My Wild Mammogram-Biopsy Story & My Fav Chemo-Friendly Products
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- Опубликовано: 6 сен 2024
- Here's a little update about round 4 recovery! Including a wild mammogram-biopsy adventure and some chemo-friendly products that have worked for me. Also, just making sure to note that, though the mammogram/biopsy hybrid experience was wild and unexpected, the nurses and doctor were really wonderful. Phfew.
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I'm a very awkward non-toucher too, but once during a really painful gynecological procedure a nurse held my hand and wiped my tears the whole time, and it was amazing. At first it was extremely awkward, but by the end I was incredibly grateful. Physical connection can be hard for people like us, but I'm thankful for people who offer it, and I'm really glad it helped you, too.
When I was in labor, my mom just laid a hand on me, like my leg or arm, and it made all the difference. Highly recommend!
Yes! Who knew it was so powerful!
i had a really similar thing too, the nurse’s warm hand kept me sane honestly!!!
I'm so glad that nurse was able to be there for you in a meaningful way. It's something we study in school but everyone is different so it's hard. We just want to support you in any way we can.
Oooh was it a culposcopy? That fucker HURTS.
"this woman's whole job was to hold my hand the whole time" i love that nurse with my entire heart. that entire team of people is so amazing and have an important job and we love them, but especially that hand holding nurse. I hope you get the results back soon!
i had a nurse during a manometry once whose job was to hold my hands & wipe my tears, & i’ve never been more grateful for anyone
As a mammogram tech/ team lead of a breast center, I’m really proud of you to share your cancer journey. Part of my job is to tell women that they have breast cancer, and those days can really suck, but to know that now we can fight this awful disease makes it a bit worth it. You can do this Grace!! Fighting with you from Tennessee!
You do incredible work! I will never fully understand how you and all the nurses/docs I’ve experienced are so professional and kind given the circumstances of their jobs! Thank you for what you do!
It is actually so informative to hear a non medical person talk about the medical processes they're going through. You're also a great storyteller, Grace, thank you for sharing
Just finished cycle 10 of 12 of chemo for colon cancer and am currently laying useless on my couch crying in frustration/anger. You’re so right about the crazy feelings and it’s so comforting to hear someone express exactly what I’m going through.
Burp em out! You’ll get through it!
Can we just take a minute to recognize cancer doctors and nurses??? I found out at the start of October that I have a rare form of chronic blood cancer and I’m sure the last month would have been 1000 times harder without the nurses I’ve been with. They are angels.
Hard agree!!
Grace, your designated hand holder story mirrors my own experience current it made my eyes burp up water of gratitude. Ten days ago, I had to have the King Kamehameha of rotator cuff repairs. As I was wheeled into the OR (after a nerve block and pre-surgical happy-happy drugs), I was positioned sitting almost upright when my anesthesiologist came to put an oxygen mask on me for a couple minutes. Suddenly, a very tall man stood on my left side, my pre-op nurse stood over my left shoulder, my anesthesiologist was over my right, and another nurse stood by my feet. At that moment, I remember thinking I felt a tear run down my cheek. My anesthesiologist switched me to the snoozles gas as my pre-op nurse scooped her arm under my neck to cradle it whilst holding my left hand. The male nurse held my elbow and scooped under my knees. The nurse by my feet held each of them in her hands. And, my anesthesiologist reached out for my right hand. It was being cradled by these strangers my body gave in, and I faded out. It was such a loving gesture to comfort me as my fears were trying to overcome me. I cannot begin to thank them for their compassionate kindness. It meant so much to my broken, scared self in that raw, vulnerable moment. I will always remember them. I'm glad you were in compassionate hands as well. Keep fighting. Know we are all out here sending you love, light, and prayers. ❤
wow what an amazing moment!
