Late Christmas present

I received a call from the radiologist this morning with the results from the biopsy: I have a mucocele-like lesion which is benign and not atypical. He said that two courses of action are available: be referred to a surgeon for consultation and have it excised or opt for "close" monitoring. I've already received a phone call from my referring physician's office. I'll be referred on to a surgeon at the hospital.

I've never heard of a "mucocele-like lesion," which after looking it up makes sense. It's considered rare. Go figure. I took comfort in that the radiologist said that because the lesion is small, it's very likely they took enough of the tissue to be accurate in their findings. After reading about these things, I have a pretty good idea the surgeon will suggest having it excised. While that's not the best of news, it's so much better than the alternative.

I guess I've created a mini-diary here of my medical procedures. The next step is the surgeon's visit.

Not exactly what I'd planned on for Christmas

What started out as a routine yearly mammogram has morphed into what's called a "vacuum assisted core needle biopsy." I'm used to getting the typical "everything is fine" letter in the mail about a week after my mammograms. I hadn't gotten anything and really didn't pay that much attention. Then I received a phone call, saying they'd like me to come back in.

I had myself convinced that the mammogram tech had screwed up or that a previous surgical scar threw them off. But when I went in, I was told, "oh, no, this is in a different area entirely." And then that it was "larger on this year's mammogram." I thought, heck, I didn't know it was there last year. I was scheduled for an ultrasound on the 10th. The ultrasound tech said they were pretty sure it was a cyst and nothing further would probably be needed, but she'd have to consult with the radiologist. She comes back a few minutes later to say I needed to be scheduled for an aspiration.

Today, I went in for the aspiration. Of course they couldn't get fluid from the cyst after going from one needle to a larger one. Hence, the "vacuum assisted core needle biopsy." Um. This was one honkin' big needle. I swear it looked like a darning needle. And what was weird was it actually sounded like a vacuum when they took out the various tissue samples.

The assistant to the doctors didn't help matters by saying, "I wasn't prepared for a biopsy today" in a cheerful voice. Then again cheerfully chirping, "Merry Christmas" after she finished with my mammogram to make sure this little clip was in place to show where they'd done the biopsy. I wanted to smack her upside the head.

So, now I get to wait until Monday or Tuesday of next week for the biopsy results. They assured me that it could still be a cyst. I am taking comfort in that they did take numerous samples at least.

I'm trying to be optimistic. Phyllis was saying that the waiting is what's hard. And even though I'm sore now and the biopsy wasn't a pleasant procedure at all, I do agree that the procedure is much easier than the waiting.

I think I'll try to do some writing in the next couple of days and over the weekend to get my mind off of things. Maybe Amy, Lisa, Frankie, and Stacy can help me forget about my troubles, if only for a little while.

Anyway, may you all have a very Happy Holiday season. And may your new year be full of hope, promise, and joy.