sedative and brought my ipod. Both would have helped, but some consideration from the biopsy people would have made a big difference- like just mentioning that they were leaving the room to take a look at the results or something.Quote:
Originally Posted by Grits
opefully no one else has it as bad.
marni
No, I didn't get to meet the radiologist. It sounds like they travel between hospitals, so you get who is working on that day. So far, everyone has been super nice and very conscientious, and every minute detail has been explained, with diagrams, maybe more than I'd like to know:o.
I've been told that I shouldn't feel anything, and if I do, tell them to stop and give me more lidocaine. This should not hurt at all. If it does, they will stop. I'll be on my back, which I'm relieved about. Being face down sounds pretty uncomfortable. I got a detailed packet explaining what to expect during and afterward. I'm bringing a couple of bras for afterward. Not knowing exactly how I'm going to feel, how large the bandage is, how the ice packet will fit in there, I want options. No advil (for 5 days prior), only tylenol afterward for pain, which I'm pretty bummed about. No aspirin, either. There were also some supplements that you're supposed to avoid for a few days before, but I don't take them, so I can't remember which. I think fish oil was one. No heavy lifting the following day or 2, but okay to drive. Anyway, I hope documenting this here helps someone someday. There's a lot of unnecessary stress involved, but I think information, knowing what to expect, is key to feeling okay. I really don't feel worried at all right now, and I got a good night's sleep last night.
Thanks for the hugs! Right back at you!
Yay, Red. I'm so glad that you're calm about this. I think that makes a world of difference. Will keep sending hugs and positive vibes your way. The statistics are definitely on your side!
Definitely! This thing is most likely benign, but if it isn't, I'm really glad I found it and got it checked out right away. I'm a huge procrastinator (have to be, it's in the slacker handbook) but if it is malignant, waiting is really bad. I've read enough of your stories, and been impacted by them, Marni's for example, to know that this could happen to me, or any of us. Even though I "do everything right" :rolleyes: better people than me get cancer.Quote:
Originally Posted by Blueberry
Will be thinking of you tomorrow, Red. You will be so relieved just to have the biopsy over with, and hopefully will get negative results soon thereafter!
Well, I didn't get the biopsy today. After the radiologist looked at it, he determined there was a possibility he wouldn't be able to get a good sample. He didn't want to put me through the procedure (it's in a very sensitive area) if he wasn't sure he could get to it. He was very kind and gentle. I could feel his hesitation, so I decided to go with his gut. I'll be having a surgical biopsy instead.
I'm glad that he was honest about it, but I'm sorry you keep gearing up for this only to have it put off. Are you still doing okay? What will a surgerical biopsy entail?
I'm still good.
The surgeon will excise the whole lump. It will be a local anesthetic, but I'll be sedated. There will be an incision and stitches. My friend just had this surgery 2 weeks ago, so I know what to expect (she slept through the whole thing). She said it hurt afterward, but she doesn't believe in pain meds. I do. Why suffer?
At least then it will be gone, and not something I'll always be wondering about. It's probably a good thing.
I have no idea when this will happen. I'll be getting an appt tomorrow.
(((((redrhodie)))))
So sorry you weren't able to get a quick and easy resolution.
Ha! The quick and easy boat has sailed! I'm okay with it, though. My pulse was in the 50s in the office today, so I'm pretty calm still.
I have to say, this hospital is awesome. They never left me alone in the room. They had someone meet me when I got there, and sit with me while I waited to go in. They brought me a towel for over my eyes (my idea). It was almost like being in a spa, minus the great stuff.
Although they are drawing this out, it is rare to find someone so honest! That is a good sign.
It sounds like a great hospital. The surgery doesn't sound that terrible, in the total scheme of things. I would take the pain meds, too.
Yeah, if the sedation is anything like what I got for my colonoscopy this past spring, you'll sleep right through the procedure. I'd actually prefer that to the alternative! And pain meds, I'd sure take 'em too!
Hoping for a good (negative) result for you!
Ugh. (((((((redrhodie))))))) Hang in there. It sounds like you have a great medical team, and that's so important. Pamper yourself and try to relax as much as you can.
Argh.
Take the pain meds and stay ahead of the pain. The ones they can put in the IV line make a huge difference in a matter of seconds. And, if you are cold... they have warm blankets. If the sedation is anything like I've received, the 'reboot' of your brain is fun in a weird sciencey way.