I cried watching this. No cancer experience, but plenty of chronic illnesses and harrowing medical experiences. What I wouldn't have given for a hand so many times. What you're doing here by sharing is so valuable. And this kind of open vulnerability and the way its connecting those watching is what I have felt for a while now is one of the most beautiful things that people can do. As someone who was brought up to be very guarded and who has tons of anxiety, I know how hard that is. I'm grateful you made this choice to talk about it. Spillage and all.
thank you for such a kind and thoughtful comment!
I had a mastectomy last year followed by chemo, it’s rough as f’k - I think you are absolutely doing the right thing sharing your true emotions/thoughts/feelings and as always you do it in such an adorable way. I’m a long time fan of yours, you captured my heart in your early videos, vlogging sat on the floor by a coffee table whilst house sitting, since then you have given me the best of laughs and many moments of contemplating random inconsequential things (which at 2am whilst still contemplating I have cursed you for) You are a very special person Grace, I feel privileged to hear about your journey with this experience and never ever think we don’t want to listen. I ended up losing my hair but there was a huge plus side - it grew back blonde and curly !! Virtually holding your hand, take care sweetheart ♥️🇬🇧
Thank you for such an encouraging and loving comment! Thanks for being here for all of it! Sorry for prompting ill timed inconsequential questionings 🙃
It takes a fighter to battle cancer... a hero shares their battle to help others. You got this Grace Ann Helbig 1st aka Hero in the 1st degree. You got this Jersey girl!
my best friend had a close friend before I met him!the guy he knew had gone through 2 bouts of stomach cancer in the late 90s and was the life of the party. he was one heck of a billiard player/not pool and then he got the bad news! His wife had gotten cancer too, in the brain!my friend said the friend litterally faded away in the short time she had left with him, she passed away about 5-6 months after the diagnosis, he passed shortly after!his spirit really withered fast!
@justawho808 When I spoke of "hero" it also included the fact that Grace hasn't shared much of her personal life on RUclips. Grace is sharing emotions she hasn't in the past. She is sharing her experience in the hope it can help others in her situation. It takes a lot of courage for someone to share personal information and experiences to others and more importantly to people she doesn't even know. Grace has courage, and courage is what heroes have. So to you I say "have a nice day!"
I’ve had a couple of ER visits and have also had diarrhea for over 2 months now (just found out I’m celiac), and thanks to you sharing all the painful and traumatic details of trying to gather the stool sample in the ER without the “hat” (plus the fact that urine damages the sample), I was able to ask for the whole setup and successfully secured the sample. Thank you for being so candid, Grace. It’s helping more of us than you’d know!
So glad it helped!!
During nursing school, we are taught the power of physical touch. Although some of the teachings didn't feel evidence based, I often held the hands of my patients during difficult procedures. It's nice to hear that the patients appreciate it.
Bless that hand-holding nurse. Bless you and your ability to embrace the emotional science of all this.
My mom passed out during her mammogram biopsy! She had basically the same experience of having one prior that she was able to lay down for and then came back for the other and said she was scared that she was gonna rip her boob off when she passed out 😅 she’s cancer free now, can’t wait for you to be too!
The fact you didn’t start crying the second they told you they were doing the biopsy in the mammogram, even with Ativan, is extremely impressive to me.
During my last spinal tap, one of the nurses let me hold her hand, and it was so so helpful. That little bit of human connection and reassurance, even from someone you don’t know, can mean so much!
Every single one of these update videos makes me overwhelmingly emotional, both in awe of your strength and in sadness for how awful and difficult this process is/has been. It makes me reflect on how grateful I am and how strong you are Grace.
For every person in these comments talking about their own experiences, you are amazing. I cannot even fathom going thru this and truly surviving. It’s never clicked for me what being a cancer survivor truly means until watching your videos. Everyone, you got this! Keep going!
My jaw was dropped for so much of this. Thank goodness for the hand-holding help. So glad there was someone there for that.
Me too!
grace, don’t forget that you are allowed to be “the kind of person who corrects nurses” - if you think something is wrong you are ALLOWED to advocate for yourself in your healthcare! i’m glad this was an okay experience for you, all things considered.
