Saturday, March 12, 2011

Ten needle sticks

From OhioHealth
Yesterday I got a thyroid biopsy at the Northwest Imaging Center. As you might have guessed, I was a little nervous because I've never had any sort of biopsy before. First I read about FNAB (fine needle aspiration biopsy) on line so I wouldn't be completely in the dark. When I was ushered into a room, I was able to have Smart Guy accompany me, which helped a great deal. Because of a second monitor in the room, he was able to watch the entire proceedings.

A nurse explained to me that I have two nodules larger than a centimeter, which is when they usually recommend a biopsy. Both are on the left side of my thyroid and in close proximity to each other, although when she showed them to me on the ultrasound monitor, they look completely different from each other. One is perfectly round with what she called an "eggshell" coating, and the other is diffuse and much harder to see. After introducing me to the doctor, they explained that they would make three "sticks" into each nodule, and another person would come into the room to examine the aspirated materials to see if there was enough tissue to biopsy.

The first stick was a bee sting-like novocaine that deadened the skin over the area. It was uncomfortable, but it wasn't too awful. Then I felt nothing when he inserted the needle, first into Nodule 1, the diffuse one, and when he got close to it, I could feel something as he pressed against it with the needle. It wasn't too painful, but a strange feeling. He was very careful and I had to lie very still and not swallow or move while he inserted the needle. Once it was inserted, he wiggled it back and forth a bit. Then he did that two more times on the nodule.

Next he went to the other nodule, which he thought might be problematic, because sometimes they can't get into one with a calcified coating like this one has, but he was able to pierce it and get cells out. This, however, was probably the most uncomfortable part of the procedure, because I felt an unpleasant sensation that I can't quite describe as the needle poked at the nodule. Three times in that one and I thought we were done. The pathologist worked in the background while we chatted. It took her what seemed like a long time and then she said she needed more from the first nodule.

So, three more sticks into the first one, this time he was much more aggressive and worked hard to get enough tissue, which was pronounced sufficient this time. It took about a hour and a half before we were finished, and I was able to sit up and was given a cold compress to hold onto my neck. I was told to expect some bruising and even some swelling and what to watch out for.

Now, the morning after, my neck is sore and tender to the touch, but there is only a little swelling and bruising. Next week I should hear the results from the biopsy, and I admit to some trepidation but am hoping for the best.
:-}

33 comments:

  1. We are hoping for the best too! I am sure that everything will be ok1 Stay positive!!

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  2. Sounds about like mine. The needles didn't bother me, it was trying to lay still with my neck exposed in an awkward position that made mine uncomfortable. Good luck with the results.

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  3. Definitely holding you in my thoughts!

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  4. Well now I know what that is like just in case I ever have to have one.
    I am thinking positive thoughts for you and saying a prayer for good news. How did Smart Guy do while you were gone..I know he cooks..so he didn't starve to death..and hopefully he feed your birds! :)

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  5. I'm right here waiting with you, and hoping all goes well.

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  6. I shall continue to hold you in my thoughts dear DJan.
    Star x

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  7. I'm sending positive thoughts that this will all turn out fine. Try not to worry.(easier said than done, I know!)

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  8. I have been waiting for this post, wondering how it all went and how long you have to wait for results. I'm glad it wasn't too awful.

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  9. Brave girl! And you didn't even cry!

    Good luck! I hope the results are negative.

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  10. ugh. i cant stand needles...so bless you for going through this...will keep the results in our prayers...

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  11. Thinking of you and sending positive thoughts.

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  12. I'm glad that part is over. Now I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a good report.

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  13. I'm hoping for the best DJan...keeping you in my prayers.

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  14. Best of luck. That sounds like an uncomfortable testing procedure. I like tests when I'm sleeping.

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  15. Ooh, I'm glad it's all over now, I will be thinking of you, and wishing you the best!
    You were a brave egg :)
    ~Jo

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  16. It does sound unpleasant but thankfully that part is over with. I'll be right here thinking best thoughts for your good results.

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  17. Walked Padden today with the heavy rain and wind. Yes, we made it twice around. Peggy, Riley, and I were soaked so we passed on the coffee, as did most of the group.

    Glad you made it through yesterday's adventure in medicine. I'm not sure I could be as strong and calm as you were. Sending good thoughts your way regarding the results.

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  18. I wondered what that would be like. They did not do the biopsy with mine. They just removed both nodules. Apparently one side was too big and the other had a whole bunch of tiny calcified nodules. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you.

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  19. A friend just had this done and all was well! Praying the same for you! Please let us know as soon as you find out anything!

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  20. Oh geez, not only are you brave enough to have this procedure done without restraints, you can even write about it in detail. You are a much stronger woman than I am.

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  21. Oh, Djan ... ouch...! I could feel it as you were describing it.

    Please keep us posted, and best of luck...!

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  22. I am sending loving thoughts your way DJan. I hope the results will be fine. You say the procedure was not that bad, but still…

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  23. Wishing you all the best DJan...and sending positive thoughts your way.

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  24. Excellent description of the process.
    I wish you all the best when you get the results.

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  25. That took a long time! I would think it would be hard to stay still for so long while sticking your neck (out).
    We'll all be waiting for the results and sending good thoughts.

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  26. Cheering for you and sending many positive thoughts your way.
    - Trish

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  27. That is quite a procedure. I'm glad you had it done. Please keep us in the loop. In the meantime, I'm thinking of you.

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  28. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.....:-)Hugs

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  29. Keeping you in my prayers too.

    I had one nudule in my thyrod years agao. I was put on a replacement dose of thyroid to cause atrophy.

    My sister had the same thing and her thyroid was removed. Both of us are fine!

    You are very brave...the procedure sounds nerve wracking to say the least....

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  30. Ouch. It is like a hangnail that hurts for a long time. I suppose. I hope everything works out and you are back to normal in no time without any side effects.

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  31. Another holding you in her thoughts.

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  32. Well at least that part is over. The needles wouldn't bother me as much as trying to be still. Wishing for the best possible results, you are in my thoughts DJan.

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  33. I don't like needles! I have the creeps just reading about their 'target practice" on your neck! I am glad it is over and am saying daily prayers all goes well. Big hugs...

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