The day of the biopsy was here. I had a hair appointment first thing that morning and John had a League Choir clinic that afternoon and concert that night in Ellis, about 70 miles away.
A Plainsmen Singers concert.
My hairdresser was my high school classmate and her mother was a breast cancer survivor that had more recently succumbed to cancer. She is very familiar with the process and has been tested regularly for years. We talked casually about the impending biopsy and how it was going to rule out cancer. This wasn’t my first experience with a wonky mammogram either.
As I was getting ready to leave and in reassurance, she told me about the needle they’d use and that it was such a simple process. I cringed at the thought which really surprised her. After all, I’m the daughter of a doctor wasn’t I used to that kind of stuff.
No, I don’t like needles, can’t watch anything to do with them, I leave the room anytime they do something to Mike. I didn’t need to hear about the large needle they would use on me.
I get to my appointment, which they are calling a consult. Excuse me, we need to find out what this is I don’t want to come back for another appointment especially if I must wait three weeks!
The doctor came in and assured me that she would consult with me first and then if I wanted she would do the biopsy.
She has my mammogram and ultrasound results. We go through a series of questions about my breast cancer risk.
When did I start having periods? In Junior High.
Did I smoke? More off than on in about two years while I was in College and shortly after, but not very much.
Did I have children? Yes, three live births.
Did I breastfeed them? Yes, 5-7 months depending on the child.
Had I ever been on hormone therapy? No, I denied it when offered because I thought it would bring back my monthly migraines even though the gynecologist remarked reassured me that vascular headaches are not caused by hormones. I didn’t argue and refused the hormones.
You’ve done everything right; your risk is low she said.
Did I have a family history? Yes, both of my grandmothers had breast cancer in their 70s.
The indication was that I had an 85% chance it was benign. Yippee, let’s get this over with.
She had me gown up and brought the nurse in to assist and hold my hand. They deadened the area and said that it would take away the pain, but I would feel some tugging. There will be a click. I jumped, loud click and pain. We got a good sample now we need another one. Another click, this time I guess I was prepared or the lidocaine was working better it didn’t hurt as much. Two good samples now I’ll place a titanium clip there, so they will know where she biopsied.
And I left to finish my afternoon and go to John’s concert and eat at the Mexican place in Ellis.
Just another western Kansas sunset
Onward! Now more waiting for the results. The horses always know what I need.
Make a Connection in the comments below.