This is an excellent point
“Tiny breast offering to this medical dragon mouth” I lost it 😂
"Tiny breast offering into this medical dragon mouth" 😂😂 Oh Grace, I'm sorry you're dealing with all this but that line was golden, thank you 💜
When they found my ovarian cancer, they did an internal ultrasound and I was absolutely sobbing from the pain. The nurse told me I needed to “calm down” and that it “wasn’t that bad”. It was in the middle of covid and I wasn’t allowed to have anyone with me. I felt so helpless in that moment.
I’m so glad you had someone there to comfort you. Nurses like that are truly a god send.
I have said it once and I will say it again, when this is all over you need to make a cancer comedy special. These stories are tragic and hilarious in the best possible combination.
That’s def on my to do list!
I went through chemo in 2020 and the angry feeling at round 4 seems to be a theme! Hearing your story made me tear up as I remembered all those feelings with you. One of my many mantras during that time, and continues to today "give yourself the grace you give others" Anytime you get mad at yourself for whatever you're feeling, ask yourself if you would be understanding if it was someone else. Sending you all the love!
Love that!!
"Give Grace the grace Grace gives others." (Sorry, I had to.) As a fellow non-touchy person, instead of sending hugs I'm sending you an optional, well-timed, gentle hand-hold. You are so lovely, Grace. You got this. @@itsgrace 💕
completely different, but when i went for a colonospy there was also a lady who just held my hand the whole time and i honestly couldn't have done it without her! whoever she is im grateful to her and her support.
I had major surgery last year for endo after years of misdiagnoses and medical gaslighting. A couple of the nurses in the hospital treated me with such compassion while I recovered, and I was so grateful. It felt healing after being ignored for so long. I wrote in my notes app ‘there is nothing more profound than being cared for by a stranger’ (I was still quite drugged when I wrote that, but I stand by it!)
excellent note!
Hoo boy, i remember feeling the same feels as you during my fourth round of chemo. I had eight sessions in total, so i was at the halfway point...but i was effing DONE. I was just over it. I went through the same periodical weepies where I'd be scrubbing away in the shower and then find myself sobbing uncontrollably. The emotional and mental roller coaster is real.
I too found solace in holding someone's hand during procedures. I have a massive fear of needles and felt like the world's largest crybaby every time I asked if someone could hold my hand while getting a biopsy/local anaesthesia/whatever. But the technicians were very kind and super supportive.
Also, calling the mammography equipment "the biggest panini press you've ever seen" had me roaring. I'll never look at that the same way again.
You rock, sweetheart. Keep up the good fight. 💪🏻
i totally recognize this tone of voice during cancer treatment. it’s hard because it IS comical to you in the moment, but i can’t help but cry 2 years out. this phase is the HARDEST! so close to the end and it feels so far. so close to the end yet there’s still mountain left to climb somehow. you go grace and thank you for encouraging us all in the process.
Grace, I am so sorry to hear that you are sick, you have been a light in my life since I was 14 and your videos have given me so much joy. I wish you well and I hope that chemo can eradicate your cancer. X
Your description of feeling the faint coming on reminded me of when I had been laying flat for so long that when I'd sit up, my blood pressure would drop and I'd get sick. I started to gradually spend more time sitting up, and thankfully it stopped bothering me in general in at least a couple days. I dunno how long actually, that was a long time ago, and is one of the memories that is hard to recall sometimes
I had cancer when I was 19, and someone gave me a cookbook called The Cancer Survival Cookbook by Marino Weihofen - it felt… gruesome? At the time, but it was also a lifesaver. I still own the book, lol, though I’ve been in remission for 15+ years. There’s a delicious carrot recipe in there, among others. Highly recommend, though you may have to get it used- not sure if it’s still in print.
