Had my breast biopsy yesterday with wire guide (I was expecting a 2" wire protrusion but it was about 5" long which they coiled up and taped to me before the surgery). Had to be at the hospital for 7.30 am in the morning and some days I am still struggling to get out of bed by then so that was a shock to the system.
I was lucky it went ahead as 2 people on my bay in the ward were sent home as the hospital had no beds. It had been a busy night at A&E and all the beds had been taken! They decided to go ahead with the ones who were less likely to need a bed for the night and I was one of them. There was a lengthy delay though between the wire insertion and the actual surgery meaning that the local anaesthetic had worn off so I was a bit uncomfortable by then.
I was pleasantly surprised with general anaesthetics these days. I’ve only had surgery once before - 20 odd years ago for an impacted wisdom tooth. I could barely wake up afterwards and slept heavily for the rest of the day. This time however I came round quite quickly and breathing pure oxygen certainly helps. Within an hour or so I was starving and sitting up eating and drinking. I even managed a three course meal at dinner time (it takes a lot to put me off my food).
Finally discharged at 7.30 pm. I’m not in any pain but it is uncomfortable if I stretch my arm too far so I’ve had a pj day today. I was forbidden from driving or going to work so it’s been nice to relax. I’ve had the dressing changed at the surgery and now have a shower proof one so I am looking forward to a shower in the morning. The doctor wrote on my shoulder yesterday in big, black ink (some of which came off on my bra strap!) and I still haven’t managed to wash it all off.
Back at breast clinic on Thursday for final check up and results. They aren’t expecting to find anything sinister so hopefully it will be as expected. I’m glad it’s all over and done with and has hopefully been caught before it could turn into anything nasty.
Tracey xx
