The Rib Biopsy Results Are In!
Hands That Care: these are the hands of the team that did the rib biopsy at UCSF. The hands holding the rib specimen is the doctor who performed this very precise procedure. One of the other hands was the hand that held my hand on & off throughout the 1.5-2 hour procedure but I don’t know which one!
This is a mandala my friend Mieze and I made in a little redwood ring the day before the biopsy. As we made it, I asked the universe to bless the hands of the biopsy team. I also asked the universe to bless Mieze who took care of me for a few days before the biopsy and who has been offering me bodywork on a weekly basis for the past 4-5 months! It is such an act of generosity and I am truly grateful for her! I also asked the universe to bless me and asked that I can remain as comfortable and peaceful as possible.
I have great news!
The rib biopsy came back and it’s NOT cancer!
The pathology report said the 2 specimens collected were “dense fibrous tissue and cartilage; no carcinoma.” Whoohooooo!!!!!
What a huge relief that has been lifted! I got the call while I was in the car with my parents and Ali driving up to Pinecrest for the day - we all did a collective sigh of relief!
My doctor told me that we would do a scan in 3 months (Octoberish will be the next scan) to watch the rib thing and to monitor the tiny spot on my lung. She also said there was a slight chance that they didn’t get a piece of tissue from the rib that had cancer (if it is there) so we still need to watch it.
The rib biopsy was intense mainly because I was awake the whole time. The procedure took place on the bed of a CT scanner. They basically jabbed a needle into the middle of my chest, through the muscle aiming for the small area where the lesion is on the rib, then they would send me into the CT scanner to get an image of where the needle was, then the doctor would do a micro adjustment of the needle keeping sure that he doesn’t puncture my lung, send me back into the scanner for another scan to check where the needle was, rinse and repeat.
I went into the CT scanner THIRTY-FIVE TIMES. Once the doctor felt he was in the right area, he put a smaller needle through the big needle and extracted tissue. I had that blue paper they use for covering bodies for surgeries covering my face so I couldn’t see anything but was totally awake: I was sweating bullets for like 1.5-2 hours.
A big thanks to Mieze and Brian for being with me at UCSF before the procedure! That was very calming and reassuring for me.
I am currently doing immunotherapy infusions every 3 weeks at UCSF which feels like I’m downshifting a bit with my infusion visits which is nice. There is talk about starting a chemo pill. More on that as I learn more.
I am trying to take advantage of this new time I have with less infusion dates and am working on planning a trip to Europe in September! I’m excited about this! I need a vacation!
Thanks for all the love and support as we walk this cancer pilgrimage together.
Love you all!!! xoxox