Jab, jab, jab ... →[More:]I just got back from the hospital, where I'd expected to get the results of the core biopsy they did 3 weeks ago. Instead the doctor (a different doctor each time, of course, it would be too easy to see the same one each time) said she needed to repeat the core biopsy, but take samples from much deeper in the tumour than the previous tests.

So I had the local anaesthetic again, which was the only part that hurt, and then she took 8 or 9 samples in all. I get the results in three weeks (at least that's what they told me. Or maybe this is some new money-saving technique, where they are actually removing the tumour, but in tiny pieces, every three weeks.)

It looks as if this mass will have to be removed anyway, so why not just do it? I could really do without the worry of this. But worrying won't change anything.

It was fun driving home with my gear-changing arm still numb from the anaesthetic. So I expect I can add the cost of a new gearbox to this year's car bills :-)

And now I'm waiting for the numbness to wear off. Last time they told me I could expect "a little discomfort and slight bruising", but I found out that they had actually been talking in a different language, Hospitalese, and what they really meant was two days of pain so bad I could barely move my arm and bruising that went from my collarbone to my elbow. At least this time I know what to expect and I've already called into the office and told them I'll see them on Monday.

And now I'm cheering myself up with a healthy, nutritious lunch of blueberry muffin followed by chunky peanut butter KitKat, washed down with creosote-strength coffee.