Today Stanford was able to squeeze me in for a biopsy of the suspicious lymph node in my left underarm. I had to hold my left arm, the one with a frozen shoulder, in an uncomfortable position for a while. I told the radiologist that my last biopsy was extremely painful. She gave me extra lidocaine. It took a while to receive the painkillers. The medical assistant and ultrasound tech distracted me by rubbing my legs and arm while I received the shots. It helped. But I probably shouldn't have watched the ultrasound screen showing the needle going into my underarm.
The procedure was a core needle biopsy. The radiologist took four samples. I was pretty numb, so it wasn't painful, but it was not a quick procedure. There was a clicking sound every time she took a sample. I probably shouldn't have watched the needle on the ultrasound screen.
The last step was to insert a nickel marker and tattoo dye in the lymph node. I felt the needle for the tattoo going in, but it wasn't too painful. I probably shouldn't have watched it on the screen.
After that they took a mammogram of the underarm area showing the marker. It wasn't too bad. The mammo tech got a good pic on the second try.
I was given a compression wrap to wear over my chest. I'll wear it overnight. It also helps keep the ice pack in place. My after-care instructions says to ice the area for 10-15 minutes several times for 24 hours. The painkiller was just starting to wear off, so I took some Tylenol. Overall this experience was so much better than my previous biopsy.
My friends Ratu & Clint gave me a ride. I'm glad they insisted on helping. I could have driven myself but found the procedure stressful. Ratu also brought me a big box of groceries with apples, potatoes, carrots, celery, peanut butter, pasta and lots of canned goods with fruits and vegetables. I don't have to go shopping for a while. Thanks again, Ratu and Clint!
My chemo is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 7. I think it's finally going to happen this time.
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