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~* The Waiting Room *~

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Comments

  • paula1231
    paula1231 Member Posts: 41
    edited May 2012

    Hello to all who wait,

    I am in the waiting room for the second time now.  I had one great year of getting back to normal, then last Thursday, I felt a hard lump very near the MX scar.  Its about two inches down from the armpit and very near the implant. 

    I called my Onc and she has me scheduled for an ultrasound on Monday.  If I need a biopsy, then I will see her after that.  I guess I am numb and devastated all at the same time.  I am weepy and then resigned.  So worried for my husband and I am so worried it will be positive like the last time.  My hair is just now getting really nice.  Now isn't that a stupid thought??  I can't control this ride, so I will have to hang on and go with the flow.  

  • jezzy234
    jezzy234 Member Posts: 127
    edited May 2012

    I am here again as well.  Like you, Paula, I noticed a change along my MX incision.  It isn't a lump, but rather a thickening.  Since it was time for my MRI for the year, I waited to have it looked at.    My BS noticed a redness along the lines.  Though the mri came back "not concerning", I am left to call them tomorrow because they want to talk to me.  As so many of have shared on this thread,  I begin to create the scenario  of the phone call I expect tomorrow.  Is the call just a rudimentary, office keeping call???  Even though I have signed all the legal documents to allow doctors to call me and say on the voice mail what is going on, I am left with the vague feeling of regret.  Why wasn't I there to receive that call and though the mri isn't concerning, is there a chance that the thickening is a concern and I have to go back for more  tests?????

    Thank you all for letting me vent.  No one else knows the highs and the lows of surviving with cancer except for "you" in this waiting room.  

  • paula1231
    paula1231 Member Posts: 41
    edited May 2012

    Hang in there Jess.  I am sending good karma your way and holding your hand across the miles.  Lets both cross that bridge when we get there.  I read alot of Dune, and when some of the characters are really scared they whisper the "litany against fear".  Goes something like this...I will not fear.  Fear is the mind killer.  I will face my fear and let is pass thru and over me.  And when my fear has passed, only I will remain.

    Please let me know when you get the call.  I will be praying for a good outcome for us both.

  • jezzy234
    jezzy234 Member Posts: 127
    edited May 2012

    Thank you, Paula.  I appreciate your concern.  I return your karma and I will think positive thoughts your way as you wait. 

  • kks_rd
    kks_rd Member Posts: 99
    edited May 2012

    Tomorrow is my first mammogram after completing all my treatment.  I am so nervous!!  My stomach is queasy.  I've never had a "regular" mammogram before as I'm only 33 years old - the only ones I had were done as part of the follow-up after my dx.  I'm not worried about the procedure itself, but, how long before I get the results? 

    I feel like another survivor told me once that for people with a history, they will read the images right away if you're willing to wait.  Is that true?

    This will be the first time I have any real confirmation of my NED status, if everything comes back OK that is.  The only other assurance I ever got was during the course of a crappily-delivered conversation at my 1-month follow up with my RO.  I know it's not 100% but I feel like I want as much "proof" as I can get.

    Haven't been terribly anxious until this past weekend.  The waiting part always sucks!

  • allisontom911
    allisontom911 Member Posts: 99
    edited May 2012

    I had 3 tumors/nodules removed from my axilla area yesterday. I am waiting for the results and it is so hard. We are hoping just scar tissue but my mind is all over the place. Sure did make my lymphedma flare up. I have 3 large incisions, I was thinking they would be small but they are about 1 1/2 inches long each.

  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 11,438
    edited May 2012

    (((((((hugs))))))) Allison, sure hope they come back negative for you.  If you want to chat feel free as I'll be around for a while yet.

    Love n hugs.  Chrissy 

  • Sonata
    Sonata Member Posts: 78
    edited May 2012

    I am once again joining the waiting room. :( This is neverending, isn't it?

    Last month, I was dx'd with a recurrence to my chest wall. I felt secure in my upcoming treatment plan and was prepared to move forward....until this past wednesday, May 16. My doctor, during a routine exam, found several enlarged (1 quite big) lymph nodes in my neck, in the back at the top of my cervical spine.

    So I find myself suddenly thrown back into the world of waiting on biopsy results. My appointment is next tuesday, May 22. 

