Forum Discussion
Dealing with the unexpected
Well sometimes things don't go as expected. What should be routine has a few extra twists and unknowns to deal with.
First my bone density was not as good as I would have liked when I had my test last week. So, I get my head around that and decide on a plan to deal with it. I will revisit an exercise physiotherapist and hopefully find out some more targeted exercise to address the lumbar region which is deteriorating a bit more than the rest of me. I take heart that the rest of me is holding its own against the double onslaught of having ovaries removed plus 9 months of Femara. So I feel ok with the idea that more exercise of the right type can probably counteract this issue.
So today I go for my 'routine' mammogram/ultrasound check before I see my breast surgeon next week. First the mammogram of my remaining right breast. The doctor wants some extra images of what 'might be' a lymph node deep in my breast. After much rearranging we manage to get what he wants to see. Then off to have the ultrasound. All good with the chest wall on the left but again an issue with finding the area that the doctor wants to see on the right. After changing the transponder the technician is confident that she has found the spot and it's good news. She can definitely see fluid which indicates a cyst not anything to worry about. Phew!
Then a couple of hours later I get a phone call from the radiologists. The doctor would like to do another ultrasound himself. So now I have to wait until Thursday to have another ultrasound with the doctor. Surprisingly I am feeling very calm. I am reassured that they are being so thorough, I am reassured that the ultrasound lady today was so sure that she could see fluid, not anything suspicious. At the end of the day it is no use worrying. What will be will be.
I see my breast surgeon next Wednesday, a lady who I have complete faith in. If there is anything there I know she will do a biopsy on the spot and I will not have to wonder for long. Right now I am counting my blessings that I have a great medical team that will deal with anything that needs dealing with IF that happens.
My reaction at the moment is to just concentrate on all the good things I have around me and to not let my mind wonder too far from the moments I have in front of me right now. Chicken curry is simmering for dinner. It smells good and is full of good things for me. Tomorrow I have time to go for an extra long walk, the weather is supposed to be fine, it's going to be good. One step at a time. Don't let worry about something that might not even be anything to worry about spoil any of my time between now and then.
30 Replies
Wonderful news, Deanne! You have always done everything right and deserve the excellent results. Congratulations and big hug xxx Michelle
Brilliant news..... so happy for you, now I'm off to smell some roses ;)
Paula xxx
Well that is just the best news! Ten points to your team for being so thorough! Take care from Christine xx
Great newsxx
That is fantastic news Deanne. What a relief.
UPDATE after second ultrasound.
My right breast has been thoroughly checked by the doctor and another ultrasound operator and it is all good. The doctor just needed to check that what looked like a lymph node on the mammogram also looked like a lymph node under ultrasound. It was found today and is just a perfectly normal lymph node which had just not shown up on my previous mammograms.
The lady on Monday found a different spot which she thought was what the doctor was after. It was not, it was also not a cyst, just a fatty deposit and perfectly normal.
So I guess I can be very reassured that there is absolutely nothing suspicious in my healthy right breast. It has been checked extra thoroughly!! I was also reassured that the chest wall on the left was perfectly fine too. Yay!
At least I have had a lovely couple of days making myself slow down and smell the roses again! Now I better get back to it!! :)
Thanks for all your hugs and good wishes, they were very much appreciated.
Deanne xxx
Thank-you. For me it is important to slow myself down and just focus on one thing at a time. If I feel myself getting too far ahead and starting to feel overwhelmed or anxious then I bring my focus back to now. That is one thing that I have learnt along the way. Yes, fresh air does clear the mind :) I am heading out for some right now. Hugs back to you!
Hi deanne, yes the waiting is the hard Bit. Fear of the unknown as they say. Don't know how many Times after my treatment I thought now I can breathe normal . I also went for a short walk yesterday and it felt so good thinking of all the things I am blessed with. Fresh air clears the mind. Good luck and hugs.
Just watched that Catalyst program. Wow, very interesting. I actually excercised during most of my treatment and now I'm really glad to think that may have made my treatment more effective!!
Also really interesting for me to see the bit about bone density for men with prostrate treatment. I guess I might need to do some jumping too! Will definitely be making a bee line for the exercise physiologist.
Would be really wonderful if this became a part of everyone's cancer treatment - prescribed exercise to help us. Thanks for the info. Will let you know how I go.
I love how I learn things from others on this site. Feeling much better about my bone density now! ??
Deanne xxx
Hi Deanne,
Nothing like a little adrenalin boost to make your day!!!! - NOT!!!!!
Sending positive vibes to you for your cyst to be just that! Thought that I would mention the ABC Show Catalyst that aired on the weekend titled Exercise and Cancer that concentrates on the link between the positive outcomes of targeted exercise on various areas of the body during/after cancer treatments and the benefits achieved. Your exercise physio should definitely be able to assist you which is just fantastic.
Wishing you all the best, and please let us know how you go.
Take care Xx Cath
