Waiting....

Lgalexa
Lgalexa Member Posts: 4
edited October 2017 in Waiting for Test Results

Almost a month ago my left breast started swelling. A week or so later the lymph node under my left arm was swollen. 2 weeks ago I saw my gynecologist and she refered me for a diagnostic mammogram. That finally happened today. (Long story short my referal got lost before being sent and I had to call daily to get it done) I go to my Dr tomorrow and hope she will have the results. Left breast is still swollen (at least 1.5 cups sizes bigger than normal), has some dimpleing now, and some redness. And my lymph node under my left arm is still swollen and sore. I'm exhausted all the time too (sleep 12-15 hrs a day) and no appetite for weeks now.

I just want to know something. Obviously something is going on. My biggest fear is being told I am fine, nothing is wrong. Advocating for yourself is so difficult and exhausting sometimes.

Comments

  • GreenEyes81
    GreenEyes81 Member Posts: 66

    Being told you are fine is the WORST!!! Hoping tomorrow comes as quick as possible for you. Keep us updated, either we are all here.

  • MTwoman
    MTwoman Member Posts: 228

    Lgalexa, if you are told that your imaging did not reveal the source of the problem, my suggestion would be to ask "what is the next step?" (in determining what the problem is). If you are told short term follow up, ask what the alternative would be. Let the doctor know that you are very concerned and want to pursue whatever options are reasonable to continue searching for the cause of the problem. Don't back down. Sometimes, we have to be our own advocate because there is no one who is more invested in our health than we are. You can do this. Be firm, but remember, most doctors respond better to calm and rational. Please do let us know how we can help!

  • Lgalexa
    Lgalexa Member Posts: 4

    well, the results are in, kind of. My BIRAD score was 0. The NPR is have the MD at the practice see me on Monday to discuss what to do next and schedule more test

    So, still waiting...

  • MBPooch
    MBPooch Member Posts: 40

    Thought I would feel better after receiving the MRI results but if it's possible I think I feel worse. I was told there was malignancy found, 1 cm, under the left nipple, I knew that would be there as that's where the Pagets was diagnosed. Was surprised to hear about a mass in the healthy breast, also 1 cm but what has me the most scared is another 1 cm mass that is inflamed on the left breast, up higher where I have discomfort and armpit pain. I'm not trying to jump to conclusions here but doesn't inflamed mean it has to be inflammatory breast cancer? What else could it be? I have no other symptoms, nothing visual or redness of any kind just a general discomfort in the upper breast and armpit area. Also wondering if maybe I misunderstood and the inflammation was by my nipple/biopsy site? Would the biopsy site show as inflammation on an MRI? Our conversation was over the phone and I was caught off guard by the other masses so maybe misunderstood. Any insight or feedback would be great. I'm terrified.

  • Lgalexa
    Lgalexa Member Posts: 4

    today's appointment was less than awsome. My Dr was dismissed and I had to throw a fit to get a referal. She said she didn't see any reason for concern and I could just come back in 6months.

    I told her I wasn't ok with that and I wanted a referal. So now I wait for that appointment

  • MTwoman
    MTwoman Member Posts: 228

    So Lgalexa, BIRADS 0 means "testing incomplete", so how did you provider explain that you didn't need any more? Just curious.

  • GreenEyes81
    GreenEyes81 Member Posts: 66

    What did you get a referal for? Another doctor? More testing?

  • Lgalexa
    Lgalexa Member Posts: 4

    she really didn't explain anything about the BIRAD score. She said that since the ultrasound of my lymph nodes didn't show cancer that she felt I didn't need anything else right now.


    The referal is to a breast specialist. The doctor I saw today outright refused to do any more testing. But then, she wouldn't have even looked at my swollen breast had I not made her.