PEM scan

[marni]

redrhodie thank you for thinking about me and asking. The mammogram turned into an aggravating four hour ordeal because there was a big traffic blockage and they were running way behind. In other words, a waste of a beautiful riding day, which was particularly aggravating.

The first mammogram was unclear so I had to have a second mammogram. When that came back equally unclear they decided to do an ultrasound. Which turned into two ultrasounds since the radiologist was not happy or satisfied with the first one done by her assistant. and did a second one herself. All results are inconclusive and they can't tell if it is new calcifications or scar tissue.

The end result is that I am scheduled for a stereotactic needle biopsy next Wednesday. I have had one of these before- it is a pain in the neck literally since you spend a long time lying on your stomach with your breast dangling down through a hole and your head turned to the other side, while they numb you all over with novocaine while tugging and pulling and then squeezing you in between two plates while they insert a needle and suck out a sample. It is not a pleasant sensation, especially the sucking part but the worst part is the three days of stiff shoulder and neck which follows.

Then they send you home with an ice pack in your bra and tell you not to exercise or lift anything for 72 hours.

Every one of these procedures seems to be taking a three to five day whack out of my training which makes it really hard to stay focused and motivated.

I have reached the conclusion that if the cancer is back I will have a masectomy and content myself with going through life half masted rather than continue to live with the uncertainty and let them keep on hacking hunks out of me. At least the other breast is totally clear, so far and hopefully will continue to be.

On another list I belong to for weavers, handspinners and weavers, we often request that knitting needles be waved and wheels spun for good luck, strength and fortitude. I guess what I am asking here is that people do whatever they feel like doing for good luck and mental calmness and strength for me next week.

thank you

[snapdragen]

On another list I belong to for weavers, handspinners and weavers, we often request that knitting needles be waved and wheels spun for good luck, strength and fortitude. I guess what I am asking here is that people do whatever they feel like doing for good luck and mental calmness and strength for me next week.

thank you

I do believe there can be some wheel spinning of a different sort from this group. Best of luck to you marni, we will be thinking of you.

[OakLeaf]

(((((((marni)))))))

Spinning my wheels for you.

[redrhodie]

I wish you had gotten clear result. This must really suck. I think your plan sounds brave and smart.

I'll spin my wheels, too.

[mudmucker]

redrhodie thank you for thinking about me and asking.

Redrhodie is good like that.

Marni, I will spin and wave anything I can get my hands on for you. Continue to stay strong and undiscouraged.

[sundial]

Marni, I'm sorry about your breast cancer and that your tests are painful, inconvenient, and mentally taxing. I will keep you close in thought and prayer in the coming days.

[andiewest]

Marni,

My thoughts are with you too. I have had that needle biopsy and it is uncomfortable. From my experience, the uncertainty and waiting for results is the most difficult part of all this.

Spinning my wheels,

Andie

[Crankin]

I'll be spinning for you tomorrow...

[Grits]

Spinning away here too as one who has also had to wait for the results of a needle biopsy.

[OakLeaf]

You're probably a pro at this by now, but I'll just throw this out there, that when I had mine, it was a huge help that I'd loaded a playlist of meditation music onto my iPod, which they let me bring in. Drowning out the voices talking about the piece of meat (me) lying on their butcher's table made it much better for me.