The never ending circle
I literally go from ultrasound to mammogram to mri to ultrasound and then biopsies. This is about my 6th time in 2 years which they say is because of dense breasts. This is getting frustrating and the costs are so high. Has anyone else had this experience. At this stage negative but last two years this keeps happening. Back again for another ultrasound this week after mri.
12 Years Cancer Free :)
Hi Lovely Pink Ladies. Thank you for reading my post today!!! Well, I am now officially 12 years cancer free in late August 2023 but I have had a few scares along the way as we all expect may happen including my latest saga. In June this year I had my routine Mammogram and Ultrasound done at Qld Xray. Of course I was thinking that it would be fine. Mammogram seemed to be ok then I was waiting on the ultrasound soon after. During the ultrasound the radiographer was very thorough as you would expect. Paying particular attention to the left breast and armpit where my original cancer was. I asked if there was anything found and she said she needed to see the doctor that does the reports. Then as the radiographer walked out of the room to speak to the doctor that checks the results I waited expecting her to walk back in and I could leave. How wrong was I? The radiographer came back into the room and asked me if I had an infection of any kind? I said no. Had an immunisation in my left arm? Again, no. Then she asked me if I had a cut on my left arm? I again said no, and then asked why was she asking me all these questions? I could tell by the look on her face straight away and that the length of time she was out of the room possibly meant something ominous was happening. The radiographer then said that they had found something on my ultrasound. My heart literally sank in response. When something is found on an ultrasound you know how that feels right? I asked what was it they had found? The lady said one of my lymph nodes was enlarged, and that it wasn't on any previous tests done. Luckily for me I'd had my previous Mammogram and Ultrasound in the same clinic so they could compare my results first hand and on the spot. I said how enlarged was it? She said enough to be concerned. Then she said she would again speak with the doctor. Of course my head was spinning, my first thought was CANCER!!! I could feel the tears well in my eyes, as I am now typing this. I get so emotional when it comes to my mental state regarding this horrible disease. The radiographer seemed to take longer than the first time to speak to the doctor. About 20 mins later she returned again and she could tell how concerned I was. The lady handed me a request letter to get a FNA (Fine Needle Aspiration) done. I said would that be in a couple of weeks? The response was no you need to get this done by Tuesday next week urgently. I asked was it only the lymph nodes in question and whether they had found a lump? The lady said no only the node and that the Mammogram hadn't picked up a lump nor the Ultrasound as such. So I needed my gp to give me a referral. This was a Saturday afternoon I was walking out of there so by the time I got back to my car after paying my bill it was too late to get an appointment with my gp and the surgery was closed. I left a message on the machine to say I urgently needed an appointment. Once I got home and my husband asked how I had gone at my appointment, I told him what had happened. The look on his face? He said to me, "oh no, is it cancer again?" I said I don't really know? I then told him how they want me to have an FNA immediately due to what was found. He hugged me straight away and I burst into tears. My husband knows exactly what I was going through with the worry and was my rock going through my breast cancer in 2011 to 2012. Then my husband asked how enlarged was it? I told him it was 6mm and with bulky features and poorly preserved hila. Also, that they wanted this done to rule out local recurrence. Category 3: INDETERMINATE FINDINGS. We were both so worried and I explained that I could not reach the gp yet as the surgery was closed. My husband said ring again tomorrow morning. Before I could ring the gp rang me and asked what was so urgent? I explained to him what had been found and he immediately arranged for a referral which was sent to me via email and to Qld Xray. On Monday they rang me with an appointment. They gave me one for the following Tuesday morning, which was the 20th of June at 10am. Driving to that Tuesday appointment, again my head was racing and I was wondering if I would have cancer again and if I would have to go through chemo again and all the craziness that goes with it. I had my FNA done and had the feeling that there wasn't enough cells captured for a diagnosis on the enlarged lymph node. Sure enough the person that had done the FNA had trouble getting cells off the larger node. She asked me if she could do some multiple sweeps as she called it on other nodes in the area? I said. "I am here now, go for it." Of course I was so anxious waiting the next 2 days for my gp appointment, where I got the news of not getting enough cells for an accurate diagnosis on the enlarged lymph node. I just knew it! I was not angry, just disappointed as I was hoping that it was all over. Of course it wasn't and only the beginning. The gp said that he would put me into the public system for an immediate appointment. I got a text the following week that it could be up to 30 days for an appointment. Then the next day I got a letter to say CATEGORY 1 30 days wait. I was so shocked of course as being a former cancer patient with possible recurrence was significant to me. I couldn't wait 30 days for an appointment, it would have driven me insane with the worry and the waiting. So I again went to see my gp who told me he could give me a private referral if I wanted? I said yes please. The private doctor rang me with an appointment for the following week and that he wanted me to