Part 2: Ultimate Breast Lift and Tummy Tuck. 4 years post-op update with vid.
You can read Part 1 of my journey here...
You can read Part 1 of my journey here.
Updated on 2 Nov 2012:
Yesterday, I was able to go straight from ultrasound to biopsy. To save time. Which is fantastic. However, biopsy results at Kaiser usually take 3-5 business days. Baaaaaaad!
But first, for those of you who, like me before yesterday, have never had a biopsy, I thought I'd explain. Because I was TERRIFIED.
It was nothing! First, I lay down on the bed and they propped up my right side a little with a pillow to get the breast to flop correctly. They put a bit of gel and used the ultrasound wand to find the lump, then marked me. Three swabs of betadine for the cleaning, cover with a clear, sterile film with a circle cut out that exposes the entry site. Then ultrasound again to find the lump and two injections of lidocaine mixed with epinephrine. The epinephrine discourages bleeding (and makes you jumpy). They said there would be a pinch, then a burn until the lidocaine hit. I felt almost nothing upon entry and no burn at all. The second shot I fel slightly more than nothing, since it was deeper. Easy. I could not tell the difference b/w numbed and not. But I also felt almost nothing during my mammogram either. My breasts have been pretty demolished by breastfeeding and pregnancy, though.
TwoPlusOne's provider
I'm back! And since my biopsy post was cut off,...
Anyway, the biopsy syringe is HUGE--4-5 inches long and much fatter than a blood test syringe. And when they snip out the sample, it sounds like...a loud, plastic crack. They pull a trigger to take the sample and it is loud. If they don't offer to demonstrate before they put it in you, ask for a demonstration. Of course, maybe some newer, shinier hospitals have quieter ones. But I didn't feel it going in. They said I'd feel a tugging. For me, that was overstating it a bit. It felt like he was patting my breast lightly. Zero pain. But I was getting more and more nervous from the epinephrine. They took five samples, most of which I witnessed on the ultrasound monitor.
When they're done, they take a needle twice as large, seriously, and use it to inject the lump with a marker or clip. It looks like a tiny piece of plastic string that's been tied so there's a little loop and two tails. That sits in your lump forever, because if it's benign, they'll know they checked that lump already next time you have a mammogram. If it's cancerous, they remove the lump marked by clips, plus some surrounding tissue. Then they taped my up and took me for another mammogram to confirm the placement of the clip(s). They accidentally deployed two, so my lump is well-marked.
Since all of this, I have felt three or four minor twinges from the lump and/or its surroundings. No pain. And it's been a few days now. So I'd say not to worry if you have to have one, but am curious as to others' experiences.
As of today, I got the results which were, as predicted, negative. So they'll leave the lump in, unless it's obvious to Dr. H when he starts working. My surgery starts at 8:00 a.m., with pre-op at 6:30. We have to leave the hotel at 5 a.m. I think the marking will be at 7:30. Surgery is planned for 6 hours. BL first, then TT after. I will have FOUR drains, one in each armpit, and one on each side for the TT. No binder. And can shower the next day. Have asked for pics of my insides but we'll see if he remembers. :).
The bad news is that I have my period and likely will for two more days. Also, I seem to have caught a cold. So i'm going to bed now, but first I have to say that the Staybridge Suites in Stafford is BEAUTIFUL. Even better than its online pics. We got a one bedroom suite.
Okay, good night, ladies. Continued happy healing to those on the flat side, good luck to those on their way, and I hope to update all of you lovelies tomorrow!
xxxxxxx
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