Discussion Had my Cancer Biopsy done today

[Geekbabe]

Had my biopsy done today, they used Versed & Fentanyl, they also used a lot more local anesthetic….they also hid the needles they were using. This was a much more comfortable experience than the last time…lol, even the recovery room nurse said “ nope! Nobody is sticking long needles in my armpit without making me comfortable.

Got home, had a cup of coffee, some dinner & passed out for 8 hours, taking some OTC meds now because it feels like someone took a baseball bat to my armpit.

 

[BoomerD]

I'll keep my fingers crossed for good results.

 

[Geekbabe]

Oh & I also let them do 4 additional passes to get samples for the research lab 🥼 Gotta try to help those who will come after me…

 

[mikeymikec]

fentanyl had a surprising effect on me. I got dosed up, had the procedure, told to wait in recovery for a good hour during which time I felt perfectly normal, then tried to drive home and had to wind the windows down and sing/shout song lyrics all the way home to stay awake.

 

[WilliamM2]

fentanyl had a surprising effect on me. I got dosed up, had the procedure, told to wait in recovery for a good hour during which time I felt perfectly normal, then tried to drive home and had to wind the windows down and sing/shout song lyrics all the way home to stay awake.

Where do you live? It's standard procedure here that you MUST bring a driver with you when sedated. You can't drive home. I used to live two blocks from the hospital. Not allowed to walk home either.

 

[mikeymikec]

Where do you live? It's standard procedure here that you MUST bring a driver with you when sedated. You can't drive home. I used to live two blocks from the hospital. Not allowed to walk home either.

UK. I'm a bit surprised that there wasn't a similar procedure in place where I am; I might mention it to a doctor friend of mine and see what they say.

 

[BoomerD]

Where do you live? It's standard procedure here that you MUST bring a driver with you when sedated. You can't drive home. I used to live two blocks from the hospital. Not allowed to walk home either.

When I went in for lumbar epidurals, the pain management doc, (Dr. Feelgood) used a mix of fentanyl and versed in the IV. He called it his "cocktail." I always told him, "Make mine a double, will ya doc?" Good stuff. A driver for the patient was MANDATORY.

 

[Geekbabe]

Yes, Mass General made it clear that I had to have a driver to get me home. I was feeling pretty weak yesterday so my husband drove me, dealt with my rollator & a hospital worker pushed my wheelchair & helped me change. I can still walk so no worries but walking through huge spaces is exhausting. I can’t imagine driving after that medication and procedure.

We got home, I finally got a coffee & some dinner & passed out for 8 solid hours…best sleep I have had in months!

 

[Geekbabe]

Got initial pathology report
I went from normal CT scans 5 months ago to new cancer in my neck, mediasternum & right armpit. It has also changed from adneosquamous to squamous. Waiting for tests to see if I am PD-1 positive & what treatment might work for me…

 

[allisolm]

I'll keep my fingers crossed for good results.

This. And sending good thoughts your way.

 

[Geekbabe]

I am back in the chemo chair on Thursday. One concern is that some bloodwork came back suggesting I might have CLL as well. The pathologist didn’t feel this changed the original diagnosis but I will be having flow cymetry & other tests to confirm or rule out CLL. I need leukemia like I need a hole in my head …

 

[BudAshes]

I am back in the chemo chair on Thursday. One concern is that some bloodwork came back suggesting I might have CLL as well. The pathologist didn’t feel this changed the original diagnosis but I will be having flow cymetry & other tests to confirm or rule out CLL. I need leukemia like I need a hole in my head …

Hey some people are big fans of trepanning, don't knock it until you tried it....


But seriously that sucks, I'm really sorry to hear it. Hope the tests show up negative for leukemia. If you need to bump the gofundme don't hesitate, I'd be happy to donate some more to a legendary ATOTer.

 

[Geekbabe]

Hey some people are big fans of trepanning, don't knock it until you tried it....


But seriously that sucks, I'm really sorry to hear it. Hope the tests show up negative for leukemia. If you need to bump the gofundme don't hesitate, I'd be happy to donate some more to a legendary ATOTer.

You sir are an Angel! Thank you so much ❤️❤️❤️

 

[Geekbabe]

ok, spent the day at MGH. the Oncologist put some of my tumor in for genetic testing to see what has changed since I was first diagnosed. He also had bloods drawn for the flow cymetry test. I have lost 6 pounds since the end of August. I am on Opdivo again, because I was off it so long it’s considered a new line of treatment, also I get it every 2 weeks instead of every 3, sticking to protocol. I have also started some meds for pain. I use them sparingly but there are times I need them.

 

[Mr.IncrediblyBored]

We're all pulling for you GB. Kick it's ass.

 

[Geekbabe]

We're all pulling for you GB. Kick it's ass.

Lord, I am trying!

 

[Brainonska511]

Best of luck to you. Lots of great oncologists at MGH from my experience working with a few of them and seeing some of their work at national conferences over the years.

 

[Geekbabe]

Best of luck to you. Lots of great oncologists at MGH from my experience working with a few of them and seeing some of their work at national conferences over the years.

My Doctor is the head of Thoracic Oncology at MGH & also runs Immunotherapy. I don’t think I could get much better care.

 

[BoomerD]

My Doctor is the head of Thoracic Oncology at MGH & also runs Immunotherapy. I don’t think I could get much better care.

They're gonna write books and papers on you and your care/treatment and results.

 

[kage69]

Needles in the armpit, ahhhhh, yeah that sucks, sorry GB. It's a good thing you are a Mountain of Resolve, no?

Covid finally giving you a break?

 

[Ajay]

ok, spent the day at MGH. the Oncologist put some of my tumor in for genetic testing to see what has changed since I was first diagnosed. He also had bloods drawn for the flow cymetry test. I have lost 6 pounds since the end of August. I am on Opdivo again, because I was off it so long it’s considered a new line of treatment, also I get it every 2 weeks instead of every 3, sticking to protocol. I have also started some meds for pain. I use them sparingly but there are times I need them.

Oof, what a freaking evil disease. Hang in there Jean - praying for you. 🙏 So glad you are in the hands of a good doc at MGH. A fair number of people I know have gone from SoNH down Boston for an Oncologist with Chemo and such being done more locally.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

*hugs*

 

[mikeymikec]

Eep, wrong thread.

 

[Geekbabe]

Needles in the armpit, ahhhhh, yeah that sucks, sorry GB. It's a good thing you are a Mountain of Resolve, no?

Covid finally giving you a break?

This biopsy went much better with the Versed & Fentanyl, they also numbed me deeper & hid their needles. The long COVID comes & goes. Waiting to hear from my team about what vaccines I need & when I should get them. I am thinking COVID, Flu & RSV

 

[Geekbabe]

Oof, what a freaking evil disease. Hang in there Jean - praying for you. 🙏 So glad you are in the hands of a good doc at MGH. A fair number of people I know have gone from SoNH down Boston for an Oncologist with Chemo and such being done more locally.

One of the reasons we still live in Boston is the Mass General Hospita! People travel here from all over the world for care. I feel privileged to have the care I receive & am always mindful of that privilege ❤️