get a PET Scan done immediately. I felt so relieved even if I had to pay, at least things were happening. Then a day before my appointment with the private doctor I got a text with an appointment with the public hospital. The receptionist at the private surgery told me to take the public one because the doctor in question is also head of the department at the public hospital. I had to wait a week but at least I had a time frame and I could cope with that knowing a date. The next day I got a phone call about the PET Scan and an appointment for the next day which was the 4th of July. I had to have a special diet to have my PET Scan done. I said to the man that rang me with the details, about how I am a Coeliac so I know all about a special diet as such. He said it was for everyone that got the scan so no biggie. Lol! Private joke obviously? They told me to drink a lot of water for the scan. When you have had 3 children holding it isn't easy. I was told I could go to the toilet but of course while I was being infused with the tracer I was hooked up to a machine which was supposed to be an hour. After 45 mins I couldn't hold it any longer lol. The nurse said it was long enough for the procedure and that I could bolt to the toilet once I was unhooked. I sure did lol!!! Then after the scan which was about 20 mins or so I again bolted to the loo! A little embarrassing for me but a necessary evil. After a nice cuppa and my gluten free snack I had brought in I was done. I then waited for the results. I was amazed because I had the results around 6pm the same day. The doctor was incredible giving me this relief so soon. PET SCAN ALL CLEAR!!! If I had cancer anywhere in my body it would have lit up like a Christmas tree I was told. I had a PET Scan done back in 2011 too as a result of my highly aggressive non-invasive ductal carcinoma. It was a 3rd grade tumour and stage 2 non-hormonal. No secondary cancer which is what they were looking for back then. OMG I was so thrilled and my husband too. I cried with relief although the scan has picked up a 3rd autoimmune disease to contend with. Then the wait to see the doctor at the public hospital. They examined me and told me that they wanted a follow up ultrasound done in 6 weeks time. I've had the follow up Ultrasound last week and again the lymph node is still enlarged. The radiographer, oddly enough, was the same lady I had in late June with my first Ultrasound. Again when she left the room and was away for 20 mins I was concerned. I am at my wits end over this, was expecting that it had returned back to normal? No such luck! They still have no idea why the node hasn't returned to normal and similar in size. So now I will need another follow up Ultrasound in 3 months time. My gp has already given me the referral and now I need to make another appointment. It has been suggested that I have a Mammogram next year in June 2024. Although I am still a Category 3 it is now classed as 'PROBABLY BENIGN FINDINGS' on the latest Ultrasound report. I would just like to know why this lymph node is still so enlarged? I realise it can be from an infection and that it can be that way for months...but? They are still going to monitor it so at least I am still in the hospital system should anything change right? Watch this space for next scan results. Finger's crossed for me that I can get off this emotional rollercoaster again please!!! :)
First time lump: from a concerned husband's POV
Hi all I'm not really sure if this is the place to be asking this, but I've tried looking and reading online to get info, but it all seems fairly general, a little all over the place, and mostly american-based, which I don't find all that helpful, given the difference in standards / practises between our two countries. Anyway, a quick snapshot of the situation before I ask my question/s. My wife is 30 years old, and from a very conservative culture. Basically, unlike many girls her age, you'll never see her wearing clothing that shows more skin than it covers! We're relatively recently married (2 years), both each other's first loves, etc, so neither of us have had any reason (need or want!) to expose certain parts of either of our bodies to anyone other than each other. *Note: this point will be relevent shortly.* Pretty much until now. About a week-and-a-half ago, I discovered a small, hard lump in my wife's breast. (Y'know, because I'm a good husband and all that! :P). With Christmas happening last week, we only got around to seeing a doctor the other day who has given her a referral to get an ultrasound next week. That's great, but we don't really know what to expect from the whole thing. Again, online articles provide conflicting and varied answers, so I'm hoping I might find some answers in here. I should state that I'm not jumping any guns and thinking / presuming what she has is cancer. Far from it, actually. I'm 99% sure it's nothing of any concern, but right now we just don't know. What actually will happen at this appointment? When they see the lump, will they know what it is, or will there be other x-rays, ect, to determine that? I really want to be in there for everything with her, as if the roles were reversed, I'd really want my wife there with me. No-one other than her has seen my 'bits', so I'm putting myself in her shoes at the moment and I know my being there to hold her hand in support would make her feel a lot more at ease. I know that she's really nervous about the idea of someone else seeing and, even moreso, FEELING her breasts, so I've taken the day off work to be there for her. I spoke to the imaging place the other day and they said I MIGHT be allowed in to the ultrasound room with her, but there were no guarantees. I would like to think all places would allow someone to join the patient, as I'm sure it's not just a scary thing to just my wife and I! Anyway, any personal accounts or recounting of similar situations would very much appreciated. Thankyou in advance!
