**2nd SECTION OF BREAST CANCER & ME *THE BEGINNING*
When we got home, reality hit!
In a few days I was at the hospital for a needle biopsy.
I'd already discussed with surgeon the procedure.
Here's how it went from my point of view.
It didn't sound as bad as the surgical biopsy I had 21 years before.
After putting on the lovely gowns (FYI they are top only so wearing comfy, stretchy pants and button down or loose tops feel better afterwards)
I had to giggle at the 'booby table'. The surgery table where you lie flat on belly with booby hanging through the hole in the center of it is funny looking!!
The nurses, one who done my mammo, got me comfortable (as comfortable as one can be on such a table) and machines calibrated. Then surgeon came in, explained that he'd numb area, but i'd still feel some tugging (no knock out for this!). My MS was an advantage here, my skin is numb all over!
Instructed me to just stay still and relax, right !
Two nurses assisted doctor. They use mammography imagery, etc. to show the doctor exactly where to insert the needle for the biopsy, so you're not a pincushion!
One nurse was under the table with the doctor (yes, they raised the table up!) She did most of the manipulation of my booby.
When the exact spot was determined, the machine squeezed me tight like the mammograms do so as not to move during biopsy.
Removing the sample is not a suction from a single needle. More like a sewing machine. Once started on an area, it moved up and down closely together in a tight circle. I had three such circles. Whole incision was less than 1/4 inch big.
The nurse cleaned and dressed the incision area. I was helped up and given some juice before continuing.
Back to mammogram room and another was performed to insure they got a good sample biopsy. Thank the Lord they did!
I was given round ice gel packs and a list of instructions, including not do any housework or such for a day or two. Woohoo!!!
FYI if you are not given gel ice packs, you can get them at Walmart or drug store. I also saw in baby dept., 'boo boo 'round animal face gel packs. I highly recommend round & gel, feel most comfortable! We also make our own gel packs with rubbing alcohol, water and freezer bags. (will list 'recipe' at bottom)
I had very little bleeding at the site on top near underarm. BUT the next morning the lower part of my booby was all bruised!!! I called dr.(always do if you're not sure if it's normal) It was normal, the blood had pooled down there instead of bleeding out. After 3 days half my booby, including nipple, looked like a tie dyed mess!!!
I was sore, but not unbearably so. I did keep a cushion under affected arm to protect the area from getting bumped.
Within two days, my surgeon called to tell me it was DCIS. Ductal Carcinoma In Sutu.
Basically, precancer or stage 0 or 1 cancer(depends on who you ask) inside the milk ducts of the breast, still contained in breast lining. Had appointment with surgeon within the week to discuss my options.
I started researching on internet and asking others I knew who had breast cancer recently if they would share their stories.
Before researching anywhere online, I strongly urge you to get on your surgeons/ hospital/ medical group website.
ie. I searched http://www.lincolnsurgicalbelleville.com/
Also googled my surgeon and found outside information and his 'rating' and reviews. They were excellent, so I relaxed.
Excellent medical sites:
www.mayoclinic.com
http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/default.htm
just found this one, looks quite reputable & informative
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/breast
Any sites not connected with a reputable hospital, cancer center, etc. I didn't read. If you do, please realize these are not medical experts and can scare you more than help you.
NEXT SEGMENT: *DECISIONS*
I never knew there were so many options to decide on. I'll try to explain and give more places to research when you get to surgery / radiation / chemotherapy options.
If you are going through this right now and need more info immediately, feel free to contact me- www.poohb3ar@msworld.org
Also if you just have questions, don't worry, i don't embarrass too easy. Just contact me and I'll do my best to help.
God bless ya'll!
*DYI GEL PACKS*
Ingredients
3 parts water
1 part rubbing alcohol
Directions
Mix, then seal in a freezer bag, then encase in a second bag. Place in the freezer. The more alcohol you use, the softer the pack will be, making it gentler on injuries than an ice pack.*Wrap*loosely in a towel and apply to injuries.*
Note that rubbing alcohol has different strengths/ percentages of Isopropyl alcohol. The higher the number the better the packs come out. ie. 97% works better than 70%. The packs will be more solid.
Also the freezer bags that DON'T have the little plastic zipper pull, just the ones you press together seem not to leak, especially if double bag them.
