109. Chemo Biopsy Experience

I underwent the liver biopsy two days ago.  It was performed by a radiologist specialized in doing biopsies, under a local anesthetic and with the help of an ultrasound machine.  The growth is in a difficult spot, near arteries and bile ducts.  I had to lay on my side so that the doctor could have access to the location.  He had to work around some ribs.  The anesthetizing and the procedure went well.  But my oh my it was excruciatingly painful afterward every time I inhaled.  It felt like some ribs were fractured.  (They were not I assure you!)  I was not given any pain medication till a good 2 hours after the procedure.  It took 5 hours for the pain to finally disappear.  Luckily I slept reasonably well through the night.  Before the radiologist came into the ultrasound room I had a chance to chat with the technician.  I found out that both Regina hospitals use Canon/Toshiba ultrasound machines and that private Regina Imaging clinics use machines made by GE (General Electric).  In Regina health professionals had no problems detecting the growth on the ultrasound machines, both in hospital and in a private clinic, whereas in Saskatoon it could not be found.  Makes me wonder what brand of machine is being used there?  At any rate, I will have to wait about 2 weeks for the biopsy results.  In the mean time between then and now I may post some more stories.  So stay tuned!  Take care!  SanTeh!