~* The Waiting Room *~
Comments
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lexi-
three is usually a charm, I am betting scar tissue! I won't tell you not to worry because I would be doing the same thing I almost LOL because I cant wait over weekends either and usually want to spend the extra THOUSAND dollars here to go to the ER or page a Doc etc etc My husband has wanted to divorce me as well because in the moment I don't care about anything else including finances except just checking it out. You are ok LexiL!!!
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Lexi, I'd still see the BS as am sure he'd know best as mine could tell straight off it was scar tissue and am sure your's is too:)
Tricia xx
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Hi everyone,busy day now I'm at home. My bs isn't back till wednesday so I called up my surgeon. Saw him and he examined me. He says it feels like scar tissue, but of course he can't see through the skin so he can't be 100 percent. HE gave me 2 options. 1. Wait a month to see if anything changes (ya right...sure) 2. Do an ultrasound and this will l him see how thick my skin is so if he had to do a biopsy this will hopefully prevent him hitting the implant aNd causing more problems. So I chose the ultrasound route and I'm waiting to hear back from his office. Did I feel anybetter leaving the appt? No, not really. Got in my car had a little cry and decided I needed to see my onc. So I drove to his office with no appointment and the squeezed me in. My onc xamined me. He says its ridge shaped,soft and when he pushes down on it it moves with the implant. Do implants have ridges/bumps?I wouldn't think so but who knows.my onc said cancer would be round and hard. What he feels doesn't come across as cancer,but he's glad that my surgeon is being thorough. I'm feeling a bit better now, but still. I have seen 5 docs in less than 72 hours...I'm emotionally drained. I just feeel numb in away. The person I do want to see is my bs, since he knows about implants and he was the last one to have anything to do with me. So I'm still in the waiting room...
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Well, I am glad you saw more Dr's who are not too worried. And I am sorry you didn't get any answers. But, at least they are following up and I am hoping you get an U/S rapidly. Are they definitely going to biopsy it? More, waiting, I am so sorry this is happening, and I do hope you don't have to wait too long.
Keep us updated....
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HELP- I am kinda freaking out right now
I got a call this morning from my GP's office informing me that my pap results came in (GEEZE, my physical was Jan. 21st) and it was found to be abnormal... What does that mean??? The nurse tried to calm me and explained that everything that I have gone through (miscarriage in September, chemo started in Dec and completed in March/10, may very well be why things came back wonky. Of course, it's hard not to go down the road.. maybe a have cervical cancer. The nurse booked me for another pap in July. Do you think this is too long of a wait? Has anyone experience abnormal paps while undergoing chemo??? Could this alter my results???
I am really scared and would like to know if this has happened to anyone else?
Frankie
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Lexislove- I am glad that you were able to see the Doc's today. The waiting is definetly awful. So sorry you are still having to wait. By the sounds of it they are being proactive. Hoping things are ruled out soon and all will be well.
Hang in there...
Frankie
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Frankie,
Sorry about your freak out too. If its not one thing its another right? Are we ever going to be free from worry? Right now, I dont think so. This angers me. Between breast exams, mammograms, pap tests....sometimes I think its better just to do a bilateral with no reconstruction and do a complete hysterectomy. So no cancer can grow anywhere. But...thats taking things a bit far.
I agree with your docs receptionist, abnormal could be a variety of tings, but of course, we always asume the worse dont we?
I would wait till I finished chemo. Maybe ask your onc what he/she thinks?
Stupid cancer...actually...I was being "nice" calling it stupid.
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Hi Kerry,
Actually, I was the one that demanded a ultrasound. My surgeon, not breast surgeon, wanted to do a wait and see.
Ha! Ok...Let's wait and see how long it takes before I have a nervous breakdown and go postal on your a**. How do you like that option Mr.C? He then said ok....and only be because I asked him. lol. A biopsy right now is not definitive. My onc says that they should be able to figure things out. Personally, I really dont want a biopsy, Im scared of the implant. But, I will if the ultrasound comes back concerning. <sigh>
SO I call 9am tomorrow and hope to get in this week for the U/S...and I hope I dont have to wait through the weekend for results. But....knowing my luck I will. Hey why not...whats more waiting right?
But...Wed Im calling my PS for sure.
Funny thing, I remembered after I calmed down a bit, when I had my tissue expander in place I had a similar "bump" I think in the same place. Im trying hard to think back but its hard to tell if it is in the same area or not now that Ive had my exchange. The breast is shaped different with the implant.
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Frankie - Ahhh, just what you need - something new to worry about. I've had abnormal paps off and on for about 20 years. I've had several colposcopies (close exam with vinegar), cryosurgery (cervixsicle), a cone biopsy....then it clears up and all is well. Anyway - abnormal again last summer (after chemo/Herceptin in 2008/09). This time I have two super-competent women (new GP and onc NP) on the case. The first ordered an HPV test; the second sent me to one of my onc's partners who specializes in gynecological cancer. The test was negative (Yay!) which gives me a very low % for cervical cancer. The specialist did another colposcopy and said everything looked fine. So......Frankie, hope my loooonngg story helps you sleep a little easier - abnormal paps can be LOTS of things.