For years I worked on an inpatient floor taking care of patients after cancer surgeries: mastectomies, hysterectomies, colectomies, etc. Then a year ago I changed it up and now work outpatient Oncology Infusion. And let me tell you, as a nurse on the other side, seeing things from the "patient's" perspective is simultaneously eye opening and hilarious. The way you describe the grown woman nurse holding your hand made me laugh harder than I have in weeks. And I know I've been "that nurse" to patients many times throughout the years. Oh and biopsies are WILD, basically anything we use to image the body: MRI, CT, ultrasound can be used to guide a biopsy. But hoping for the BEST news from your biopsy results and thank you so much for sharing your journey. You got a cancer nurse in Minnesota rooting for YOU!!
Thank you for all that you do!
the woman that held my hand whilst i cried during my biopsy deserves a raise. What a wild ride we go through to kick cancers booty hole
Awwwww. I had an ultrasound biopsy a couple months ago (since then I've had a cancer diagnosis + double mastectomy), and the hand-holding during the biopsy part was very unexpected but welcomed. I haven't dated anyone since way before the pandemic, and I've been sick with Long Covid so I am not used to human touch on a regular basis at all. I'm grateful to have a breast cancer clinic with caring staff.
Nurses are incredible. The nurse I had when I got pancreatitis and had to get my gallbladder removed was the best part of that really crappy experience. It's definitely a job that is not for the faint of heart. Bless the hand holding nurses everywhere! ❤
We lost my mother in law last week to Ovarian Cancer, she fought for 2 years. I wish I knew of some of these products, she would have loved them. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
go grace, go grace!! i'm alongside you in the breast cancer battle right now and your videos are so comforting
look at us, battling!
No matter what life throws at you, Grace, your ability to tell a story and paint a picture does not diminish. We are all rooting for you. Your fight is strong!
I’m done with treatment and am NED now, but I needed to hear that “one day at a time” today.
Even after cancer, it messes with your mind. Therapy on Monday! And I’m finally getting reconstruction on November 16! Anxious but ready. I’ve had the temporary expanders for just over a year and they suuuuuuuuck.
Cancer sucks. But we’re doin’ it! Thanks for making me feel not so alone today.
Life is weird, man. 💜💪
pine needle joke = extremely underrated
The hand holders are my unironic favorites. My heroes. When I had my wisdom teeth out, they gave me TWO, and I think I broke both of their hands. Apparently, as I was coming out of the anesthesia I thanked them each about a million times and completely ignored the actual surgeon.
"Emotional Gas" is my new favorite phrase. Thanks for that - and thanks for the "I'm not really an (fill in the blank) person ... when I am sober". Your continued sharing of these experiences puts a reality on it that so many of us are removed from. I feel that you are helping many... thank you -- cheers
Just had round 5 of my chemo for tnbc, with two more to go. I remember when I was first diagnosed I was told I would be getting a mammogram and a blood test at the appointment (I'd already had an ultrasound and breast biopsy a few weeks prior). They then sprung an armpit biopsy on me at the same time which was horrendous. Having anxiety, ptsd and a needle phobia, I've never been more grateful to have a nurse holding my hand and talking nonsense to me. It really makes such a huge difference. I'm so beyond grateful for those moments where you actually feel human. Good luck Grace!
I turned my mom onto TMGW a couple years ago (she listens every week and loves you both) and she's scheduled to get a mammogram biopsy in a couple of weeks and she's a little nervous about it, can't wait to tell her that half of her favorite podcast duo has not only experienced it, but has a fun story about how it went!
Ahh that’s so fun that she listens!! And she’ll get through it! Thankfully they were able to do it very quickly for me so hoping the same for her!
Didn't know what to expect when I had my first biopsy and I didn't want any of the details whatsoever. BUT, because I went alone (not by choice) the nurse HAD to tell me because there wasn't another adult to inform about all the legal stuff. I was terrified, as I have a fear of all medical procedures and needles, etc. The nurse held my hand the entire time and I am so thankful for that. I sent her a thank you note and gift card for helping me through a tough time. I am so glad you have your husband with you through all of this. Doing it alone is very shitty and prevents me from taking any meds to help ease my anxiety before and during procedures. Crying does help as I cry all the way home so my two kids don't have to see me a complete wreck. Thanks for sharing the info about the mammo biopsy. I had no idea! You're almost there!! Sending hugs!
