Noun: biopsy; plural noun: biopsies

 

An examination of tissue removed from a living body to discover the presence, cause, or extent of a disease.

 

Having a biopsy is something I would not recommend thinking about or Googling before the event.  Definitely don’t watch any YouTube videos on it.

In my experience, they have happened without prior notice or warning.  The doctor calmly goes ‘I’m going to take a biopsy, is that OK?’ – I have often wondered if anyone replies ‘No, it’s not bloody OK!  Have you seen the size of that needle?’

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The first biopsy I had was of the breast, following a clear mammogram and ultra sound.  There was an obvious lump, but it just didn’t show on the scans.  The surgeon said the magic words, asking if it was OK to stick what I can only describe as a tent pole into by breast, to take a biopsy of the lump tissue.  To be fair, they do numb the area first.  I don’t want to be over-dramatic.  But still, a tiny bit terrifying.

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The second biopsy I had was of the lymph nodes.  To set the scene, this took place on the evening of 13th June.  The day that I found out that I had The Cancer.  So feelings were running a little high, to say the least.  I had brought Justin with me this time though, after the shock of the morning’s revelations.  The doctor calmly ran the ultrasound scanner over my armpit and said ‘did the surgeon say to do a biopsy if I find anything?’ You might want to work on your bedside manner there a little bit Doc, as you have obviously bloody well found something!

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By this stage in the proceedings I was emotionally shattered.  The poor nurse not only had to hold me in position whilst the doctor poked the metal straw with the claw into my armpit (I’m not exaggerating.  That claw was the size of the one on a grabber machine at the arcade!  OK I may be slightly exaggerating), but she also had to wipe away my snot and tears as I silently cried into the paper cover of the doctor’s bench.  Justin sat quietly looking on, rubbing my feet, with tears in his own eyes.  He said after that he would have swapped places with me if he could.  I told him I would have let him.