We mix them straight into the bag themselves, saves a step!
When we got home, reality hit!
In a few days I was at the hospital for a needle biopsy.
I'd already discussed with surgeon the procedure.
Here's how it went from my point of view.
It didn't sound as bad as the surgical biopsy I had 21 years before.
After putting on the lovely gowns (FYI they are top only so wearing comfy, stretchy pants and button down or loose tops feel better afterwards)
I had to giggle at the 'booby table'. The surgery table where you lie flat on belly with booby hanging through the hole in the center of it is funny looking!!
The nurses, one who done my mammo, got me comfortable (as comfortable as one can be on such a table) and machines calibrated. Then surgeon came in, explained that he'd numb area, but i'd still feel some tugging (no knock out for this!). My MS was an advantage here, my skin is numb all over!
Instructed me to just stay still and relax, right !
Two nurses assisted doctor. They use mammography imagery, etc. to show the doctor exactly where to insert the needle for the biopsy, so you're not a pincushion!
One nurse was under the table with the doctor (yes, they raised the table up!) She did most of the manipulation of my booby.
When the exact spot was determined, the machine squeezed me tight like the mammograms do so as not to move during biopsy.
Removing the sample is not a suction from a single needle. More like a sewing machine. Once started on an area, it moved up and down closely together in a tight circle. I had three such circles. Whole incision was less than 1/4 inch big.
The nurse cleaned and dressed the incision area. I was helped up and given some juice before continuing.
Back to mammogram room and another was performed to insure they got a good sample biopsy. Thank the Lord they did!
I was given round ice gel packs and a list of instructions, including not do any housework or such for a day or two. Woohoo!!!
FYI if you are not given gel ice packs, you can get them at Walmart or drug store. I also saw in baby dept., 'boo boo 'round animal face gel packs. I highly recommend round & gel, feel most comfortable! We also make our own gel packs with rubbing alcohol, water and freezer bags. (will list 'recipe' at bottom)
I had very little bleeding at the site on top near underarm. BUT the next morning the lower part of my booby was all bruised!!! I called dr.(always do if you're not sure if it's normal) It was normal, the blood had pooled down there instead of bleeding out. After 3 days half my booby, including nipple, looked like a tie dyed mess!!!
I was sore, but not unbearably so. I did keep a cushion under affected arm to protect the area from getting bumped.
Within two days, my surgeon called to tell me it was DCIS. Ductal Carcinoma In Sutu.
Basically, precancer or stage 0 or 1 cancer(depends on who you ask) inside the milk ducts of the breast, still contained in breast lining. Had appointment with surgeon within the week to discuss my options.
I started researching on internet and asking others I knew who had breast cancer recently if they would share their stories.
Before researching anywhere online, I strongly urge you to get on your surgeons/ hospital/ medical group website.
ie. I searched http://www.lincolnsurgicalbelleville.com/
Also googled my surgeon and found outside information and his 'rating' and reviews. They were excellent, so I relaxed.
Excellent medical sites:
www.mayoclinic.com
http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/default.htm
just found this one, looks quite reputable & informative
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/breast
Any sites not connected with a reputable hospital, cancer center, etc. I didn't read. If you do, please realize these are not medical experts and can scare you more than help you.
NEXT SEGMENT: *DECISIONS*
I never knew there were so many options to decide on. I'll try to explain and give more places to research when you get to surgery / radiation / chemotherapy options.
If you are going through this right now and need more info immediately, feel free to contact me- www.poohb3ar@msworld.org
Also if you just have questions, don't worry, i don't embarrass too easy. Just contact me and I'll do my best to help.
God bless ya'll!
*DYI GEL PACKS*
Ingredients
3 parts water
1 part rubbing alcohol
Directions
Mix, then seal in a freezer bag, then encase in a second bag. Place in the freezer. The more alcohol you use, the softer the pack will be, making it gentler on injuries than an ice pack.*Wrap*loosely in a towel and apply to injuries.*
Note that rubbing alcohol has different strengths/ percentages of Isopropyl alcohol. The higher the number the better the packs come out. ie. 97% works better than 70%. The packs will be more solid.
Also the freezer bags that DON'T have the little plastic zipper pull, just the ones you press together seem not to leak, especially if double bag them.
We mix them straight into the bag themselves, saves a step!
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