Sending you lots of love! I know it can’t be easy but you’re doing it!
Dude listening to this story my anxiety started to rise! I am so grateful you said something to the nurse about feeling faint. I believe that's why she is there. So while the doctor is working she can see if you are going to pas out or need anything. I remember getting teeth pulled when I was 12. I was surrounded by 3 nurses and one of them was just there to hold my hand and ask me about my upcoming vacation. I was so young but I remember feeling so comforted like I was with my aunts and not scary doctors! I'm deeply glad you got some comfort because I know how scary those things can be!!
If I'm honest, that story made me teary unexpectedly then laugh out loud more than once - I'm glad you are doing ok. It was really great to see an old-school review as well (can you see it? can you see it? can you seeeee itttttt?). Thanks Grace.
As a fellow non-touchy person, the comforting hand-hold is a power in itself. I have held the hand of hundreds of patients going through surgeries and procedures. As a nurse, while I have gone through this process hundreds of times, it's almost always the patient's first time. Offering a calm, firm hand while talking through each step of the procedure and what to expect next can be the touchstone someone needs to get through something scary and unfamiliar. Thank you, as always, for sharing yourself with the world. Sending you ALL the fuzzy, comforting, hand-holdy vibes you need for your results and next chemo round!
My initial biopsy involved a tech who just held my hand 75% of the time and when I went in for more biopsies I actually missed it. A hand to squeeze during procedures is so underrated
Thank you for making my day better by sharing. As someone who has terminal cancer, I really appreciate you and all your info!
I'm grateful for the good days, because the bad days have been hard lately.
Thank you. I just love watching your smiling, happy face. I'm cheering for you girl! 👏🏼 🫶🏼🩷😊
I remember the nurse who held my hand during my IUD insertion, she helped me so much with such a small gesture and I probably hurt her, but it meant the world to me. Thanks again for sharing these lesser known intricacies of the medical world
I’ve had a “holding hand nurses” with a different medical experience and it’s so reassuring to know someone is there just to focus on you as a person and not just a procedure.
Thank you Grace for allowing us in on your journey. This will help so many people.
That's so kind and lovely that she held your hand. Medical people like that deserve a raise and a medal ♥️
Nurses are angels and grace you are doing gods work in these videos. You are humanizing a very scary experience with such humor and resilience that is beyond incredible.
I had to get a drain near my heart and I had to be awake, just local anaesthesia. There was a nursing student in the room, she sat basically the whole time and held my hand. And it was so gentle and so kind.
Grace!!! I first subscribed to you over 10 years ago (and loved you so fckn much! Still do!!) and have kinda fell off watching RUclips... recently I have been watching RUclips again, went thru my subscription list and came across your channel again! And I am absolutely shocked, saddened, still very inspired, and still find myself extremely entertained with my cheeks sore from laughing. I miss you very much and I am praying for you. I admire you so much more now than ever. You are so incredibly strong. Keep letting the emotions out!! I'll be watching more!
thank you!!
I absolutely hope that I never have to go through this, but if I do, I will be grateful to have heard it from someone who has been so incredibly candid about it all. 2 more, and you're done!! We're cheering for you!!
crying about the nurse holding your hand!! love u
I was horrified hearing the story on Instagram and I'm still equally horrified. Good grief, that's a long biopsy needle. Eeeeeeekk. Your bravery is unmatched! Thank you so much for sharing this journey. It's helping me relate to a friend going through chemo for another type of cancer currently. Cancer is our 30s is becoming shockingly common.
