More biopsies... where? down there?

Cancer survivors are always wondering and waiting to see if something is going to happen, so it is only natural to worry when something is "off". Then when something turns out to be abnormal more testing and follow-ups are needed. It seems like a continual wave of worries.

Sometimes our worries turn out to be issues. Sometimes our worries turn out to be nothing. Either way, we are going to worry... it's just an issue of determining how much and when we should really worry. Finding out my endometrium lining was so thick meant I needed to get a biopsy.

What's an Endometrial Biopsy?

An endometrial biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small piece of tissue from the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) is removed for examination under a microscope. The removed tissue is examined for cancer or any other cell abnormalities. 

Lucky me. Right? 

Now I get to go back the GYN only a few days after my initial exam and ultrasound to have an endometrial biopsy. Seems like everyone is finding a way to get up in my vagina. And this procedure is something hard to describe. Mainly, it is an uncomfortable experience. It was not the worst experience or biopsy I have done, but it was awkward, moderately painful, and generally uncomfortable.

I think no matter how "gentle" your doctor is, sticking a long tube up your vagina into your uterus to scrap the lining is not something that is going to be pleasant. Plus, it is not just one scrap - it is like a continual in and out scrapping on all sides of your uterus. 

In and out. Back and forth. Over and over. For at least 9 to 10 attempts. 

Each on slightly cutting your uterus. 

Yes, this is the actual tube they used on me. I took a quick picture while I was undressing, as it was laying on the table. The only good thing, it is a relatively quick procedure... even though it was uncomfortable. Yes, it was painful but not the worst pain I've had. And there was some bleeding afterwards, but it wasn't too much. However by the end, I was glad it was over.

If you read my blog, you already know I have had a number of tests and biopsies... and I have come to the conclusion that none of them are easy or fun. This one was unique, as it was more like a small raping of my body.

Like with most biopsies, the waiting is the longest part. Waiting to see if something is wrong feel like an eternity. Even when you try to occupy your thoughts, you have already heard bad news in the past and know there is the possibility to hear it again. Thank goodness I did not have to wait too long. A few weeks later my test results came back - and it was not active cancer - but the doctor felt I was headed for trouble. My growth was to quick and suspicious. they felt I needed a Hysterectomy & Oophorectomy (ovaries)... essentially, a total hysterectomy 

I needed to get rid of it all and I made this decision for two reasons.

1. My cancer feeds off hormones. My lady parts produce them.

2. The endometrial growth was a bad sign. It was likely to do it again (and possibly be bad). These organs are just waiting to go bad... to be cancerous... and that cancer is often not detected early. 

For me, I needed to listen to the giant red flag warnings...