Monday I had the biopsy on my right breast. It was easier this time around. I opted out of the anti-anxiety meds, and went in non groggy onto what I call the "hydraulic lift". You enter a room with a big radiation sign on the heavy door, where you climb stairs to lay face down on a table, with your boob hanging out a hole in the center. Then, they raise the table, so that if you were to sit up, you could touch the ceiling. Like a mammogram, they press your breast between plates, and take many x-rays as they proceed. They give you a local, so it's not painful, but it's uncomfortable, just because of the awkward way you have to lay on the table, at an odd angle with one arm up, hips twisted for the Doctor to have a better angle.
The process I've had both time for extracting the tissue is called a vacuum-assisted device (VAD). Vacuum pressure pulls the breast through the needle into the sampling chamber. Without withdrawing and reinserting the needle, it rotates positions and collects additional samples.
As last time, a small titanium marker is left in the breast, so that the tissue spot can be located again, if needed. As my loyal fans know, the marker was needed last time for the lumpectomy on the left side.
After the procedure, you have another mammogram to ensure the marker is visible. And then, if you have an awesome doctor, such as Dr. Jain, she gives you a big hug, and poses for a picture for your blog.
Unfortunately, all of the stress is taking a toll, and I returned to see my RN today to be tested for an ulcer. Oh summer tomatoes, coffee and garlic, I miss you already.