And Lexi - wishing you some sleep as you wait to see your PS andhave an US. It certainly sounds like scar tissue, but we all understand your fear. I got my implant in October of 2008, and I STILL don't like to check it out too closely
.Sue
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Frankie - I had an abnormal pap years ago, it was actually HPV, I had it removed, and have never had trouble since. So, even if it is "abnormal", and not the Chemo making things wonky (which is where I would put my money BTW) it doesn't mean it is Cancer at all. Still, no fun to have this on top of everything else.
Lexi - wow, can't believe they didn't want to do an U/S. Didn't "waiting" on a lump before land you in this mess? I don't know, from experience I don't think you can be too careful. Try and see if there is a Dr there when you get it done - I've had the tech go find the Radiologist before, just so I didn't have to wait on results. I bet your implant has sort of shoved whatever it is you are feeling down to a new spot.
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Frankie- what was the result of the pap besides abnormal? They should have told you something like ASCUS, CIN I, etc. Also was HPV testing done? PM me if you wave info and would like help with an interpretation. If they told you to follow-up in July it was likely an ASCUS pap (atypical cells of undetermined significance). They should have checked for high risk HPV. Like I said PM me if you have questions.
Lexie- all your opinions sound good. I hope the u/s goes well.
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Hey Kerry,
Ya, my surgeon suggested a wait and see...forget it. That is exactly what landed me in this whole position in the first place. I don't wait anymore, for noone.
My surgeons office just called and said that they put in a request for an ultrasound at the hospital this week. SO Im waiting to hear back for a date/time. Thing is Friday and Monday are holidays at the hospital (Good Friday/Easter). <sigh> Im strongly assuming it will be sometimes next week before I get it. What a flippin nightmare...
But...but!...I was doing some googling and accidently came across a breast reconstruction forum where PS offer their opinions. A woman had the same concerns, only she refered her lump/bump as a "water bubble". Mine feels like that...soft, water filled.
Some of the PS's said it is most likely the edge of the implant that has protruded from under the muscle and ridged or knuckled up. And.... that some PS's do not place the implant under the muscle all the way so some implant will be left lying just under the skin.
As I feel around things myself, I can feel where my chest Is chest...and then my incision scar. Feels like thats where the edge of the implant starts, the incision scar, and then just down is the water lump.
Feeling better now, but still not 100%. Will see my PS tomorrow.
Edit: My ultrasound is Thursday @ 2pm.....
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Well, at least you have an U/S appointment! Hope you can get an answer then and there, or else you will be waiting all Easter. The whole implant lump thing sounds totally plausible, I bet that is exactly what it is. Sit tight, let us know how it goes on Thursday.
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aren't you glad you started this wonderful thread Lexislove?
good luck.. I bet it's just a somethin or other.
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Lexislove,
I went to my surgeon for the pre-op visit/talk for port removal 2 weeks ago. I had noticed a lump just below the bmx scar line about 6 weeks ago and called my onc about it. They weren't 'concerned' and said to wait and watch it. Well, when I went to talk with my surgeon 2 weeks ago, I asked him about it. He looked at it and felt it. He said that it was very unlikely to be cancer but he could take it out (excisional biopsy) while I am out for port removal. Yea!
I am scheduled for bilat DIEP recon on April 7 and I wanted this resolved as benign before undergoing that. I had the port taken out yesterday and the biopsy done also. My surgeon talked to my hubby and me afterward and he said the mass did not appear suspicious but the pathology will tell us definatively.
We don't get any "for sures" or "now you're cured" so I don't know when the fear of recurrance goes away. I am trying to move past this whole cancer episode of my life and bumps and lumps don't help at all. I have to balance being watchful and my own advocate with the the fear and unpredicatability that my history with breast cancer has burdened me with. I hate to say burdened but I can't say that fear and unpredictability are anything but that, so there it is.
Good luck and please keep us updated with your results.
Annie
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I just wanted to stop by and send good luck and hugs to all in the waiting room right now ladies...I know its not pleasant but hope you get the results you're all waiting for:) xx
Tricia xx
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Thanks TrishiaK,
<sigh>
Im not really worried about the ultrasound at this point. My Breast is maybe its the chest muscle has been causing some discomfort the last couple of days. I guess from everyone poking and pressing on me.
Kinda feel like NOT going through with this appointment, but I did ask for it, and my surgeon did do a good job getting me in quickly because I was freakin out, so I really should go.
Hopefully the tech or doctor can ease my mind today.
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Let us know as soon as you hear anything. You will feel better for knowing.
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*Update*
Subcutanous cyst = B9!!!
Had the ultrasound, was doing ok untill the tech said "it" wasn't my implant. Had a little meltdown she assured me things looked fine and the doctor would evaluate my films and discuss before I left.
Doctor said "it" the lump, is completely round and right at the surface of the skin. Not dense and is not cancer. Told me me he will review the films again, to write up the report for my docs and to have a great long weekend. I will!!!
Thank you all. these last 7 days have been the worst in such a long time....I'm officially out of the waiting room, but will check on the others still in.
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Yaay! Glad to read your good news.
