My Rib Biopsy/Surgery

I had so much anticipation for this rib biopsy. All of my treatments have been put in hold. I just want everything to be done and over. So I can put all of this behind me. On April 15, I checked into the hospital for my wire localization and surgery. The first part of the procedure is placing a wire in to the rib lesion, using a CT scan. Once the wire was placed, I was moved to the operating room. My Cardiothoracic surgeon  had planned to remove over an inch of my 10th rib for biopsy. I remember sliding over to the operating table and was immediately put to sleep. I spent about two hours on recovery, when I woke up I was headed to my room for the night.
Due to my previous surgery experiences with nausea and vomiting after anesthesia. The Doctor put me on a liquid diet. I was so hungry, but I quickly learned that broth and lemon ice is a recipe for projectile vomiting! I will leave at that...The pain was unbelievable! I had a chest tube placed to collect any excess blood and fluid from the surgery site. My incision was about an inch and a half wide, with the chest tube a couple of inches below. I couldn't sit up on my own and had to use a bedside toilet. The way I was feeling, there would be no way I could go home the next day. It is so difficult to get rest in a hospital anyway, but to have a roommate that is noisy and coughing all night was a nightmare.... If she wasn't coughing she was on the phone late! Needless to say I wanted to go home. The next morning the Surgeon came in to look over my incision and prepare the paperwork for discharge. The removal of the chest tube was very interesting. I had to hold my breath and exhale as the nurse pullsed out about a foot of tubing from my chest. Once the tube was out, my pain was slightly reduced.
I had made it home! I was so uncomfortable anywhere I tried to sit or lay down. The constant pain with every breath. I found it extremely difficult to cough, laugh or sneeze! It took me over a week, to finally get a full nights sleep. I have to conscious of my posture, trying not guard my right side and slump over when walking. The amount of procedures, I have had over the last four months has definitely taken a toll on my physical and mental well being.
On April 24, I received the biopsy results. I have stage 4 metastatic breast cancer! I was spiritually/mentally prepared. I will fight this with everything I have, with Jesus by my side. Along with the love and support from famiy, friends and my medical team. I GOT THIS!!