I’m going through a different struggle with stage 4 kidney disease. I share so many of the emotions that you’ve been having so it’s nice to know I’m not alone. This week I felt angry and broke down which rarely happens but it was good to get it out. I’m praying that you have a full recovery, Grace, and thanks always for the comic relief!❤
You are so strong. We just found out my mom has breast cancer. She was just put on dialysis. I wanted to thank you for sharing your journey. I am going to share your videos with my mom. I know they are helpful to me to help understand what will be helpful for her through this process and to see what see will be going through. Thank you so much. You are such a light upon everyone you meet. You are such a strong beautiful woman and i appreciate you sharing your journey with us.
Sending you and your mom lots of strength!!
I'm sitting here crying AND laughing so hard..I don't expect you to see this, Grace, but...3 years ago when I lost my fiance to suicide, your videos were something that gave me so much comfort and helped me get through my grieving process.
Now seeing you go through this and be so strong but also so vulnerable and transparent, and still manage to be one of THE most hilarious women I've ever heard is so inspiring. You are such an amazing human being, and I'm so proud of you.
The fact that you can describe an insanely intense experience that would be traumatic for anyone and still manage to have me belly laughing multiple times is phenomenal ❤️
💓💓💓
I probably would have cried the entire time if a nurse held my hand during my last thyroid biopsy, that is so sweet that she did that for you
Today is Wednesday and I hope that you're doing well ❤
Thank you so much for sharing your life with us.
I've been watching you since I was a lost 19 year old on my parents couch at 1 am.
12 years later and I still feel the same sense of relief when I watch your videos. Like, "Man, this chick gets it" and I'm in awe of your journey through everything.
Thanks for being you, Grace ❤
Grace, I hope you know how much we all love you. At this point, I think I’ve been watching your videos for at least ten years, and I’ve always adored you. Thank you so much for sharing this difficult time in your life with everyone. I wish you all the best ❤
Oh Grace, what a trooper you are and even though this was a bad round for you, your still sharing everything with us and making us laugh. "Spillage" As a former ICU nurse I've held many a hand during many a procedure and it really makes a difference. I could actually see my patients BP and HR come down on the monitors just by holding their hand and reassuring them. We're used to sweaty palms. LOL
That’s so rough. I sobbed and laughed as I sobbed because you are so funny. Wish you didn’t have to go through this, but so grateful to you for sharing your story. You got this! ❤
My mom was diagnosed in may , had a double mastectomy in june and is now on her chemo journey, shes on round 8 of 12. Thank you for sharing your journey. Ive watched and its helped me help her through her journey. You are strong! You got this!
sending your mom all the support!
@itsgrace thank you so much. You both are fighters and will win this fight!
I recently just had my tonsils removed and coming out of surgery they needed to wake me up with narcan. And I was shaking like crazy I asked the nurse if she could hold my hand while the new pain meds kicked in and it washed away so much of the stress in that moment. Touch is magical and nurses are the best
"Looking like I just had a traumatic experience" OH HUNNEY YOU HAVE omg I'm so sorry you're going through this but also I think your videos are so so important, thank you so much for sharing, you've got this!
Grace this is such a valuable experience and experiences you are sharing. As a nurse I encounter so many patients who come into their journeys without any idea of what to expect. Knowledge is power and being able to see you share your side of your journey is empowering so many! Even myself as a nurse. It is so rewarding to hear that things that we do for our patients stick with them and really matter, even something seemingly small like holding a patients hand! Keep on going strong! We’re all rooting for you ❤
Thank you for all that you do!
You’re so close to the finish!!! That’s awesome. I’m excited for you. Thank you for being such a positive light for people who go through the same thing, and also to us who go through other things too. Your latest videos made me smile so hard ❤ Go Grace 🎉❤
So happy that you made it through the procedure well and that the simple act of holding your hand made a difference. As a nurse myself I have done that for my patients and wondered it that actually made them feel better and now I know in my heart it most likely did and that make me happy. Keep up the good journey through this part of your life Grace♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
It definitely did!
Its nice when someone genuinely offers their hand. Keep going Grace. I love you.
