bone biopsy

In order to determine what subtype the spread of my breast cancer is to my bones, I have to undergo a bone biopsy. I’ll be honest - I’m terrified. You’re awake during the procedure. And no one enjoys pain, obviously.

But, you do things scared when you have cancer and well I guess I better buckle in because we’re in this for the long haul.

I put on a brave face but once they took me back I started to freak out a little. They let Joe come back with me, which was good. But, then they had to take me off to the procedure solo.

The nurses had yet to give me any meds at all. I was wheeled back to the CT room and climbed onto the CT table, face down. At this point, I’m begging for anxiety meds. They finally push them through my IV. The radiologist injects the local numbing and runs me through the CT to best determine where they should do the biopsy.

The meds that are supposed to make you sleepy and pretty out of it to tolerate the procedure did not kick in. I was on the table, as still as possible, fully aware and awake as they drilled into my Illiac (pelvis) bone. I heard the pathologist consult the radiologist and they decided to go back in for bone marrow. Then they confirmed they got enough of the tissue for testing.

Once it was over, I was in recovery for a bit sleeping on and off before they finally released me home to sleep. Joe was a saint and sat by my side the entire time.

Then, a couple of days later, I reviewed my portal online to find that the biopsy was inconclusive. The sample taken was not enough for the full subtype testing needed.

I was so angry. This not only means I have to do the entire procedure over again, take another day off, but also delayed my entire progress towards treatment even more.

My new oncologist quickly got me in for a new bone marrow biopsy. I ensured the entire team at the hospital was aware of what happened before and the weight of getting it right this time.

The radiologist who did the procedure this time was amazing. He sat with me and walked me through how he’s going to ensure it’s enough this time.

Also, as I insisted, they did give me plenty of meds at the right time. And while I was awake and aware, I felt okay and safe.

This time they went in the front right side of my hip. The pathologist tested the sample in the room and confirmed the tissue initially was necrotic. It was dead. Which HOORAY! The radiation already killed the tumor. But, we need some alive tumor tissue to determine what treatment will work best.

The radiologist went back in over 13 times, in 2 different areas of the same bone to get as deep as possible, and finally got enough of a sample.

We’re awaiting results - this will drive all treatment decisions.