biopsy results

Everything went well with the biopsy procedure. I was in bed by 8:30 last night, had no trouble getting up at 4 a.m., and my parents drove me in. My minister even made a trek out there and showed up around 6:30 to lend some support and say a little prayer, which was nice. After that I was wheeled into another room for the general anesthesia, where I was taped and poked. Then I talked to one of the nurses for about 10 minutes while we waited for the anesthesiologist. I pretty much said hello to him and that I was feeling well, and next thing I knew I was in the recovery room, awake but sleepy, around 10:00. We arrived home a little after noon, ate lunch, and now I'm just sort of resting away the afternoon.

There's a pretty good size piece of dressing over the lump area, which is only slightly sore if I face anywhere but straight ahead. I guess the local anesthesia hasn't worn off yet, because it still doesn't hurt, but if it does I've got Percocet. Or rather, the generic equivalent because my health insurance doesn't include prescription coverage, and the generic was 72% cheaper than the name-brand Percocet®. Even just Tylenol may be enough; it just depends on the pain... everyone and every surgery is different. So, at least I have it in case I need it.

Since I can't really turn my head that much comfortably -- and also because of the Percocet (if I take it) -- I can't drive for the time being. I can take the gauze off in 48 hours, and hopefully by then the Perc won't be necessary.

OK, on to the juicy stuff: the doctor today basically confirmed his suspicion that it was a type of lymphoma, and we'll know for sure in 3-5 days (see update below). Most likely Hodgkin's Disease, but he obviously doesn't want to tell us one thing then come back and say it's another. If you're gonna have cancer, Hodgkin's is a pretty good one to have, comparatively.

I'll have to go back to the Clinic to have the sutures checked, which seems like a waste of a 45-minute drive, but whatever. Also, the oncologist will call us tomorrow to set up an appointment for some time after they have the final results of the biopsy. (See update below) Then we can decide how to proceed -- Hodgkin's often means 6-8 months of chemotherapy on an outpatient basis, but again, each person and case is different.

So if you thought my hair was short before, just wait 'til I'm doing chemo. :)

I'll take this opportunity to thank everyone who's been thinking about me and praying and sending mojo and what all else, especially my parents who have been supportive and taking time off their busy work schedules to drive me around. Hugs to all!

Update: The oncologist's office called; office visit set for Wed, Dec 8 at 2:30. But before that, he wants some more tests, conveniently all scheduled for this coming Thursday: 11:30 pulmonary function test, 1:30 blood test, 2:30 bone marrow biopsy (that local anesthetic better work REALLY well), and 3:30 EKG. My dad's going to call tomorrow and double-check if I really need the EKG since I just had one last week. Plus... a blood draw at 1:30? That's a long time to be fasting, and can't I get it drawn at the Elyria CC office?

It's been over 9 hours since I woke up from the anesthesia, and although the "soreness" of the surgical area seems to be spreading a little, still no real "pain." It would be helpful to at least take a Percocet to see how I react to it, for future reference, but if there's not much pain it seems pointless. I'll probably take one before I go to bed, as I won't be able to control my head/neck movement while I sleep, obviously.

In any case, at the December 8th appointment we should have the final 100% diagnosis and develop a plan for treatment.