Biopsy

Today was the day they started snipping bits off me.

The day started with a long shower using the betadine, nasty smelly stuff that it is. The undercarriage and adjacent  parts getting particular attention to give the urologist a clean work surface (understandably).

We arrived at the clinic at 11:15 for an 11:30 intervention. After wending our way to what we hoped was the correct waiting room we sat and waited. The problem with getting to an appointment early is that it allows time for the stress levels to rise.

After a while the nurses showed me to a nice private cubical and allowed me to remove my trousers and underpants and wrap a (too small) towel around my waist to preserve decency. I was then led to what I assume was a gynecologist's bench. I sat on the bench, the towel was removed, and my legs placed in the stirrups.

So much for preserving decency.

The bench was raised so my bum was at eye level to someone who was seated, the the urologist arrived. He said he was going to administer a local anaesthetic (more stuff stuck up my bum) but did I want nitrous oxide as well. Damn right I did.

I don't know what a bee sting on the inside of your bum is like, but I can guess. Twelve times.

Afterwards he asked how it was, and I told him I have felt more dignified. I was then allowed to dress (in private, because a bloke might be shy), given a list of instructions, and sent home.

Now it's not painful, but uncomfortable. I know they have to warn you about things that may happen, but it's always scary when they start talking about the possibility of fever and immediate antibiotic injections. My next appointment is 11 January, so I guess that's when I get the results.

Pharmacy

Off to the pharmacy to buy betadine with which to wash myself before the biopsy.

A General Visit to the Doc

I had an appointment with Dr L (my GP) today. We discussed the upcoming biopsy, arranged a COVID booster, and because my cousin had recently had shingles, a shingles vaccination.

She is a calming influence, just when I start getting stressed.

Bone Marrow

I went to the urologist today. The MRI scan last week was clear as far as infection of the bone marrow (phew!!), so the next step is a biopsy in 2 weeks time. They take 12 samples these days, but it's only 3 minutes work.

First MRI

This isn't the first time I've ever had an IRM, I had a couple last year when we were investigating my sinuses. It is the first for cancer.

The IRM was done at the new hospital in North Tours. We had a couple of things to do in Tours, so we planned it all to happen the same day. After finishing the other tasks we had to find somewhere where I could do my preparation.

Preparation isn't onerous, but it does involve squirting the tube of goo up my bum, between one and two hours before the procedure. This is difficult when you live 90 minutes from the hospital and you have no idea how your bowels will react.

So we looked for a public toilet close to the hospital where I could be discreet about it. Not an easy task, so in the end we headed to a shopping centre. Supermarket toilets are generally ok, but not those at Auchan "Grande Arche". Those are small, dirty, and very busy.

This meant I arrived at the hospital unprepared - but 30 minutes early. While I shot into the toilet to do my preparation Susan explained to the receptionist what had happened. The receptionist was unhappy, the doctor even more so. They said "well, don't bother then" - and called me into the examination room. I shot into the toilet and expelled the goo (it was ready to do its thing, anyway).

The test proceeded as normal. I find them completely easy - just lie still for 7 minutes and try not to think. After I dressed we waited to be called to be spoken to by the Doctor, but it didn't happen. After a while I asked, but we were told there was no need to wait, the results would be sent to my specialist.

So we drove home. I drove because there was no reason not to, and we got home at about 19h (7pm).

That was a kind of stressful day. Not the scan, but everything else that goes with it.

Blood Test

Another blood test.

Unbelievably, it's not a PSA Test, it's a cholesterol test. All is good.

The nurse had trouble finding a vein today, it took her a couple of goes in my left arm, before she found one in my right arm.

Buying my Own Stuff

It's common in France to have to buy your own stuff (on prescription) from the local pharmacy before a medical procedure. 

Living in a small town it's advisable to visit the pharmacy in advance just in case it needs to be ordered.

In this case it tuned out to be 250 ml of gel in a soft plastic bottle with an evil looking nozzle it has to be squirted up my bum no less than an hour before my MRI scan.

That'll be interesting.