WorriedMary

Hi leaf,

Right, that is what they want to check for. That I know of, everything is fine with my kidneys; however, you never know. I was told that is the same reason they want to check those tests -- because of the MRI dye.

Thanks so much for your response Leaf!

Mary

Hi Robyn,

I hope your biopsy went okay! Please let us know how you are doing.

All the best,

Mary

Hi everyone,

As some of you know I've been going through rought times. Finally last week on Friday I had an ultrasound guided needle biopsy for the axillary lymph node I've had for almost two years coming up in Feb.

I went to my surgeon today and I got my report. It was found B9! I am somewhat hesitant about this diagnosis since it was a needle biopsy performed (on the contrary to what it says on the bottom of page - excisional biopsy) My husband and I asked several questions relating to how reliable this biopsy is. He informed us that is pretty reliable since it came back with a whole results. He sent me to do an MRI of both breasts just in case. I am so confused right now. Please do read the entire report since most of you (unfortunately) have some idea of what the report states. At this point, I am throwing in the towel. According to an article that I read, it states:

"The doctor does not remove the tissue sample with a needle (needle biopsy). A needle cannot remove a large enough sample for the pathologist to diagnose lymphoma." http://www.medicinenet.com/non-hodgkins_lymphomas/page3.htm

Mary

Here is the report:

Diagnosis: Negative for Malignancy - Inflamamationn: Severe chronic inflamation is present.

Diagnostic Comments: cell block examined; rapid assessment performed; direct smears reviewed; immunohistochemical stains at US labs do not show lymphoma.

The specimen has been submitted for a comprehensive consultation to rule out lymphoma.

Microscopic examination of H&E section reveals multiple fragments of fibrocodipose tissue associated with several lymphoid aggregates and blood clots. The lymphoid aggregates are composed of mainly small mature appearing lymphocytes without obvious reactive germinal center identified. Some histiocytes and plasma cells are present. No brisk mitosis, necrosis or granulomatas are identified. The overall morphologic findings are suggestive of fragments of bening lymphoed tissue associated with fibroadipose component. To further evaluate this process and analyzed the lymphoid population, we have performed the following immunohistochemical stains and the results show as follows:

PARFFIN SECTION IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL STUDIES (PMC-08-19)

ANTIBODY                                               RESULTS

CD20                                         Positive in B-lymphocytes

CD3                                           Many positive in T-lymphocytes

PAX-5                                        The same staining as CD20

Bci-2                                          Positive in T-cells

Bci-6                                          Negative

Bci-1                                           Negative

CD5                                            Positive in T-cells

CD23                                          Negative

KAPPA                                         Few polyclonal plasma cells

LAMBDA                                      Few polyclonal plasma cells

CD138                                         Positive in few plasma cells

Ki67                                  The proliferation rate by Ki67 is about 5%

Diagnosis:

Tissue, axillary lymph nodes, excisional biopsy

- fregments of benign lymphoid tissue and fibroadipose tissue

- no evidence of lymphoma

- see above immunostains and comment.

Hi Tender and Nik,

Thanks so very much for your reply. I hope both of you, as well as the rest of the community, had a wonderful holiday! Both of you gave me great advice and I appreciate it so much. You have no idea how much I take to heart what everyone tells me and I read about.

Nik, I used to live in NYC and moved to PA. Here, I managed to get into a program called Healthy Woman 50 Plus Program which is great. I am not 50 y/o but since I have a background they took me in. But, it is great that you gave out that information in the event there are others who may need it. I am also so sorry that you had to go through so much. It really touched my heart!

Tender - I do hope Congress pass those pre-existing clauses. They should have an idea of what a person goes thru because of the clause. I am not exactly sure how long mine is and since I got the news that the program I am in will cover the biopsy, my husband did not call for info. I can't wait until January... a couple of more days... so that I can finally see my primary doctor and take better care of myself.

I have some great news thus far. Last week I got a call from the clinic and was told the program I am in WILL pay for the biopsy! :) I went back to see the surgeon and he wants to do an ultrasound needle biopsy. I explained to him that I rather have the whole lymph node removed but he suggested we should go that way first. (It is a LONGGGG story)   I am scheduled to have the biopsy on January 4th @ 9am. So, keep your fingers crossed for me.

Take care everybody and may you and your loved ones have a BLESSED NEW YEAR!

Mary

Hi guys,

I'm still around. Sorry I haven't posted sooner. Well, nothing much has been done. I was told by the surgeon to get a breast MRI but because of no insurance I was not able to do so. The plan I am under does NOT cover MRI's of the breast. Okay, so he then said biopsy could be done without the MRI... GREAT! but now the plan does NOT cover axillary lymph node biopsies. Only biopsies of the breast. So, now I am stuck. We received confirmation from my husband's insurance that coverage will begin in January/08. Great news right? wrong! I called the surgeon and they informed me that the insurance "Cigna" will not cover "pre-existing conditions" and that I am back to square one. So, I called again today and asked them if I were to go to my primary physician and ask him for a referral to see the surgeon, would that be considered a first time appointment? NOPE... they already have my records. 

