marrow extraction...

i'm back from the marrow extraction....it wasn't painful, per say - but the awkward pressure was definitely a lot to take....it had my cringing, with white knuckles....the whole point of this procedure was 2 determine if there is Hodgkin's in my bones too....the PET scan showed "activity" in my bones, or they wouldn't even need 2 check the marrow....and if it is in my bones, i jump from stage 2 to stage 4 - but it doesn't change anything regarding my prognosis - it only means more chemo & radiation

first, it was super annoying that i waited 4 over an hour before we even began - i hate waiting, especially for the doctor....they, had me lay on my side on the table & drop trow, so the doc could get at my pelvic bone, right above my butt....then he used different sized needles to slowly numb me down to the bone....he took his time & said he wanted to make sure he numbed the area correctly - that's the key to making this procedure as painless as possible....and i totally appreciated that! ;0)

once i was numb, he used a big fat needle to start digging into my bone....this was the awkward, cringing part...he said that it's harder on someone young like me - cause obviously, my bones r way stronger than a 70 year old's bones....once he was thru the bone, the awkward feeling stopped & then it was just plain weird - cause he was jamming the needle (or whatever - couldn't exactly see him working) in & out of my bone - to collect the marrow needed....that part didn't hurt at all - it just shook my whole body & felt really creepy

then we were done - the whole process probably took 15-20 minutes....they bandaged me, told me to keep it dry for 24 hours & had me lay flat on my back for 5 minutes before letting me leave

next, i meet with someone on monday to talk about radiation....the doc wants me to fully understand the risks (like i have a choice) - cause radiation now (especially on youngin's like me) can increase ur risk of breast & other cancers down the road....it's a lot less of a risk now-a-days than long ago, but still....and he wants to have someone else look at my scans & agree to the amount of radiation i need....the radiation won't come until after all the chemo tho

then tuesday, i go back to talk with the doc about the results of today's marrow extraction....and to schedule chemo & discuss anything else that i might have questions about (u know how u always think of ?s after u've left the doc's office)

i'm looking forward 2 a relaxing weekend! i'm meeting my aunt when i get off work 2nite 2 go out 2 dinner & 2 do some xmas shopping....and then we're having our cookie party 2moro! me, my sis, mom & my sis-in-law are all getting together with the kiddos 2 make xmas cookies & other treats...should b fun!

i hope u all have a FAB weekend too! :0)