BIOPSIES
Went in for two biopsies: stereotactic at 10:00 position on left breast and ultrasound-guided at 6:00 position on same breast. Stereotactic was first requiring me to lay down on my stomach with my left breast positioned in a hole beneath me. Paddles similar to mammogram paddles were used to position the breast and view the mass. The doctor worked beneath the table. I was told to stay still and a local anesthetic was given. I heard a whirring sound during the biopsy and felt pressure and some discomfort, then an “air gun” type of sound when they inserted a marker into the tumor. The procedure was about ten minutes I think. I was helped off the table and brought to another room. This time I laid on my back with my left arm above my head. The ultrasound wand was used to locate the mass. Again, I was told to lay still and a local anesthetic was given. This time, the machine was more of a popping sound during the biopsy, then the “air gun” sound again for the second marker. Biopsies complete.
I was bandaged, given instructions and told the results would be in between Tuesday and Friday of the following week.
I was proud of myself. I had been worried about the procedures and thought my “shakey” nature regarding anything medical would prevail and I would have to be coddled. The opposite became the case. I was quiet, still, no tears and the staff complimented me on being such a good patient. I hadn’t heard that a lot in my life, so this turned out to be a good day. I felt good about myself.
The C Word 