Keep Rolling On.

[dodger_sister]

I had some other posts I was going to make today, but I kind of feel too meh to go there. Instead I am going to talk about my 89 year old Grandma, with a heart condition, and how her cardiologist said, "Absolutely not," to her having a biopsy done and yet she is having it done anyways.

Basically she has leaky heart valves and her cardio has always said that the risk of surgery at her age outweighs the risk of the heart problem, so they've done nothing. But now she has a 'womanly area' cyst and they want to do a biopsy. Grandma had cancer about 20 years ago and kicked its ass and since then has remained in fairly good health. She is 89, still drives herself, runs all her own errands, lives alone and is still in a good mental place. She still goes to the great-grandkids' sports events, family BBQs, holiday events and all. It's quality of life, not quantity of life, I know that - but her quality is still really high, I think. She is still a go-getter. And I know it has been hard for her without Grandpa, but Grandma is tough as nails and we still want her to stick around for awhile longer. So when her cardio says "NO," to a procedure and then her other doctor basically talks her cardio into it - idek. Because in the end, if it does turn out to be cancer, will her heart be strong enough for treatment? And if not, then why even risk the biopsy at all? IDK and neither does Grandma, because she won't ask the doctors any questions, 'They know best,' is Grandma's way of thinking and she doesn't want to 'bother anyone' with a bunch of questions. Look, even if you end up going with whatever the doctor recommends, you should be informed! Your body is like your car, except if you lived in your car 24/7 and could feel everything it feels. Your body is KITT from Night Rider. Take care of KITT. At least ask the mechanic some damn questions!

The biopsy is tomorrow. We called her tonight and told her good luck. Now it's just a matter of waiting. The cardiologist's extreme reluctance and her age all make me worry. So, rub your lucky stones, send out some positive vibes, turn around three times and spit...whatever you do for good wishes Grandma's way. She's the last remaining of my grandparents and I would hate to see her go just yet.

Comments

[vikingprincess]

I'm hoping for Grandma's sake (and the whole family's) that a lady-parts cyst biopsy is less stressful and potentially dangerous than one higher up in the organs.

[dodger-sister.livejournal.com]

I'm hoping for Grandma's sake (and the whole family's) that a lady-parts cyst biopsy is less stressful and potentially dangerous than one higher up in the organs.

I've had liver and kidney biopsies before. I don't remember the kidney one, but the liver one is painful as fuck and then you are sore for days afterwards and the needle is scary as hell. But they don't put you under for it, which is why I was confused as to why Grandma would have to go under for this one. Turns out, it's because it wasn't a biopsy at all! They removed her ovaries completely. I tell you, she had no idea what was being done to her! /shakes head/ But she came through it all okay and is home now, under supervision of my uncle. Thanks, babe.

[vikingprincess]

Holy Crap! Next, time, she needs to ASK QUESTIONS! :)

I'm so glad she's home safe.

[lindahoyland.livejournal.com]

I hope all goes well and your Grandma will be OK.I think she is of the generation who thinks doctors know best. Our generation has been brought up to ask questions.

I had a friend in her 80's who ended up having endless tests she didn't want as she'd not been brought up to say "no thank you, it is my body and I choose not to."

[dodger-sister.livejournal.com]

I'm going to put up an update in a bit, but Grandma is doing well! Thank you!

I think she is of the generation who thinks doctors know best. Our generation has been brought up to ask questions. I had a friend in her 80's who ended up having endless tests she didn't want as she'd not been brought up to say "no thank you, it is my body and I choose not

I think I get so easily frustrated with it because neither of my parents are of the 'ask questions' mindset and I feel like, with them having raised a disabled child, they should have learned to be informed. I certainly did when I took over my own medical care. If I don't know what it's going to do to my body, you're not doing it! But I think you are right, it is a generational thing. I look at the generations of my family and each one down the line is a little better about being informed.

[bugeyedmonster.livejournal.com]

Sending good vibes Grandma's way. Best wishes, and good luck.

[dodger-sister.livejournal.com]

Grandma made it through all okay and is home now. My uncle is staying with her and I think we are in the clear on her heart reacting to the surgery and the stress. Thank you!

[crucis01.livejournal.com]

Hey all of you are in my thoughts and hopes. Please keep us informed and know a lot of people care about you! XO

[dodger-sister.livejournal.com]

Thank you very much! Grandma is doing well. Will put up a full update post in a bit, but she was released from the hospital last night. My uncle will stay with her until she has her follow up with the doctor this week, just to be safe.

[wolfrider89.livejournal.com]

All the best wishes to your grandma, honey! Sending lots of love! <3

[dodger-sister.livejournal.com]

Thanks, babe! Grandma made it through the procedure and is all good. She really had no idea what they were doing, as it turned out not to be a biopsy, but instead they removed both her ovaries. There is a big difference between the two! They released her after one night in hospital and she is home now, with my uncle staying for a few days to help her out. Still kind of feel like I am holding my breath, but it seems like we are in the all clear now.

[wolfrider89.livejournal.com]

I'm glad it went well, and I hope she's still doing well. (Not sure what a biopsy is, and Google translate isn't helping. Removing both her ovaries I understood, though. Yikes, that sounds scary.)

[dodger-sister.livejournal.com]

I'm glad it went well, and I hope she's still doing well. (Not sure what a biopsy is, and Google translate isn't helping. Removing both her ovaries I understood, though. Yikes, that sounds scary.)

Thanks, bb! A biopsy is where they go in and take just a piece of the cyst (usually using a long needle to extract it) and then test that piece for cancer. If it is cancer, they remove the whole thing. If it isn't cancer, they tend to leave it alone rather than risk surgery. Apparently with Grandma they just went straight for the surgery and skipped the whole biopsy/testing phase altogether. /shrugs/

She is fully recovered now and I saw her a week ago and she seems good! <3

[shirebound]

I'm sending good thoughts! I hope everything goes really well today.

[dodger-sister.livejournal.com]

Thank you! Grandma made it through the procedure (which turned out to not even be a biopsy but something more dangerous in fact) and stayed a night in the hospital. She has now been home for a full night and is doing well. My uncle is staying with her until she is fully recovered, but I think we are in the all clear!