    ~Cate

  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 11,438
    edited May 2012

    Thanks Cate, you just answered a question I had from your other thread.  Try to stay busy over the weekend and relieve yourself of the stress of waiting a little.  Tuesday will be here before you know it.

    Love n hugs.  Chrissy 

  • fujiimama
    fujiimama Member Posts: 236
    edited June 2012

    Thanks for the room! I'm waiting to get a PET scan done next week. I've been doing PT for a month and 3 weeks ago they broke up a huge patch of scar tissue. My back started killing me. It been going on since. They've given me lots of little stretches etc. to do. I've been doing them and wearing a pelvic belt at night and getting some results, but the tangers (sp) device they stick on my back works the best. They send a request to my BS for a rx to get one and she freaked. She's worried about things having spread. I'm now a basket case. I was doing so well too. I've lost 15 lbs since March, gained a ton of ROM, and started to think about doing the swim portion of a triathelon with a few friends (they run). Grrr, I'm just so tired of tests and schedules.

  • OM12
    OM12 Member Posts: 17
    edited June 2012

    Didn't realise this room was here...but I was happy to see it as I'm nervously tapping my fingers until Monday at 1 to meet with the surgeon and get MRI results and plan... I am planning a weekend full of errands, movies and wine!! Let the distraction begin!

  • BBLady
    BBLady Member Posts: 20
    edited June 2012

    Hoping those who were waiting received good results!

  • Toyoungforthis
    Toyoungforthis Member Posts: 1
    edited June 2012

    I m Oslo in the WR just found it today and I don't feel any more alone... I m waiting to see the surgeon on Wednesday to check up what it feel like a lump above to my scar tissue. I had a exchange surgery 1 week ago and it may be just from that but I m so scare it was there before and I didn't Notest . Good luck to all who are waiting and praying for all of us . Elena

  • jazzigigi
    jazzigigi Member Posts: 1
    edited June 2012

    Hello Everyone,

    I have joined you in the WR.  Bloodwork indicated increase levels in my tumor markers, as well as increased calcuim levels.  I completed a bone scan today and was told that my doctor will receive my the results within 24-48 hours.  As any one else had a bone scan because of these indicators?

  • Laural
    Laural Member Posts: 212
    edited June 2012

    Finished chemo in January...now have enlarged lymph nodes in axilla and lumps on ribs. Waiting to get approval from insurance to get PET scan scheduled. I was hoping to not have to deal with anymore bumps in the road from the breast cancer. I had to switch oncologists in order to get a PET scan as my former doc doesn't use them routinely. He wanted to do some ultrasounds. As I had 3 ultrasounds which all did not show anything when I had the 2 breast cancer tumors, I was not comfortable with the plan. Waiting, waiting, waiting...

  • Laural
    Laural Member Posts: 212
    edited June 2012

    PET scan scheduled for next Thursday, if I don't melt in the heat before then. It was 102 yesterday and close to that today, then 80 mph straight line winds and a good storm. Down to a mild 75 now.

  • sweetbean
    sweetbean Member Posts: 433
    edited June 2012

    Laural, i'm so sorry that you are having to deal with this again.  I hope and pray that it is nothing!

  • Laural
    Laural Member Posts: 212
    edited July 2012

    So, today was my PET scan, but the PET scanner was broken. Rescheduled for Monday. Somedays are just like that.

  • LtotheK
    LtotheK Member Posts: 487
    edited July 2012

    I found the waiting room!  Gosh, I love bc.org.  New calcifications in right breast, just hit the two-year mark after chemo, radiation and Tamox for IDC in left breast. My husband and I already have me back in the chemo chair, we are sick to our stomachs with worry.  Seems this is the only diet that ever works for me...scared, confused, not understanding why my breasts are such a train wreck, and super-angry with myself that I didn't have a mastectomy when I was first diagnosed.

    Edited to add: I'm so sorry what all of you are going through.  The waiting is absolutely the hardest part, the sickest, weirdest, most specific feeling I can't describe.  And I hate the fact those of you who have been through so much can't catch a break.  I try to remind myself that having loving parents, friends and a husband more than makes up for the "unfair" part I deal with on a daily basis (particularly watching my peers have families and have what appears to be perfect lives by comparison).

  • Tazzy
    Tazzy Member Posts: 1,442
    edited July 2012

    I agree LtotheK... this is a great thread.    I am waiting for my surgery date (MX to righty) and after 6 months of neo-adjuvant chemo this is the first time I haven't lived by dates and knowing when my next tx is... waiting sucks big time.   I suppose I am lucky that I know what my next step is... just wish I knew which date.  

