The biopsy last Thursday went well.  The procedure was done by a specialist (intervention radiologist).  We met with the doctor before the procedure.  The “mysterious” doctor had a mask on. Based on her eyes, forehead, her voice and her smooth, perfect-looking hands and nails, I had a feeling she was quite young.  She explained the process and risks of the procedures, and then I signed the consent form.  Her plan was to first try the ilium bone (in the hip).  But the spot was quite small.  She said if she couldn’t get to it, she would go for the lower unradiated Thoracic spine (T-spine).  However, when we asked her which T-spine, she did not appear to be very sure, and didn’t seem to have a plan.  In my mind, I was wondering why didn’t she just go for the T-Spine if it was easier to get to? Why subject me to the potential of being jabbed and poked more than once?  But I didn’t want to question her professional judgement. I went into the room, with some skepticism, but hoping for a smooth procedure.

This was a CT-guided biopsy.  I was asked to lie on my tummy on the platform of the cylindrical CT machine; and that I should find a comfortable position because I was expected to hold still for 1 hour. 

After being initially x-rayed by the CT scan machine, the doctor came in.  I could see her and the nurse in action, getting all the surgical tools ready.  I saw them filling the syringe with lidocaine, and saw the doctor inspecting and trying out different core biopsy needles to pick out the one she liked best.

The doc announced she was going to numb my skin with an injection.  But it was still quite a shock as the needle went in my butt, and it was quite painful as the drug was being injected.  I could feel her adjusting the needle in different directions to make sure the drug got to all the surrounding area.  Before the procedure, she had made it clear that the anesthesia was only at the skin level, so I would still feel pain as the biopsy needle was being inserted.   Obviously I was not happy to hear that, but what else could I do?  Well, the doctor was absolutely right, as the core needle went in, it was painful.  I made some groaning sound a few times, but the pain was bearable.

After the needle went in, I was wheeled back into the CT machine to be scanned again, and wheeled back out. The doctor then re-entered the room to adjust the needle (angle and depth) based on the image of the last CT scan.  This process repeated itself for maybe 10 times? Honestly, I lost count.  I just focused on staying still.  In the end, the doctor was able to target the cancerous spot and extract the tissues needed.  I felt some pain during the first half of the procedure.  But post mid-way, I only felt pressure, so it was not too bad.  As the doctor extracted the tissues through the core needle, I could feel something being sucked out of my butt.  It was quite a weird sensation.

The doctor then told me she targeted well, so she would now finish the procedure.  I felt a big rock off my chest and super thankful that I didn’t have to go through this again for the T-spine.  The doctor is very skilled after all. I should not have judged her by the appearance of her young age.

It turned out the core needle used for biopsy was a very fine one, so I only had a very tiny spot on my butt which healed very well and fast.  I believe the needle for the lidocaine injection was much bigger.  After the procedure, I was asked to roll myself onto a different bed, and stayed lied down. I was wheeled to a different room to be observed for 1 hour before the nurse gave me the ok to go home.  My butt feel a bit bruised and sore afterwards, but for the most part, I was feeling fine.

Thank God for a very smooth “pain in the butt” procedure and thank you all for your prayers and positive thoughts!