No Cancer Cells by Barbara Edwards

The laboratory results from my lumpectomy said the atypical cells were all removed and no cancer cells found.

I exhaled the breath I’d been holding for two days and thought I relaxed. I didn’t. The scare wasn’t so easily removed from my spirit.

Having a lumpectomy is a fairly simple procedure. The in-patient office called on Friday to say my surgery was scheduled for 2:30 pm, to arrive at 10:45 to have the wire inserted.

Nothing to eat or drink after midnight except for my cardiac medication with a tiny sip of water. I can handle that. Okay.

At this time I still didn’t know how it would turn out and I was really nervous. I was having this done at Hartford Hospital where my cardiologist’s and ICD offices were located. I was sweating.

The insertion of the locator wire happens where the mammography is done. The tech was the same woman form my last visit and I found that oddly reassuring. She explained everything.

I donned the infamous hospital gown and robe then waited for the doctor. She also took the time to go over what was being done. My breast was squished by the plates and the area numbed. They recommended I avoid looking if needles made me nervous, so I studied a picture of the beach. The shot pinched and I didn’t feel the needle inserted. The needle is hollow and a wire inserted to the marker left during the biopsy. No so bad.

I admit I was really anxious. Next would be the really frightening part.

I waited again, then was taken to pre-op. More really nice nurses, techs and aides were nice enough to explain what would be happening next.

The RN from the ICD unit came over to disconnect my pacemaker and connect me to a temporary unit. It seems the cauterisation can cause the pacemaker to kick. Not what I need to have happen while under. I had a large patch placed on my chest and on my back to use if they needed to stimulate my heart. Now that was scary.

The anesthesiologist talked to me about the medication. A whole new procedure since I had my gall-bladder removed. The medicine doesn’t make you sick or sleepy afterwards.

So here we go. I get the needle inserted, taken to the operating room and then realised there were a dosen people there. Most of them had been by to introduce themselves and explain their part. Did I mention that the surgical intern was really cute.

I was asleep within minutes. When I woke, I was ready to go home.

They gave me medical orders to take it easy, no swimming for two weeks and call if there were any problems.

Two days later they called to let me know I had no sign of any cancer cells or atypical cells. The relief was overwhelming.

Despite the clearance, it took me this long to be able to talk about the procedure. My heart goes out to those women who don’t have the wonderful results I did. And I thank all my friends and family for their support and prayers.

Sincerely,

Barbara

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