    I haven't read all of the posts yet.. but I hope that all of you who were waiting for tests/results have heard good or better news.

    Its nice to have someone to wait with.

  • Laural
    Laural Member Posts: 212
    edited July 2012

    I received my PET scan results today. The thyroid lit up with cyst and nodules, so have ultrasound scheduled for next week. Excitingly enough though, the rest of the scan looked good and my blood work is holding steady! 

  • marbars
    marbars Member Posts: 1
    edited July 2012

    This is my first posting, but I have luked on this site for the past few weeks.  I am scared right now because I am in the waiting period to determine if my cancer has metastasized to my thoractic (T-8) region.  I was diagnosed with breast cancer on June 13, 2012 and have been undergoing tests ever since with delays to my treatment because of the need for more tests.  I have had an ultrasound, breast and node biopsy, and breast MRI.  Two weeks ago I had a CT scan and a bone scan. The bone scan was clean, but the CT scan showed a small spot on my lung.  My MO subsequently ordered a PET scan to rule out metastasis to the lung.  On the PET Scan, the lung was fine, but an area in the T-8 area of my spine lit up.  Now I need a biopsy and am waiting for insurance to authorize me for the procedure.   Eek gads.  I really hope the PET Scan is a false positive.  This waiting game has been one scary roller coaster ride. 

  • Laural
    Laural Member Posts: 212
    edited July 2012

    I agree marbars. Waiting is the hardest part for me. My PET scan lit up my thyroid. Ultrasound was ordered with results turned around in 2 hours. But now the biopsy needs to be done by yet another doctor new to me, and the earliest date to see him is Aug. 29. I would like to just go in and get it all checked out and move on, but I guess it's another hurry up and wait situation. 

  • Tazzy
    Tazzy Member Posts: 1,442
    edited July 2012

    laurel & marbars... hope you get better news from your scans.   Positive thoughts to you.

    Still waiting for my bloody surgery date Yell

  • Laural
    Laural Member Posts: 212
    edited September 2012

    Finally got to biopsy of thyroid and the results were benign! It was a great birthday present. I am running towards the hyperthyroid side of life, but I can't say I really mind the extra energy, just not the edema in the lower legs so much. Eventually the thyroid will probably need to go, but for now, no surgery, and even the MDS is in a quiet state at the moment. Celebrations are in order!

  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 11,438
    edited September 2012

    Yay Laurel, that's super news!! We can all do with a little extra energy no matter where it comes from.



    Love n hugs. Chrissy

  • momwriter
    momwriter Member Posts: 276
    edited December 2014

    Hi,

    So happy to have found the waiting room. It's less lonely with others there!- especially others I don't have to worry about worrying.

    2+ years ago I was diagnosed with stage 2 triple positive BC. Went through year of treatment and still take tamoxifen. Mammograms are worthless but had a mammo and ultrasound a month ago. Radiologist found a 3mm complex cyst on my healthy side (I had UMX). Birads 3. 99% sure it's nothing. So today I went in to have it aspirated and it didn't dissolve in aspiration as it was supposed to so instead did biopsy with clip. I hate the clip. I'm trying to stay calm and not go back to that dark scary place.

    I have such good life now 2 years out- my kids are great, my DH is great, my hair is finally a normal length, I'm doing yoga-- we moved into a new house we're renovating. I'm starting to finish some writing projects.

    So, Wishing lots of love and luck to all of you in the waiting room with me. So grateful.

    Stephanie


  • Laural
    Laural Member Posts: 212
    edited December 2014

    Momwriter, Praying for good news on your biopsy. In the meantime, try to keep focused on those kids and husband, and don't let cancer steal even one minute more than it already has. Let us know what you find out.

    Laural

  • momwriter
    momwriter Member Posts: 276
    edited December 2014

    Thanks for the good wishes Laural- haven't heard anything yet, but will let you know when I do. I will focus on my family and my life because even if it's back they still will be the most important things and I'll deal with the chronic disease. But if it's B9, then why waste precious time worrying- same for if it's not I guess!


  • momwriter
    momwriter Member Posts: 276
    edited December 2014

    Still waiting for results. Hard on the nerves even though I'm trying to distract myself.

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