Forum Discussion
5 years on - need more tests!
So, today was my five-year checkup. I was looking forward to this as achieving a milestone but annoyingly the ultrasound showed a slight abnormality in the lymph nodes so I have to go back tomorrow for another test. The doctor basically said it would be fine as the lymph nodes often look abnormal after a mastectomy but the radiologist raised it and so we have to follow it up.
I don't think I am worried about it being cancer although it does remind me of when all the doctors said it would be fine before I had the biopsy surgery that revealed the cancer in the first place.
It's more just that today I wanted to be able to celebrate reaching 5 years and instead I have to go back to the hospital for more tests and just more faffing around, dragging the whole cancer thing out. I just wanted it to be over (I know it will actually never be over but it would have been one level of over).
I had the whole day off work today even though the hospital visit was just in the morning because I was slightly superstitious about only taking the morning off as that seemed to be assuming that it would all be ok. So, it is a bit dumb as I basically had this afternoon off because I was worried there might be something and now that there is something I feel like I should go to work because I have to have tomorrow morning off as well.
But I'm not going to work because I feel too stressed. I don't know what to do instead though.
18 Replies
Thanks Helen! I have new celebration plan - my followup appointment is the day Star Wars comes out so I going to see that after my appointment!
Did you tell them they were wrecking your celebration plans? Hope you celebrated anyway. 5 year bravery award.
So, I went for my test today - the plan was they would use the ultrasound to locate the relevant lymph node(s) and then insert a needle so they could do a biopsy.
But they couldn't find the relevant lymph node. The doctor and the ultrasound technician were both looking at the scan from a couple of weeks ago and then trying to find it in my actual armpit area and they couldn't find anything.
Presumably if they can't even find it anymore that's a good sign? At least it meant I didn't have to get the needle so that part was good. And it was kind-of funny.
The doctor said I should go back for my follow-up with the surgeon and ask him for another referral and then they'll try another ultrasound around the end of January. So that doesn't help with my aim for it all to be over and done with!
Anyway, my general optimism/disbelief in badness happening to me is swinging back into action so I expect it will be ok. It'll just take longer to confirm that I was hoping!
Thanks for all the support and encouragement everyone, I really appreciate it!
Thanks Jen
Thanks Rowdy
Thanks Karen
Thanks Lyn
Thanks Maryrose
Hi Alli,
Very sorry to hear that, please keep your chin up and know we are all thinking of you, please keep in touch and stay positive.
Take care.
Cheers Jen ?? ?? x
