So Thursday was the needle biopsy to try to get a good sample from Peter the Pesky Pelvic Lymph Node (PPP). It was kind of an interesting ordeal.
We got there on time and as soon as we walked in to the pre-preparation area the first thing that caught me was the great smell of coffee brewing. Seems kind of cruel for a pre-surgery area like that to have the smell of coffee when probably most all of the patients have been deprived of their morning cup of joe! Do I have an obsession with coffee?? Well I do have a coffee bar at our house, with lots of signs indicating the danger to others if I don’t have my coffee. 🙂 I just enjoy that morning tradition.
So this was a little different needle biopsy that I have not experienced with the others I have had done. It was done while using the CT scan machine, which was strange. So back up a little…my nurse Annie came in to get things started and I told her about the smell of coffee…LOL…and she said I promise you that I will bring you a cup of coffee as soon as your procedure is done. That was hopeful! First they did an INR (blood draw), first of 3 it would end of being and the results of that came back fine. If you don’t know INR tests how much your blood coagulates which can be important when getting an incision.
The I was wheeled off to the CT scan. Important to note, at this point I felt like I could go to the bathroom, but know the procedure would only be about 45 minutes so I was good to go. First they took a scan of the lymph node…this is the iliac lymph node, but I think there are a number in the pelvic area. I was surprised I only had to undress the the waist up thinking that they would need to get into the pelvic area. But actually it was about 6 inches below the belly button and on the left side, and they just pull down the clothes you have on. Just seemed strange. Once Dr. Chamberlain looked at the scan they took he said we were ready to go. And that gave the green light to the nurse to start the mild sedation. And I want to say, with what eventually went on during the biopsy I am really glad I had sedation.
The sedation kicked in and I was aware of my surroundings but not really what was being said or done. When I have had biopsies in the past, and if you have ever had a biopsy, you know they first numb the area with a topical numbing and that needle probably hurts more than anything else. But it is quick and seems to take effect (is that effect or affect…I never know for sure) rather quickly.
But what was strange about it all, is that the doctor must have had me go in and out of the CT scanner at least 3 times. Guess I really don’t want to know the full reason why I was popped in and out, but I did hear the classically “click/pop” when the biopsy was taken so knew they were getting their samples. Although the sound only seemed to happen twice so I was hoping they got enough sample.
Finally time to leave the CT room and head back to my recovery room….dreams of coffee was dancing through my head…and also a stronger sense to need to go to the bathroom. We are in the room and Annie comes in and says the doctor has a recovery plan…you have to lay flat for 2 hours, we are going to take a (another) blood sample to check your hemoglobin because you were bleeding more than they anticipated during the biopsy, so they want to make sure there is no internal bleeding. WHAT??? In comes the lab nurse to find another area to poke to get a blood sample. Now the bathroom thing is getting a little more heightened AND NO COFFEE….water and ice chips only!!
First sample came back fine, but we had to wait for the 2nd sample that would be taken in 2 hours for assurance that there was no internal bleeding. I kind of dozed to help pass the time. Soon the 2 hours were done and the lab tech was back looking for a new place to poke!! They sent that to be tested and although .4 lower, they were good with it. Annie came back in and told us the number and now bathroom is taking a much higher priority than coffee. She said although the numbers were good, the doctor wants another CT scan to make sure all looks good. WHAT??
Annie said they are ready for you right now in the CT so I thought this will be quick…so I am good. But tears are close to coming to my eyes…seriously!! Get down to the CT and was told sorry we had to sneak in an emergency CT before you so you will have to wait in this hallway!! I know I have become a professional wait-er, but this is beyond my job description to wait!! Finally get wheeled in and the tech said good news Dr. Chamberlain is right here waiting to look at the scan so we will know right away if things are good to go. So back into the CT scan we go, scan done, tech comes in and says doctor will let our nurse know.
Get back to the room and now bathroom is urgent. LOL The nurse offers a bed pan while we wait to hear from the doc. Within about 5 minutes we get the all clear from the doc…and thankfully this little rooms have their own bathroom so I don’t have to walk down the hall….all is good at this point! (Sorry a lot of bathroom talk in this blog post!! but wanted to capture the craziness of it all!!)
Annie took me on a little walk to make sure I did not feel dizzy or anything, they finally took out the IV that was kind of hurting and we could get ready to go. So we got to Methodist at 8, thinking it would be a couple of hours and we would be back home around noon, but it was almost 4 when we got home.
See PPP was being very difficult. And if they didn’t get enough sample and have to think about surgery, I may need to discuss is this something that is really needed? My left leg/thigh area has had enough trauma to last for a couple of years.
So now we wait…and I do not even think I will hear anything until mid-next week, which I have prepared myself for. Dr. Chen had said once these results come in she would probably see me in person to talk about treatment options.
In the meantime, our place in Big Lake will open on Monday (the water will be on and people can stay overnight). The golf course opened last week. So now we have to decide do we got to Big Lake, or wait until we determine the treatment plan. Sitting on the deck at Big Lake is so peaceful and we usually get to the see the deer and the new fawns…so very relaxing. We think we will go there one day next week and get the water on, internet on, etc. and then think about our plan going forward. ….. waiting!! 🙂
It’s a great Saturday in MN…highs close to 80!
The grass is turning green and the buds are opening up on the trees.
Smile and enjoy the day!
Dandy Ventures 