Thank you for sharing your story... My mom was recently diagnosed with cancer and watching your videos (both old and new) have really helped her. Sending healing vibes and saying prayers for you. 💓🙏
This video, more than any in years, demonstrates how your beautiful, brilliant mind overthinks you into the anxiety spiral. The blessing and the curse... Love and prayers always for you, Grace. I pray you read this. Hold more hands. Touch is healing.
It's great that you are using your platform to share the details of your cancer battle. Many of us are experiencing similar situations and your openness and honesty provide some great therapy for us. We can relate to much of what you say, laugh a bit and shed a few tears. You are like the nurse holding our hands. Keep up the great work - your positive attitude and talent is amazing!
I LOVE that she was there to hold your hand. I think that would have legit made me cry and may not have been helpful. But I’m so glad it felt peaceful to you. Sending you love and healing ❤
I still hate that you’re in the cancer club, but I love hearing your journey. I had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma 13 years ago and had 2 stem cell transplants. I hate needle biopsies. They always came back “inconclusive “ and then they had to do a surgical biopsy. Every dang time. Sounds like maybe breast cancer is easier to get good needle biopsy results. 💕 I love that you’re letting yourself cry. When it comes to crazy life stuff- I think you’re generally either a laugh, or a cry person… Like you, I’m someone who wants to find humor in all situations, and boy can cancer be funny (at times) but the crying is SO CATHARTIC.
I am so sorry you had to go through that, but very glad they got what they needed. Sending positive thougts!!
Im glad you spoke up about what you were scheduled for! The things being thrown at you are so confusing and you deserve to know and understand what you're getting into. Also, we want to make sure we have the right patient!
Thank you Grace for continuing to share your journey with us! You are a warrior!! 💪 I burst into tears as soon as you mentioned the nurse offering her hand and you taking it because it takes a strong and empathetic person to offer, and a strong person to take it. You are amazing in your vulnerability and strength!
I started crying too! I haven't had cancer but I've been through similar experiences with being really sick and not being told about medical procedures beforehand/ being blindsided by the experience. I couldn't help but cry because I know how traumatic that is. It sucks so hard to have to hear other people have to go through it as well. I wish medical professionals would be more open to explaining these types of procedures before they happen.
I wear a tremendous number of hats in my job, but one of the top-line items on my resume is "professional hand-holder." I have held the hands of literally thousands of people going through something intimate, usually unpleasant, sometimes scary. One time, probably about 15+ years ago, I had a patient who was particularly touch-averse, and generally standoffish overall. No matter; I can roll with that. Didn't touch her for her whole procedure, but right at the end, I leaned down just to tell her "we've only got about a minute left; hang in there." I looked back to the doctor to assist, and I felt her reach out and take hold of my hand. She didn't say anything. She didn't even open her eyes. She just reached out in that moment. And I held her hand right back, and I didn't let it go until she was in recovery.
You're onto something when you talk about that being about reaching out for someone, being there for someone. Sometimes it's just helpful to know you're not going through this weird-ass, scary-ass, uncomfy-ass experience all by yourself.
I'm glad she was there for you. And I'm SO glad this part of the journey is nearing its end for you. Onward and sideways!
You do really great work, thank you!
MY HEART. I felt this. I didn't have a mammogram biopsy, but other biopsies i've had the nurse that holds your hand is just the best.
Hi Grace! I found your channel after I was diagnosed with breast cancer back in September and you've made me feel less alone. I too almost passed out during my first biopsy. Not the next time! I too took an Ativan + showed up with something called a migraine relief ice cap (it's basically like a beanie that goes over your eyes and is also ice cold) ha. The nurses and doctors laughed and laughed but IT WORKED. I've learned to expect the unexpected and find humor where you can! THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR STORY!!!
Bravo to the nurse. I wish I had gotten her- when I had to have emergency surgery due to a life-threatening bone infection, my husband LEFT ME ALONE in preop (he had their permission to stay). I knew that as soon as I could recover from this latest health shit I would leave him. And it took a few years, but I did it. My life now is not easy, and is often brutal, but I prefer facing it alone than with someone who values me so little.
