The biopsy (aka You Think YOU'RE Concerned?)

[oakenguy]

Well, there's this lump. My doctor found it during the check-up, had me come back later to see if it was still there. It was. He sent me to a specialist who pressed her fingertips into my neck, asked me to tell her when it felt uncomfortable (um, hello...), confirmed that there was, yes, a lump, and that I should come back for a biopsy so they can take a sample of it and see what it is.

I've just summed up three months of medical back-and-forth in two sentences! Isn't that nifty?

The biopsy's the first week of April; they'll be giving me a local and taking some tissue samples. Which sounds really simple and basic, in a way that 'they'll be injecting novocaine into my neck, and then putting several needles in after the novocaine's made that patch of skin numb' doesn't. So I always try to refer to it in the basic, simple way.

On the bright side, right after she described the biopsy I swear I heard my prostate sigh with relief. So things could always be worse.

The Doc (again with the simple, reassuring language; note the pattern?) assures me that the odds are good that it's a benign cyst, with only a 5-10% chance of cancer. And that even if an operation has to be done, it's uncommon for there to be any harm to the vocal chords. Which is, um, not exactly the 1 in 1000 I'd been hoping for, but still not bad odds.

So now you know everything I do. And hey, it's the weekend!

Comments

[niecystrips.livejournal.com]

*hug*

[sistahraven.livejournal.com]

Wow, they're giving you a local?
With the doggies we just say "Sit still now, hunny"
Here's hoping it's not too deep, most local anesthetics (Bupivocaine excluded) don't do so well on the deep tissue.

But it's ok... it's a *tiny* needle usually.

I didn't sound very reassuring did I?
At least we're not taking poop out of you like how I met Toby!

[oakenguy.livejournal.com]

LOL! This is very true.

And you're reassuring, as well as reminding me that doggies handle this sort of thing much better than I have so far. ;)

[sistahraven.livejournal.com]

:) Oh yeah... dogs put up with a lot... although it's mostly because they can't hear us say, "We're going to use a punch biopsy now that will jab a huge needle into your side, then pull it back out before you can bite us"...

'cause you know, then they might not tolerate it so much...

So...

[malterre.livejournal.com]

What sound DOES a prostate make when it sighs...or sings for that matter?
*reaches for skull auger and bleach*
Glad you've taken steps! :)

[futileissue.livejournal.com]

I hope all goes wel. If you decide this becomes some life changing experience and decide to start up some weird cult or something, I'm right there with you.

We can call you Master One. Has a cool ring to it if you ask me.

[oakenguy.livejournal.com]

Ooo, I like this idea. We can dedicate our Order to teaching flightless birds how to fly (as a metaphor for the struggle of human existence, of course), and in fifty years our worship grounds will be teeming with penguins.

[phobean.livejournal.com]

Omigosh! Good luck! I hope you have someone around to love you much after your proceedure.

[heavenscalyx.livejournal.com]

I will be thinking all sorts of good thoughts at you. Chances are really good that it's a benign cyst.

[watercolorblue.livejournal.com]

Wow. *HUGS* Good luck with it! sounds like things will be OK.

[rantarn.livejournal.com]

Hoping all goes well with this.

[snowwand.livejournal.com]

1. *hugs*
2. Do you tend to get nervous about needles and the such? You might ask them to give you novacain without epinephrin as that makes your heart beat faster and the general body uncomfy.
3. Can you eat cookies after having such a biopsy? :)
4. Will you be at rehersal tomorrow?

[amyura.livejournal.com]

I'll be praying for you Brian.

And you could look at it this way: there's a 95% chance that it isn't cancer.

[aquagirl.livejournal.com]

You heard your prostate sigh? Sure that's not a rationalization for lunchtime burrito after effects?

All jokes aside, much positive, healing energy your way. Speaking of, you might want to give Reiki a shot; couldn't hurt...

[kissedbythegods.livejournal.com]

I had a biopsy last year. Scary word, not as scary of a procedure. And this is coming from a hospital phobic. Good luck - I'm sure it will be fine.

[ex-whisper.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry to hear that. Best of luck. :) I am sure everything will turn out fine.

If it helps at all: I had surgery under local anaesthetic a couple of years back. I was nervous as hell beforehand, because I'm always convinced these things aren't going to work, but I spent the operation chatting to a nurse and listening to the radio. Couldn't feel a damned thing.

[wanderingrogue.livejournal.com]

Yarg! That's not fun.

I hope it all goes well. I'm sure you'll be fine.

[kajivar]

Eeep. Good luck -- I hope everything turns out okay.

[moominmolly.livejournal.com]

Wow. Uh, here,s a box of baby sloths to cheer you up.

Yeah, the odds are good, but still -- good luck and all my best wishes to you.

[santakiko.livejournal.com]

There will be baby peeps at my house very soon. Come down any time you need some cute and fluffy therapy.

[lolalovesu.livejournal.com]

My thoughts and love are with you, take care!

[eroika.livejournal.com]

*super big hugs*

[czaria.livejournal.com]

I'm hoping for the best for you.

[triplehdm.livejournal.com]

much love, Bri!

[foresthouse.livejournal.com]

*HUG*

I hope the tests all come out ok. :(

[animal-in-bed.livejournal.com]

Eeee.. ARe you okay? *hugs*

[captain-quint.livejournal.com]

Sending you positive vibrations bro...

[hazeleyedfae.livejournal.com]

Much love and prayers your way; lighting a candle for you.

- Janna

[podkayne8.livejournal.com]

*hugs* Sending positive thoughts your way.