Well it was all good news today. Yet I still feel bewildered and frustrated.
Today I was scheduled for the biopsy - fine needle aspiration - of my thyroid nodule. I arrived at the big city hospital about 10 minutes early, only to sit around and wait to be called - in a hot, crowded, temporary waiting room. While I was in there the woman next to me sobbed and sighed and shifted position in her (uncomfortable) waiting room chair about 25 times. Not sure what was wrong with her but she was clearly not a happy camper. I found myself thinking "please please don't let your bad sick vibes rub off on me." Awful, isn't it?
Anyway they brought me into the room. I answered some questions for a resident who reminded me of Christina Yang from Grey's Anatomy, but with a lot less going for her in the interpersonal skills department. Eventually the Dr. came in. She turned on the ultrasound machine, poked around my neck a bit, took some measurements, and finally said "Why are you here?"
She went on and on about how this nodule is so small that she couldn't believe my endocrinologist had ordered this test. When I explained the situation, and that I hadn't even SEEN said endocrinologist yet, but was told to go as a preemptive move, she was still emphatic. "I have worked with Dr. M extensively. And I am 99% sure he would look at these films and tell you not to worry one bit."
Apparently Dr. M is in Africa caring for his ailing mother. It was his OFFICE STAFF who recommended the biopsy without even seeing my report or films. Eventually we decided to forgo the biopsy. She promised that IF Dr. M recommends the biopsy anyway, she will get me in next week to stay ahead of the curve on the IVF cycle.
Crazy. On the one hand - obviously its great news they think the nodule is nothing - and that it is not even worth a biopsy. In this litigious world we live in, I feel at peace with the assessment. If there were even a shadow of concern, I know she would have done the biopsy, no questions asked.
However, its another series of annoying medical mis-steps and frustrations and phone calls I've had to endure that resulted in weeks of worrying (my GOD - I could have CANCER) AND the postponement of the IVF cycle that at this point, has been three years in the making.
I am exhausted. Next step - see the endocrinologist Friday morning to confirm he doesn't want to do the biopsy. In about 10 days I should get my period and hopefully I will be clear to start the b/c pills.
Whew, people - how much more drama can a girl take?