Thank you for being the lovely, HUMAN woman you are. We adore you.
I am neither a woman nor a cancer haver but this made me feel better about if I do end up with some kinda cancer that it’s just genuinely fucked up and weird and no one knows what’s going on and people like you telling your story help people have an ounce of courage in what’s going on
I’ve had nurses hold my hand during a pap smear. It was really lovely. I also don’t do needles and will pass out easily. You did that though!!
Love you, Helbig. Thanks for sharing your story which was quite comical as always. (That beanie is definitely you.) I think that hand holding kept you distracted enough to keep from freaking out too much. Amazing how human touch can be comforting even from someone you don't know. Keep feeling your feels and hope all goes well Wednesday. 💕💕💕
I know what you mean about the hand holding. When I was in labor without drugs (that I badly wanted but had no time for) my husband’s hand was the only tether to earth. It would have been unimaginable without crushing his lil fingers to pulp. Sending love and light, Grace! We’re rooting for you!
Hi, Grace! Fun fact: before I retired, I worked for the company that makes the mammogram machine that you were molested by. I sat through so many lectures and meetings extolling how revolutionary it is and I'm convinced it's the best the industry has to offer: you're getting top-drawer care.
My experience with biopsies is that they're not fun. I had a punch biopsy of the fingerprint area of the middle finger of my right hand. Jeebus, did that hurt (there's more nerve endings on your finger pads than anywhere on your body, bla bla bla). But the best part was the following x-ray (had to make sure the bone wasn't involved). Pretty young tech from the midwest took 15 minutes to arrange my hand on the x-ray plate. She had constructed a fist with my middle finger pointing at the sky. Surprised, she blurted out "There's something you don't see every day!" I replied, "You must not drive." Well, that was a trigger! Lol.
I'm still praying for you. Get well. We love you. We need you.
God bless you, beautiful lady! prayers for you..
Thank you for being real but also mixing humor in too. I’m personally not sick but I know people who are and they’d appreciate someone who’s going through the same things they are being real but also giving them a reason to laugh and relax a little. You’re doing good things, even while you have a boob goblin
Thank you!! 💓
As a Mammographer, participating in those biopsies on a daily, I appreciate all your insights and that you're sharing your experience. Any health practitioners, even with the biggest amount of experience, won't really understand what a patient is going through, so it will help many people. Thank you Grace❤ it breaks my heart that you are going through all this X but you are so strong, so inspiring and amazing, especially that you always use humour to heal ❤❤❤❤ wishing you all the health and strength in the world ❤❤❤❤
Good luck on your fifth round of chemotherapy
Your hair looks amazing regardless of whatever you think
I was a strictly “No touchy” kind of person until I got breast cancer. Those nurses are amazing ❤ they held my hand and wiped my tears as they kept me calm so many time x
I haven’t had cancer. Just “busy breasts”. My biopsy site was in a similar place. They had me stand during mine. There was no hand holding. Disassociating has never been more welcome. Seriously. I remember very little.
Edit: context
Im grieving the loss of my dad, who died suddenly and unexpectedly, and the idea of "releasing emotional gas" is a great one. Im gonna try and view the little moments of grief overwhelm i get as this. Im a person who is not super comfortable with strong displays of emotion (i am british after all!) So i have really struggled with those times it overwhelms me unexpectedly. Grief can be sneaky. I think that concept will really help me deal with them, so thank you. ❤
Sending all good wishes and healing vibes xxxx
I had to have a cervical biopsy a couple of years ago and was so grateful for the tech who held my hand because I was totally unprepared for how badly that hurt and I actually thought for a minute that they were trying to kill me but then she grabbed my hand and I almost instantly felt better.
Oh grace, this made me tear up. That sounds so scary. Thank you for being brave enough to take care of yourself and to share this experience with us! Hoping it’s all downhill from here for you.