Tomorrow is the big day. I find myself mourning my normal old breast. It wasn't anything to write home about, but in retrospect, it was perfect. But, soon the lump will be gone. It may not be perfect after, but it wasn't even when it was, so who cares!
At today's consultation with the surgeon, she said she'll be removing a walnut sized piece, which to a surgeon is tiny. It's huge to me, especially since I'm small. I told her I'd rather she take less, since it's most likely benign, and she agreed to. I'm glad I spoke up. I suppose this means if it is cancer, more will have to be taken later, but I'm willing to risk that. Keep your fingers crossed I'm making the right decision!
((((((((redrhodie))))))))))
Will be thinking about you tomorrow. Your feelings are completely normal and legitimate. All I have is sympathy to offer.
Make sure you get the call numbers just in case anything weird happens - since it'll be a holiday 2 days after.
(((((((red)))))))
Take good care. Hoping everything goes smoothly for you and that you have whoever you need to take care of you (or leave you alone, whatever you need) over the holiday.
Good luck, Red. Keep us posted.
More hugs to to you, Red. As a small breasted woman myself, I can relate to your feelings. But perfection can take many imperfect forms. I'll be praying that it's the Big B; not the Big C. We'll be thinking of you. Please keep us posted if you can.
Hugs and best wishes for you Red, hope everything goes well!
Hugs, Red.
Best wishes, Red!
Hoping that everything goes well for your during and after your surgery. Healing thoughts your way......
Red Rock
Good luck!
Yeah actually I did the surgeries for my recurrence (2009) under local. You have to be a bit mentally disciplined but it is so good that you are outta there much quicker (than if you were under general).
Good decision on the incision! (Good poetry, huh?). I had multiple surgeries (both in 1996 and 2009) coz I had said "Take out as little as possible" and I would stick with that again even at the risk of more surgery.
Keep us posted
In my thoughts and prayers...
Red! I've missed this thread. Cheering you on today! Go do what has to be done, and move on. No-one gets out of life without scars, but this one will show that you were on top of things and taking control over your own health and wellbeing. Go for it!
Thanks everybody! I slept well, am really thirsty, but so far, managing the fast well. I'm a big eater, so I was worried I'd feel awful by now. So far, so good (it is only 7 am though! :eek: I have several more hours). I'll be in good hands. Might not update until tomorrow.
Margo, thank you so much for your input. It's good to know that you would do it the same again.
Red, if you can, take a scone or something tasty to eat after the surgery! I had two outpatient surgeries and the things they offer you at the hospital are unappetizing (the saddest muffin I've ever seen, crackers...). Best of luck!
I'm back! It went really well. I don't remember the surgery at all, even on just a sedative and local anesthetic. I have no pain yet. I have an ice pack and am taking Vicodine. Everything went completely smoothly. Thanks pll for all the advice. I had 4 heated blankets on me, which I wouldn't have asked for if not for your suggestion. I was freezing.
Post Op, they gave me water, then toast with PB, and coffee, and it tasted so good to me. It was wheat Wonder Bread, which I haven't had in probably 25 years, so I think I was just so ready for food, anything would have been delicious. Or, I must love Wonder Bread. I didn't have any nausea or dizziness, either.
When I asked the surgeon if it would look okay, she, in humble way, said she was really good, and I wouldn't be able to tell anything had been done. The nurses also said she was great (when she wasn't there), and my breast would be a work of art. :D
Time for more pain meds. Thank you all so much for the moral support. It was much easier because of you.
Glad it went well. Quick healing to you!
Glad it went well! Get some good food and a lot of rest.
Sounds like it went well Red! Hang in there; we are all routing (Sp?) for you!
So glad to "see" you checking in and doing as well as could be expected. Here's hoping for speedy healing:)
So good to hear from you, Red. I'm relieved it went well and that the surgery part is over. I'm praying for good news.
Good healing to you.
Really hoping/praying for good news and glad to hear that things went so well!
Red, glad it all went well. good for you for being a brave soldier. Drink lots and lots of water to help your body flush the anesthetics and pain meds. Heal fast but don't push yourself.
been through it twice and so glad it went well, I will continue to stomp and wave and sing for good results.
marni
Red, you're a trooper and you will look beautiful, even more so for being well on the inside.