How it all started

Scared to death

So today was the biopsy.    I am scared, and a bit apprehensive.   I almost dont want to know.  We have talked with the specialist, and we have three outcomes.  It could be cirrhosis of the liver, it could be fibrosis, or it could be just the same elevated enzymes from fatty infiltrate that apparently I have always had.   

The idea that my liver might have a few years left scares me the most.    I know that I have enjoyed my food and wine, and sometimes to excess.   I can’t help but be angry at myself- I did this.   I cannot help but be angry at my genes, at my liver.

One score and a few years ago…

I had cancer.   It was one of those things you learn to live with.   I had a liver biopsy then, due to the sheer amount of chemotherapy and radiation that I was exposed to during my treatment.

So, the good news was that I had a baseline biopsy to work from

The biospy (then-and-now)

So, this is how it's done- well at least the text book version

It was interesting to contrast the difference between the liver bipsy I first had and the one I had a few months ago.

The old one required a long transducer- like a long wire- that was inserted in the liver through a needle and liver core samples were taken.  It was a bit more invasive, and a bit more dangerous than the new procedure.

The new method was excellent, but I had an unfortunate complication.  My brachail nerver was irritated due to the approach that we had to use becasue of the size of my stomach.    So, I had this horrible stabbing pain develop between my collarbone and my shoulder.   It was painful, but not the worst thing I ever exprerience.

So for tonight, I stay in the hospital and graciously accept the pain meds and the kind care on offer.   God I need them at the moment.