to biopsy or not
I have recently found a lump (2 months ago) which I initially thought was due to my cycle but soon realized that even after my periods the lump still remained. I went to my doctor who then referred me for a mammogram and ultrasound. I arrived for my appt where I was told they weren't really keen on giving me a mammogram due to my age (36) and thought it best just to do the ultrasound, so I had the ultrasound and then started to get dressed, as i was doing so the radiologist told me not to bother as she thinks it would be best to do a Mammogram now. (after this i realised that they must of spotted something on the ultrasound). So i had the mammogram also on the same day. A few days later i went to see my GP for the results and was told they had seen dilated ducts with soft tissue present in my left breast and the radiology doctor has suggested a biopsy. My GP rang the radiology centre to speak to the Dr who wrote up my report and confirm whether it would be a FNA or Core biopsy, to which he confirmed a Core biopsy. A week later I went for my core biopsy appt at the same place i had mammo/ultrasound. Once again they decided to do a quick ultrasound and called the on duty Dr in to view. i was then told by this Dr (not the same guy that wrote up my initial report) that they wouldn't be doing the biopsy as he didn't see it as necessary. So didn't end up having any type of biopsy done on the lump. I now am very confused and worried that something has been missed as i can still feel the lump (it feels like a small rock covered in gravel) I have an appt with my GP next Tuesday but am unsure of what he is going to say. Im a single mother with 2 children and don't feel comfortable waiting a few months to see if the lump grows but i am unsure if i should get a second opinion or even where to go to get one. I have also reviewed the initial mammo/ultrasound report where the Dr states a biopsy is suggested. it also states that i have heterogeneously dense breasts whish makes it harder to spot any calcifications or masses on mammogram. Im confused as they obviously spotted something on the first ultrasound to warrant them wanting to do a mammo after firstly saying they didn't think it was needed .
Scanxiety - does it ever REALLY go away?
Does Scanxiety ever really disappear? I think not. It is 4 years in Nov since my ILC tumours were found, by accident, by my GP - as the rural BreastScreen Bus screens totally missed it ..... TWICE. Rural breastscreen buses do not have 3D mammograms - only 2D ones - and they are unlikely to pick up Invasive Lobular Cancer (that does not present as a 'lump' ....) and any cancer is almost impossible to 'see' in those with Dense Breast Tissue. If you don't know what breast tissue type you have, get your Surgeon/Oncologist to tell you - as Breast Screen NSW refuses to do so. If you are able to pull up a pic of your Mammograms .... you'll actually SEE if you have dense breast tissue, as much of the breast will showing as 'white' (rather than fairly clear) and as cancer also shows up as 'white' ..... the dense breast tissue hides the cancer. What followed was 2 years of anxiety as I had a recall on my first anniversary scans, which luckily, were benign .... but being rural, things all take longer to happen. Altho I had my surgery within days of seeing the surgeon (10 days after my diagnosis on Jan 5th was confirmed) it had taken 2 months to get to the diagnosis, with my biopsy being done between Xmas & New Year. The following year, the biopsy was on Xmas Eve .... so 2 x Christmases/New Years - totally stuffed!! For this reason, I brought my scan dates a month early to October - so that if anything needed doing (ie biopsy) I wouldn't be in the Xmas Rush! SO .... I head north today for my annual Mammogram and Ultrasound (luckily, having the resident specialist breast Cancer Radiographer doing both!) I'll take hubby with me & will probably even take him into the clinic room with me (if allowed) to keep an eye on him as he has mod-severe dementia. Otherwise, I'd need to arrange someone to sit with him, if I left him at home. Up til this morning, I hadn't really 'thought' of the scanxiety .... but then it raised it's ugly head again! grrrr. I am not expecting any adverse results - but with this beast, you just never know! I see my Rad Onc next week, also up north - my 2nd last visit to her - next year being Year 5 since detection. Wish me luck!!