Okay, now do YOU have any suggestions 'cause I am soooo frustrated!

Happy Holidays to all and my all of your wishes come true in the New Year!!

Mary

Hi Leaf,

How are you? Thanks for your response. I may have had a pimple on my breast before but never on areola. This is why I am concerned. I called the clinic and made an appointment to see a doctor on Monday. The nurse didn't like the way it sounded since the pimple is on the areola and on the same side of my axilla lymph node. But, like she said, I can't be sure until I come in and have it checked out. I don't believe I Paget's disease because there is nothing that implies I have it. However, upon reading an article of someone's story about Paget's disease , it got me alarmed. This is what she had to say:

"Mine started out as a single red pimple on the areola. One of the biggest problems with Paget's disease of the nipple is that the symptoms appear to be harmless. It is frequently thought to be a skin inflammation or infection, leading to unfortunate delays in detection and care." The rest of the article can be reat at the link below.

http://www.statssheet.com/articles/article34217.html

Until tomorrow,

Mary

Hi Minz,

I don't know much about it neither and only came to know more of it since 3 days ago.

A new finding on my breast. Perhaps is nothing. I have a red, small pimple on the top edge of right areola. The nipple itself feels sensative. No crusting or bleeding. Does anyone have any insight? Can you have a pimple on your areola without being anything wrong?

If you go to "Axilla Lymph Node Update" you will find more of my situation.

Best to all,

Mary

Wow Shannon, you and I have some things in common. I, too, have ulcerative colitis. What a pain, right? I was also on hep (that was the med I couldn't remember). I am really sorry to hear of your miscarriage. Once my insurance kicks in I can do more probing. We just sent back the papers and hopefully I will start the new year with my husband's insurance!

Well guys, I went today to the clinic and got my referral to a surgeon for evaluation. I will be calling tomorrow (Wed) to set up appointment.  I also received a copy of the imaging report. Here it goes!

Ultrasound of Right Breast (Axilla) Lesion

Real time ultrasound examination of the right axilla is performed. A 1.8x0.6x1.1 cm rounded, well marginated, solid structure is demostrated at the right axilla which has a similar appearance compared to the prior study of 9/13/07 and is suspecious for a lymph node. On a prior exam, this node measured approximately 1.6x0.6x0.6 cm.

Just inferiorly at the right axilla a 0.6x0.3x0.7 cm rounded structure is identified with a central echogenic complex suspecious for a node.

Impression:

Two structures are identified at the right axilla which are suspecious for lymph nodes. The larger measuring 1.7x0.6x1.1 cm is without significant change compared to prior exam.

End of report.

May all of you have a blessed and safe Thanksgiving!

Hi Shannon,

Thanks so much for your reply! Well, the clinic called today and I spoke to the nurse. According to the radiologist, everything looks fine. However, we briefly discussed my situation and I told her that I was supposed to have a biopsy when I lived in NY and I still want one. She immediately interjected and stated that she was going to tell me the same thing. No note from the radiologist indicated any biopsy thou. I firmly expressed to her that I want complete removal of the lymph node to be biopsied and she understood. She then told me to come in for a referral and they'll start the process. Tomorrow(Tuesday) I will go to the clinic for referral. A couple of minutes later a doctor from the clinic called but I was away. I tried calling back but they were closed so I'll be going to the clinic when they open at 12pm. Lets see what they are going to say.

About the Lupus. At some point I was seen at the Lupus clinic, however, when the test results came back "okay" twice they decided to put me on some type of medicine "just in case" it was Lupus and it would slow down the process. Never took it! I just can't see myself taking some medicine for "just in case" scenario. They then told me that perhaps I should follow up with a rheumatoid doctor. I had many of the symptoms but because the blood work came back fine they determined it could just be arthritis. Yes, the rash on my face is still there and it shows more during the summer time, especially when the sun hits my face. I cannot be under the sun for too long because I get very short of breath.

My husband's aunt has Lupus. It took her about 10 years to finally be diagnosed. So, I am not holding my breath. I am taking it as it comes. I am sort of giving up on my health because everytime I feel sick the doctors don't find anything wrong. Yes, at times I think I am going insane. My husband sees my making faces sometimes from the pain I am having. He asks me "what's wrong?" and I kindly reply "nothing." To me, what is the use. I am so sick of complaining and ranting. If I were to write everything I am feeling, you'll be reading until tomorrow. My posts are a fraction of my symptoms. But, life goes on.

I am so sorry for my long post, but I guess it is time to vent. And, no better place than here! :)

Tomorrow is another day. I'll come back with more news. It keeps me sane to read how others are feeling and knowing that I am NOT going crazy. :)

Much love to all and have a great night!

Mary

Hi all,

I just wanted to drop by to say hello and stay in touch. I can't wait until my next appointment on the 14th! I'll keep you posted.

Have a blessed night!

Mary