This blog won't be a "health" blog focused on giving out medical information, but I will periodically toss out some of the most important things I've learned so far. For example, in my "My Ache" post, I make mention of something called a "needle aspiration" biopsy. Here is what I now think about needle aspiration biopsies: 

Don't get one. Why? Needle aspirations can spread cells that were once contained within an enclosed area. Wouldn't you rather NOT risk spreading those possibly malignant cells? Do your research before you decide what kind of a biopsy you will have. There are different kinds, and there are numerous things to consider. You do not have to rush or allow yourself to be rushed (as I was). Seriously. You can take a day or two or three. Unfortunately, I didn't learn this until many months into my "treatment journey," as I slowly began to realize that I could be involved in every single medical decision; I could have a say, based on my own research, about how best to treat my unique case of breast cancer (and every case IS indeed absolutely unique, just as every person/body is absolutely unique -- I believe this is a crucial thing to understand).

In short, I began to learn that I wasn't interested in jumping onto the conventional breast cancer "gold standard treatments" conveyor belt. I didn't want the common cookie cutter treatment protocol. So I set about the business of empowering myself to have a say in how I would decide to go about battling/healing my cancer.

One good place to begin your research on this biopsy topic (or on quite a few other relevant topics) is at the "little engine that could" website: Breast Cancer Choices. It's not one of the big well-known sites, but it's one of the best.

That's all I can muster for today! Except for maybe another photo moment..a peek at my San Francisco neighborhood, Bernal Heights.

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