May 17
Biopsy day
Kaiser appointment at 9:00 - arrived at 8:30, parked and walked to Radiology. The every-other-Friday-Farmer's Market was there! The looks and smells of the vegetables, fruit and flowers were a pleasant welcome to the procedure to come. More about the market later.
Checked in with the receptionist and gave my name and birthdate, showed my Kaiser card and a picture ID, then sat next to my husband (who came with me!) to wait for my turn.
My poor left breast has been through so much and its size has withered due to previous lumpectomy in December 1991. Naturally I wasn't looking forward to losing more of it. But, that's what happens.
The technicians were very pleasant and helpful and up-beat. First an ultrasound, some papers to sign, and Dr. Verma came in to numb the breast, make an incision and - with the help of the ultrasound screen image - place a long needle in to take a sample and place a 'marker' at the location of the mass for future reference. The marker turned out to be a little difficult to place, it 'kept slipping.' At about 9:45, it was over. Except for another mammogram to check the location of the marker. Then I got an ice pack to tape to my skin and keep the incision location from swelling, I assume.
Leaving the building to get to the car, passed through the farmers market again. Picked up a fresh cinnamon pull-apart loaf, two fresh tomatoes, and six fresh eggs. But all the cherries, avocados, greens, carrots, squashes, peppers, onions, etc., looked so good. Hard not to buy everything!
I felt good enough to drive home, and the driver's seat belt was more comfortable than the passenger belt would have been. 
Now, almost 12 hours later, not much pain, but I haven't moved from the couch too much. 
I have felt the presence of God and the prayers that I and others have prayed for me today. Thank you, God, for being with me today and for your peace and keeping me calm and focused on You; for putting me with the good people who doctored me today and for easing the pain; for giving me this challenge to further my faith. 

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