I’m going to get right to it. Today, I had my first biopsy!
I had an appointment for this biopsy on 12/17 originally. The plan was, results would come in before Christmas and I would know one way or the other what was going on. When Cadence got sick, I had to reschedule. It was like the finish line moved. My baby was sick, though, so if it had to move for a good reason, it would always be because my babies come first.
I walked into the imaging place having worked that morning. I had barely eaten, which was not what the doctor advised. I had a rushed morning at work and neglected myself…again. I have got to do better! I checked in and waited.
I was finally called back, it was well past my appointment time, and it was time to get my IV. The first attempt…vein collapsed. Second…third…fourth…you get the picture…collapsed. After the first attempt, the nurse called in reinforcement…2 nurses. After attempt three, two more onlookers came in to help. They tried all over my arms and hands. They were touching all over me trying to find a good vein and I was getting irritated. For starters, there was one nurse in there who swore she knew me and this happened before (I think she remembered my mom, this happens to her too). But that same nurse was rubbing my shoulders and back telling me “you’re ok.” Honey, I don’t know what look my face is presenting, but the only ones not ok is about to be all five of you! Poke me again! And don’t y’all know COVID is real? Wait…don’t answer that! It’s bad enough y’all just saw family over the holiday and now I have to deal with five different opportunities to get Rona! #GetOffMe
The first nurse was almost ready to reschedule me. She gave it one last college try. It was the SEVENTH try, but she got the IV in a vein! Guess I didn’t eat OR drink enough, and I was dehydrated. Battered and bruised does not begin to describe how I looked. Here is a post-picture of where the IV landed…
I guess I should mention, this was a breast biopsy. A little backstory, I was having breast pain for some time. I went to my OB who ordered a mammogram. The mammogram showed what the radiologist believed was fibrograndular tissue, but he had no way of knowing for sure since it was my first mammy. He told me to come back in 6 months. #TheDevilIsALie
I reached out to my OB and asked for an MRI. I was not about to be a statistic. Black women draw the short stick with things being found early. That was not going to be me. The radiologist was heated. Not my problem, boo. I will continue to advocate for myself and my family. Sooooooo…
After an initial rejection for the MRI by insurance, it was finally approved. When I had it done, they found 2 suspicious areas on my left breast. They recommended the biopsy at that time. #6MonthsMyAss
Back to today, the biopsy was an MRI guided biopsy. They took more pictures to make sure they were sampling the exact location of the two areas. Before the biopsy started, the nurse said, the doctor only sees one area now. It is the one that was more concerning. So, he’s going to just sample that one and you don’t have to get poked twice. #PraiseGod
The process was intense and uncomfortable. The first journey in after numbing I could feel. I had to be numbed again. But the actual biopsy portion as quick…and loud. Like, horror movie drill loud.
Because of the vein fiasco, it took 3 hours for a 1 hour procedure. Once done, I got a repeat mammogram so that we have a new baseline. Then, my girls were bandaged up. Funny story, the lady had two rolls of bandage. I was like dang, that’s a lot! She only used one. Then, I realized…these girls come in all sizes. She was prepared for them double D’s, but I ain’t got them, sooooooo…one roll it is. #StillBlessedWithWhatIGot
When I got out, I missed several calls and texts from my mom. I must come clean, only the hubby knew about the biopsy. My mom was getting a call from the doctor about her lungs and she wanted me to be on. I felt so bad!!! I am never NOT available. She ended up getting my brother to join the call with her, but I still felt horrible. At the call, she found out he was prepared to do HER BIOPSY the following week. #LordHelpMeAndHealHer
I was uncomfortable and in pain for the rest of the night. Then, I had to prepare myself mentally for my mom’s biopsy. #AnxietyIsReal
Now…we wait!
