I decided to split up the biopsies into two posts in case you fainted from reading about the needles in the first post. They only get bigger in the second part!
I was moved to a different room and sat on a table. They lifted me up very, very high, and prepped the under part of the table. I couldn’t see much of that apparatus from my ivory tower on top, but it is basically a mammogram machine thing but under a table. When they were ready, I lay down and my left breast hung through a hole in the table. So comfortable. At least my right one was still numb from the previous procedure because I got to lie on it for a while.
They bring the two parts of the under table mammogram machine thingy – technical term – together and use that as guidance for where to do the biopsy. They took some pictures, the doctor looked at them and the area to be… accessed… was cleaned to prepare for the procedure.
Another shot of lidocaine! I didn’t see the needle for that this time. I had in the previous procedure, but it was tiny. Then the procedure was started. The ‘large-bore needle’ used for this procedure is a 9 gauge.That means it’s bigger than the previous needle. They apparently shove more lidocaine in that hole two and I felt very little. I shouldn’t say nothing, but no pain.
The samples were taken and at one point it sounded like a drill from the dentist’s office was being used. I commented on it. There were at least three people in the room for each procedure, and they all assisted, but also to make sure I wasn’t freaking out, I think.
The giant needle was removed and the area compressed to stop any bleeding. I then went on my side and they lowered the table and they put on the Steri-Strips and gauze.
Next, I got to get up and move to the mammogram room and have two mammogram pictures taken on each side. Always a fun time. They didn’t squish them as hard I was told, but I couldn’t really feel anything.
These biopsies are performed by a radiologist who has special training. Things I’m learning that I could have blissfully lived my life unaware of and been content. C’est la vie.
I behaved through all procedures. The last thing I want is to have to repeat anything or start anything over. I am nice to all the staff as they are doing their jobs and I trust that they are good at them.
The last part was with the nurse to discharge me. I was given numbers to call if I was freaked out and advised that the operator answering would not know who I was. Apparently people have gotten upset with the operator not knowing them immediately and having to look their information up and get the on-call doctor for that area to call them back. Really, people? Let’s all take a step back and just be nicer and more understanding. Okay?
No showers or swimming for 24 hours. No lifting anything over 10 pounds (lbs) for 24 hours – sorry, Arthur, you’ll have to jump up into my lap yourself – he’s 12.6 lbs. Take it easy. Ice every two hours. Sleep in your supportive bra. I didn’t ice overnight. I slept in the bra, though. Remove the gauze after 24 hours and then you can shower. Don’t remove the Steri-Strips. They will fall off on their own. Any concerns? Call. And here’s an ACE bandage in case you need to compress the area due to swelling. And some ice packs. They’re round. I was given one – asked for a second because, hey! I got two owies.
Finally, released. The entire appointment was four hours. About half was the procedure, the rest was waiting. I did pretty well with the waiting. I’m trying to be more patient because I know there will be lots of waiting.
The drive home took almost an hour. The drive in had taken about 45 minutes. Please pay more attention when driving, people, so that you don’t block every route out of downtown with accidents. Thanks!