Scan day freaking sucks......yet again. Probable curse words included.
With only minor trepidation and my shit mostly together I went to clinic today to get my results. I stopped to give a co worker that had just been diagnosed (MOFO BC) a hug and a shoulder to cry on for a bit while we were waiting. I heard my name called and promised her she would get through and I would be happy to help if I could in any way. She thanked me with that smile you put on when you are trying so hard not to burst into tears and your heart is aching as I waltzed on in to the doctors office. Well the whole thing went sideways and turned into me leaving work in a shaky, teary eyed mess. My goodness this thing still rocks you when least expect it. Here we go again with another fucking ambiguous result about the mystical eliptical thingamajjigy that has taken up residence in the rogue boob. Said thingy has decided to grow 2mm in 6 months. BIRAIDS score now moved up from a 3 to a 4 and hey lets poke a needle in it this time. This presents a problem. Considering the MRI is still the only machine that can see thingy (again it can't be felt by anyone either) and it's positioning, it is probable that a biopsy can't be done in the MRI machine. Still waiting on an answer for that one. So do we just poke around in there and try to hit it?? Cut it out or off just for the heck of it? No body is prepared to say it is anything sinister nor are they prepared to say it's not. Seriously, can someone please tell me how, for the love of god, you can have 4 MRI's, 4 mammograms and 6 u/sounds in a period of 12 months and still not know what this is or isn't. So as it sits, back to headlining the MDT on Thursday to get input from group of guru's as quote "my breast don't scan normally". Another targetted u/s on Friday. And wait for an answer on whether the biopsy can be done by MRI. Waiting waiting waiting yet again. Fuckity fuck fuck. I am sick of this roller coaster. I want to get off and my money back. Mental status right now = somewhere between zoned out numbness and seriously pissed off. Strongly considering ostrich tactics at the moment. Thanks for listening. :/Had my Yearly Scans & MRI today - 2 years since detection ... the waiting game begins ... yet again!
Today, I had my 'yearly' mammogram, ultrasound & a new one, MRI - as I've been having numb/tingling in my left leg/foot & arm/hands - I almost thought I had 'dropsy' at one stage, as my left foot kept 'dropping' & catching the ground as I walked! grrr Fingers crossed all is good - could be compressed nerves. Maybe it is a side effect from my meds - or could be the result of an old injury raising it's ugly head after 20 years .... My original 'lump detection' was in Nov '17 & Xmas/New Year was totally stuffed until I received my positive diagnosis on Jan 5, 2018. I had my surgery in mid Jan '18, then radiation leading up to Easter & hormone treatment ever since with 3 changes in meds. Currently on Arimidex with the least side effects, so far! Long may it last. Late last year - I had a call back in Nov after my 'first year reviews' but I didn't actually have the biopsy til Xmas Eve due to a major stuff up by the Imaging Company! Once again, Xmas & New year was totally stuffed!! So this year, I organised my 'yearly tests' to be a month earlier - so now they can't blame the 'Xmas Rush' for any stuff ups this year! Fingers crossed I don't get another call back! My Ultrasound specialist today (who I have total faith in!) actually confirmed that from July - Oct, the Ultrasound/Mammogram numbers are LOWER (maybe due to the cold or the rain) and then increase again from Oct-Dec, putting pressure on the services! Weird, eh? Take care - all the best for your own treatment ..... xxx
