Intramammary lymph nodes & MRI...

[Chelee]

Tomorrow, (Wed) is the big day. I finally get my MRI of my left breast to check out these intramammary lymph nodes. (Masses) I hope this tells us more then the mammo's and US. The pain is making me misrable. I don't think they fully understand how much this hurts?

I have googled everything and then some on these "intramammary lymph nodes" and can't find much of anything to *explain* why I have the pain in my breast and axilla? Or why my breast and side of it is so enlarged? I am hoping my port that is in my upper arm that runs into my chest is causing a reaction of some kind in there? Anything but cancer again. I am thinking positive that its NOT. Its got to be anything BUT that. http://www.her2support.org/vbulletin/images/smilies/smile.gif

Whatever they find...I hope they plan on getting rid of the pain.

Chelee

[skeetur]

Good luck with your MRI today. I hope they find that all of this is a reaction to the port and it gets cleared up easily.

Skeetur

[Becky]

Let us know how it all works out. Big hug to you.

[LAURIE]

Pain, pain, go away. Good luck and keep your chin up!!! We are all here for you!!

[Chelee]

Skeetur, Becky, & Laurie, Thanks for all the support. I got through the MRI today. The first part of it was fine...just layed on my back so they could MRI the axilla area. But the FUN started when they pulled me out to put me on my stomach to MRI that breast. Most of you know how they do that. FUN. lol (Not!) http://her2support.com/vbulletin/images/smilies/smile.gif

Sticking your breast in the holes and laying on your stomach is NOT very comfortable. That was hard on my ribs. But Its done. Now its time to wait again. Ugh.

That breast is getting so painful. I kind of hope it is a reaction from my port verses something that might be worse like "you know what". But if it IS the port...I will be a bit bummed as my port has worked great since day one. It would have to be removed because I can't take this pain much longer. (But I have learned one thing...take one day at a time.)

Chelee

[Hopeful]

Chelee,

Throughout this last development you have had, I have been amazed that your complaints of pain have not been addressed. You should not have to suffer, regardless of the cause. Here's hoping that you get good news AND pain relief ASAP.

Hopeful

[lexigirl]

Chelee,

I hope your scan brings good news. Hope you are doing well.

Hugs,
LEXI

[Kimberly Lewis]

Chelee - sorry that you are going through all this! I am praying that it resolves quickly and you get out of pain. Please keep us posted. kim

[Jean]

Chelee,
Thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers.

Hugs,
jean

[Chelee]

The surgeons nurse called and said the MRI showed the same enlarged lymph nodes in axilla and intrammary nodes and for me to follow-up with my onc. I told her its REALLY painful! She again said to see my onc. I asked if they know for sure whats causing these lymph nodes to be enlarged and the breast pain?

She said no. I said do we know for sure its not cancer? She said "no they don't know that for sure...but now they are rating it a BIRADS 1. I said with the pain it has to be my port or something? She said she didn't know...just see my onc. (I thought since he was my surgeon he would want to biopsy one of these lymph nodes or check my port to see what it causing all this pain?

I called to see my onc and all they said I can do is see the nurse practioner Monday. How come they aren't concerned about the enlarged intrammary nodes in breast and axilla with my bc history? And now onc won't even see me. I am not paying to see a nurse practioner...she doesn't know me or what the problem is. I feel like since I am a stage III'er they could care less about me.

I give up.

Chelee

[Bev]

Chelee,

Go see the nurse-practitioner. I often choose the NP when I take the kids to the pediatric office. The NP's tend to spend more time with you. I felt like the onc nurses were more focused on my treatment than the onc. You never know, she may be a good allie(sp?) to cultivate. At the very least, she can write scripts for painkillers.

I can't remember the Birad scale. I think 5 or 6 is confirmed cancer. 1 may be something is showing up but is likely normal. It sounds like your lymph nodes are unhappy but not completely angry.

So don't give up. Just go. BB

[chrisy]

Chelee,

Well, I know you and you certainly don't "give up"! I agree, see the NP and get more information. Rating is a Birads1 is a good sign, although you still do not have an answer to what is causing all the pain, they must have some reason to consider it birads1. Find out why this is, and what else could be causing the pain. You sure are a trooper - hang in there!
Chris

[tousled1]

Chelee,

Go see the nurse practioner. As said previously - they usually spend more time with you. That means that you'll have more time to express your concerns. After that if you are not satisfied, insist on an appointment with the onc. Also here's a site that explains the BIRADS ratings. http://womenshealth.aetna.com/WH/ihtWH/r.WSIHW000/st.35891/t.35906.html

[Chelee]

I have an appt. Monday with the NP. (I've seen her before...she is very nice but could never answer my questions.) I *need* to know what is causing this? What bothers me is the surgeons office can't say for sure its NOT cancer...but yet they won't do anything? Why not biopsy it? After all with my bc history it would seem the normal protocol.

What if I have a different type of cancer in this breast? Its been let go for almost 3 months now while I sit in pain.

tousled1, I did know what the birads ratings were. Looked them up after my first mammo. But I appreciate you sending the link. Thats why I keep wondering how they can keep *down-grading* this when they say they can't tell me for sure if its cancer or not? If they don't know...why can't we find out with a biospy? My body is telling me something is awful wrong. As Cristy said, I still *don't* have a answer to this. That is exactly my point. They should have to answer me. They just pass me around & I get no where.

Chelee

[tousled1]

Chelee,

I know it's hard, but try not to worry. Wait until you see the nurse practioner Monday. Perhaps she will be able to shed some light on what's going on. I occasionally have pain in my upper chest area. My last PET/CT scan was clear. I put an ice bag on it when it bothers me a lot and that really seems to help. Keep us posted as to what happens on Monday. Best of luck to you.