lumpectomy!

[javasaurus]

As many of you know (and some of you may not know), I developed a growth on my neck several weeks ago. A one-inch swollen area under the skin in the side of my neck. After antibiotics and a CAT scan, it was determined to be a mass of fatty tissue, a benign growth that would likely continue to grow slowly until removed. Yesterday I went to the Greater Baltimore Medical Center, close to where Charles St. meets the northern part of the beltway, and had it removed. Turns out it was not a fatty growth after all, but a slightly out-of-control mass of veins. The procedure was done with a local, so I was awake throughout. Very strange, laying there for nearly an hour, trying not to move while people poke around inside my neck with sharp things. I tried to distract myself by reciting digits of pi, or trying to control my pulse rate (I could hear the machine going beep, beep, beep). My neck is a bit sore now, and I can't turn my head very far, but it should be much better later this week. The opening was only about an inch, and was closed with glue, not sutures, so I don't have to worry about having the stiches removed.

Comments

[elvisolb.livejournal.com]

Oh my goodness. Well I'm glad everything turned out okay. And I hope
the soreness doesn't last too long.

See you soon at rehearsal.

[silmaril.livejournal.com]

Get better soon.

[rsteachout.livejournal.com]

Yikes! Glad it went well in spite of the surprise. Heal quickly.

[dawntreader]

yikes! glad it went alright. good for you for getting it checked out sooner than later. i'm not sure i could stand the whole being awake part.

heal well!

(glad the opening required was only an inch. you could have been NearlyHeadless Java. *g*)