Biopsy Update

At 8:00 AM on Thursday, I'm having an ultrasound guided core needle biopsy. It's a simple procedure.

I'll be given a local anesthetic and a very small incision will be made under my arm. A core needle biopsy is done by using a large needle fitted with a special cutting tip. As the needle goes through the skin toward the lymph node, it collects a core of tissue about the size of a pencil lead.

I've been told that the whole shebang will take about an hour, and I'll plan on working the rest of the day.

The pathology of the sample may or may not point to a change in my current treatment plan. Once I have the pathology in hand, I'll go to UC Davis for a second opinion.