Thursday, December 19, 2013

Biopsy Blues

I've been working with my OB/GYN doctor for over a year to try and correct endometrial hyperplasia.  After a six cycle round of progesterone, she did a second biopsy and found that it had improved from "complex" to "simple".  That was good but not good enough.  So, I took hormones again.  I finally got around to scheduling a third biopsy appointment for this week.

I've been dreading going through this again but was hopeful that the tests would come back great and it would be the last one I'd need.  Unfortunately, my cervix didn't cooperate and was closed so tight there was no way to get an instrument in to retrieve a sample.  Ugh!  All that pain for nothing! 

The risk of cancer with this is slim and I'd love to just move on and forget about it.  But, like my doctor said on Tuesday, we can't play roulette with my life.  Plus, having peace of mind that it's gone (what I'm hoping for) would be great!  We discussed some options...another D and C (like she did the first time when she also removed polyps), trying something that would possibly (but not guarnteed) dilate my cervix to get the sample (ugh!...more pain!!), or continue the progesterone to reduce the risk of cancer.  She told me that she was concerned that the hyperplasia didn't go away with the first treatment and that if it isn't gone now (if we were able to get a biopsy) that we'd need to consider a more serious option...a hysterectomy.  UGH!  I left the office in pain, tears and frustration!

For now, I've decided to go with another six cycle treatment of progesterone and then try the method she mentioned of trying to get my cervix to dilate and cooperate.  She gave me a prescription for something to help me relax this time but I don't think it did a thing.  I'll need something much stronger next time since it hurt so much more this time.  Ugh! 

I almost always reward myself with a trip to the yarn shop after appointments like this and mammograms.  I think I needed a trip to the yarn shop more than ever this time!  One of the good things about this doctor is that her office is literally down the street and around the corner from a cute little yarn shop, Labors of Love in Fallbrook.  I didn't spend a lot but I did find some yarn to treat myself with.  A pretty skein of Cottontots.  I'm planning to knit another cowl.  I love the colors and it should go with a lot of things I have in my wardrobe.  Here's the colors from one end of the skein...


And, the other...


I'm thrilled to find out that Cottontots isn't discontinued after all.  I love this yarn!
They had so many beautiful colors of it in the shop.


This yarn isn't fancy either but they had a sample cowl made with it and I loved it.
So, I bought two skeins and picked up a copy of the free pattern.
It's Lion Brand Tweed Stripes in the "Mixed Berries" colorway.


Ahhh.....yarn!  Always makes me feel a bit better!

It's been a crazy few weeks...my husband's grandfather has been in and out of the hospital.  Last weekend, he took a turn for the worse and we weren't sure he was going to make it.  He was on life support and it wasn't looking good.  But, he seems to have taken another turn and is now breathing on his own, working with a physical therapist, and they're moving him to a convalescent hospital today.  He's 93 and has beaten the odds so many times.  Looks like he's doing it again! 

13 comments:

Cindie said...

Oh I feel for you. A number of years ago I had one of those biopsies - not fun. And then a procedure which wasn't as bad as the biopsy. My thoughts are with you that all works out well next time so no further steps need to be taken. Good for you on the yarn! I'd have to add chocolate to it - any chocolate shops on that street???

Michelle said...

Sending prayers your way for some healing! I know how frustrating this can be!

Teresa Kasner said...

I'm so sorry to hear of your health trials and tribulations. It's always something, isn't it? I know it will all work out. I still think Cottontots is discontinued.. I can't find it online, except for a few leftover skeins.

❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉
*M*E*R*R*Y* *C*H*R*I*S*T*M*A*S*!*
❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉

((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Delighted Hands said...

Sending sympathy for what you are going through...

I like your reward for enduring the procedure! (But you deserved more!)

The Polka Dot Closet said...

shoot sorry you are having health problems, they sure way on your mind. Hope your treatment works and you can move on! Wow, so glad grandpa is doing well and at 93!!! That is one strong man!

Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Carol

Sandra said...

This time of year always seems to bring additional challenges - here's hoping everything works out well for you and yours!

Beth said...

I am so sorry about your health issues and that of your hsb's grandfather. Prayers being sent your way.
Have a blessed Christmas.

Mereknits said...

Oh you poor thing, I swear I'd make them take everything out. So sorry to hear about your husband's grandfather, hop he continues to do well. Take good care of yourself, I am so glad you treated yourself to yarn.
Hugs,
Meredith

Wanda @ Just Vintage said...

So sorry you're having to go through all that. "Female problems." Ugh.

Love the yarns! I wish I could knit. I understand and can make the stitches. The first row goes pretty well, but about half way into the second row, the stitches get tighter and tighter and I can't figure out why. Also I'm as tense as a stretched rubber band when I'm knitting. It's not relaxing for me like everyone says it should be. I really need someone to watch me and tell me what I'm doing wrong.

Quinn said...

Sorry you are dealing with health issues and the related testing and decision-making...rarely easy, it seems. Fingers crossed that you will have a fairly clear path through any difficulties.

September Violets said...

This is just no fun ... I hope this all sorts itself out and you get the peace of mind you need. Big hugs to you! Yarn is always a good remedy ;) Wendy xox

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

So sorry to hear of your cervical problems. I've had surgery twice for precancerous lesions. So far so good, but I haven't been to the doctor in awhile because she wanted me to take pills to make me keep having my period and I told her if there was nothing medically wrong, then I wanted my body to do what it needed to do naturally. She says I'm too young to go through menopause, but it seems my body says otherwise. I'll be 48 in 2 months and haven't had a period now in 16 months so I would say I am officially in menopause. I tell you, I've never felt better or happier. :) Sure hope this next round of treatment works for you. My husband bought me some of that yarn in Bangkok last year and I've yet to use it. Relax and have fun creating! Best wishes, Tammy

roxie said...

I had my hysterectomy at age 40 and it was one of the best decisions of my life. No more pain, no more worries, and I can wear white pants again. Your rewards have been dearly earned, and I hope you enjoy every stitch of the knitting. Yarn is so much better. I used to treat myself with a donut after an obgyn appointment.

Your husband's grandfather is a fighter! Do you suppose he has unfinished business, or maybe he just wants one more Christmas?