Beneath It All (Beneath #1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

Glasses were perched on the tip of his nose and he was balding.
    “Hello, Mrs. Madison. I’m Dr. Christopher Frank, the radiologist on duty today.” He offered his hand for a quick shake and proceeded to go about his business. “I reviewed the images that were just taken and want to take another peek for myself. Can you please open your gown?”
    I did as he asked and watched his face as he searched the screen. He gave nothing away, damn pokerfaced doctors. “Can you please lift your arm over your head for me?” It was a strange request, but I complied and raised my arm up and rested it back on the pillow.
    He moved the wand under my arm on the left side of my breast, and it hit me. This wasn’t good. My stomach began to churn as I realized what he was looking at. Shit. He was looking at my lymph nodes: this was not a good thing .
    Dr. Frank cleared his throat. “Victoria, I would like to do a needle biopsy while you’re here. It’s a very easy procedure and will take about five minutes.”
    Nodding my understanding, I encouraged him to explain the procedure. The fear of the unknown coming my way was starting to make my stomach churn . . . again. I was prepared for a mammogram and an ultrasound, but a biopsy never entered my realm of thinking.
    “I’ll be performing an image-guided biopsy in which I’ll insert a needle into the area we want to take a sample from. The sonographer will assist me by using the ultrasound machine to help me locate the exact spot to take a tissue sample. Once I’ve reached the area in question, I’ll pull a trigger on the biopsy instrument, and it will gather tissue samples for us to send to the lab. We will give you a local anesthetic before the procedure, and you can expect some discomfort for the next day or two. Do you have any questions for me before we begin?”
    Wow, he was direct and to the point. My head felt like it was going to explode. I managed to form the word no before he stepped out of the room and the sonographer began to prep me for the procedure.
    When Dr. Frank reappeared, he gave me a comforting smile—because he probably knew I would bolt otherwise. He was a smart man.
    I laid still as the local anesthetic was given and took some deep breaths. It was time to go to my happy place, which was pretty much any place but here. I closed my eyes and imagined myself sitting on a beach looking out over turquoise waves as the ultrasound wand was moved around on my breast.
    “Hold it right there,” Dr. Frank said calmly as he began to insert the needle. Holy crap . . . it wasn’t a small needle! I squeezed my eyes tighter and tried to continue breathing while the pressure built and a burning sensation took over.
    Click. Click. Click.
    I was startled by a loud series of sounds and then the discomfort disappeared. I felt the sonographer’s hand press down on the area as she applied a gauze pad over the biopsy site.
    “Victoria, you did very well. I was able to grab a few samples fairly easily. We’ll get you some ice to pack into your bra, and you will want to take ibuprofen for the discomfort. If you have any problems with the insertion area, please call our office right away. You can expect the results within a few days. I wish you the best; it was a pleasure to meet you,” Dr. Frank said before he exited the room.
    When I was fully clothed again, Ginny was waiting with a bag of crushed ice. “I recommend you place this in your bra directly on the area of the biopsy. It’s double bagged and shouldn’t leak.” I turned around and stuffed my bra with the ice pack. I remember doing this with tissue or socks as a young girl wishing I had boobs, but somehow this didn’t feel quite the same.
    She led me back out to the reception area, and I noticed that the office was empty. “I’m sorry we kept you so long; Dr. Freeman will call you with the results. It usually takes three to four days to get them back. In the meantime, go about your business as usual, and