Annie
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Fan-freaking-tastic! Now go enjoy your Easter!
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Great news, Lexislove!! Enjoy your weekend!
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Happy Easter, Lexi! Enjoy!
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Lexi,
Glad to hear that things are good! Have a great Easter Weekend!!!
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Lorieg- I sent you a PM.
I called my GP's office and spoke to the nurse and she informed me that my results indicated: "Atypical". I called my Onc's office and spoke to the nurse and she thought my pap results were skewed from undergoing chemo. I am hoping this too.
Everyone:
I have posted on previous threads before about a "questionable" spot that showed up on one of my initial staging scans back in October/November prior to starting chemo in December. I had a bone scan. My surgeon ordered one upon my request prior to me being seen by my Onc at the cancer center. My surgeon provided me with the results and said that it came back clear. When I was seen by my Onc he reviewed the bone scan results and said that there was a "questionable spot" on my 7th left rib. Needless to say I was surprised. My Onc said that they could not confirm whether this "spot" was from a previous scar fracture or cancer. He said that he wanted to give the benefit of the doubt and "throw the kitchen sink" at me and treat me as a stage 3 A. I also had a neck/abdominal scan when I was at the cancer center and another "questionable spot on my S1 showed up (that had not shown on the bone scan). My On ordered a MRI to take a closer look at the S1 spot. The MRI results came back that it was a bone island-non cancerous. SO OF COURSE THE SPOT ON MY 7TH LEFT RIB-FROM DAY ONE MADE MY QUESTION-WTF IS IT... At my first visit with my Onc-Nov.17 he gave me a physical and asked whether my left rib area hurt. I was like NO. However, just after my first chemo Dec.1st-about 1 week later, I noticed a "twinge" in that area when I sat in a certain position. Since then I feel a constant dull ache that has not disappeared like my other bone pain after each chemo treatments. I have talked to my Onc about this pain since Jan.15 and he told me that I will have aches and pains that are chemo-related. I get that and I agree, but I think that I have been pretty good at distinguishing which SE"s are from different treatments. This constant dull ache is in the same area that was "questionable". My Onc doesn't feel that this "spot" is cancer related and says that a spot in a rib can be from a "life time previous scar fracture". I have explained that the pain has not led up and has remain consistent. He feels that a scan is not warranted and he said that since completing chemo on March 9th (inflammations may cause the scan to lite up with false results) and cause unnecessary anxiety. He does not want to do another scan for at least a couple of months from now.
Anyways, I just met with my Radiologist and he told me that he will be ordering a neck/abdominal scan on me so that he can take a look at my lymph nodes before starting radiation. So I will be getting a scan despite my Onc's recommendations not to have one at this time). REWIND...When my Onc first discussed this "questionable spot" (back on Nov 17) he said that the only way to rule out if it was cancerous besides a biopsy would to see if the spot changed in size (decreased or increased) after chemo. When I asked him what the measurable size for this "spot" was he said that a measurement was not listed as you cannot measure a spot on the bone only soft tissue can be measured. So does that mean if this "spot" is gone it was cancer???-meaning the chemo got it. I remember him saying that a scar from a previous fracture will always remain on a scan because it's a scar. I am so confused! Although I want to have this scan I am so scared that it may indicate mets. I have been dealing with these thoughts from the initial visit with my Onc on November 11th-questioning what stage am I really at. I will have this scan on April 8th.
Frankie
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Ughhhhhhh...
Frankie,
I now know what the feelings are like going through a scare. It's horrible. Awful. But, I think all of us woman who have a personal history of BC will have at least one scare.
As for your question...first, I completely understand your fear of going ahead with the scan. I was almost going to back out of mine. Your mind automatically thinks bad...then it goes worse...then it all spirals out of control. I too...was scared that they were going to see something else on my scan...but no. It seems so much easier to just put our heads in the sand. As we all say.
But....when the scan comes back ok, meaning the "spot" on your rib is still there, unchanged you will feel a sigh of relief. You will be glad to have had the scan.
Now, if the "spot" has changed...larger, smaller, disappeared, I'm thinking your docs would say that it was cancer. Then your stage would change,obviously. This is the worse case scenario.
I'm thinking that "spot" could be a variety of things.
Do the scan. Have someone with you, ask the techs to rush the film and have your doc call you asap.
April 8th is Thursday...hopefully you can get your results Friday afternoon and not have to wait through the weekend.
I'll be checking on you.
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Lexi, delighted with your good news:) !!!
Frankie, I can't answer your question but will keep you in my thoughts this week. I know when I had chemo any little thing/ache I had, intensified but not sure why. I'm hoping this is the case with your rib pain so please think the best until you hear otherwise and know we're praying for good results for you:)
Tricia xx
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Frankie, at least you won't have to wait much longer. Easier to deal with the known than the unknown.
My next scan will be April 13. If the enlarged node is still there biopsy will be next. Due to the location of the node next to my aorta it will be general surgery. I feel like my life is out of control right now. I just want the control back. Does that make sense?
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Frankie!
Thinking of you today. Hope you are doing ok. Keep us updated..k?
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Keep us posted Frankie and good luck!
Tricia xx
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