They found more masses...

Chelee · 01-17-2007, 01:49 AM

I had my yearly mammo on Dec. 18th, 06. It found a 0.7 cm mass which they rated BIRADS 3. With my bc history I requested an ultrasound. I've had an ultrasound & 4 additional views of the mass that was found.

Surgeon reviewed new films & it showed the same 0.7 mass at 2 o'clock. It says it has a peripheral lucency consistent with lymph node.

But ultrasound found TWO masses in left breast. 0.7 cm, & 1.5 cm hypeoehoic masses consistent with lymph nodes. Then it says there are ALSO AT LEAST *two* 1.8 cm nodes in left axilla. (Now that they did these EXTRA films and U/S...its down graded from a BIRADS 3 to a BIRADS 2.) How can that be? First it was ONE mass...now four or more yet lowered?

I told my surgeon I wanted a MRI and biopsied. He says I shouldn't be worried about it and expected me to forget about it. The pain alone is enough I can't forget about it. There IS something wrong. How can they rate this as a BIRADS 2 when their are so many enlarged lymph nodes/masses?

Chelee

Becky · 01-17-2007, 04:40 AM

Lucent lymph nodes or lucent calcifications for that matter are benign results. The lymph nodes may be slightly swollen due to Herceptin treatments which activate the entire immune system. Even slightly swollen lymph nodes hurt (think about when you have swollen glands when you have a cold - those glands really aren't that enlarged).

You can get another opinion and have another surgeon or radiologist look at your films. (Does your bra fit you correctly? You did have a mastectomy and you need to make sure the side where you still have a breast fits right. Alot of places make sure the surgery side is right and don't think about the other side as much).

Stay calm. Relax for a week. Big hug to you.

sarah · 01-17-2007, 06:07 AM

sorry to hear about your concerns. At UCLA in LA there's a a very good radiologist Bassset or soemthing like that who can give you a second opinion. get a second opinion to help you understand what you have.
sarah

MCS · 01-17-2007, 02:41 PM

Chelee,

How close are you to UCLA? Southern ca is pretty big.

Anyway call the Breast center there, maybe they can give you a second opinion.

310 794-9830 ucla breast center

MCS ( maria)

Linda · 01-17-2007, 04:52 PM

Chelee:
I have breast MRI's in Santa Monica, at the imaging center near St. John's. The radiologist there reads lots of breast MRI's, for the Eisenberg Keefer breast center. If you want more info, pm me.
It sure sounds like they are looking at benign stuff.
Linda

Bev · 01-17-2007, 09:54 PM

Hi Chelee,

I don't know about doing the biopsy. Maybe you can ask for another mamm in 3 mos. If you haven't had a breast MRI since before surgery, I think now would be a good time as I think once a year is normal. BB

MCS · 01-17-2007, 10:08 PM

Linda,

I go to St John's imaging center too for my mris. WOW, what a small world. do yougo to the LA research institute for treatment?

Email me maria_c_singer@yahoo.com

XOXO

MCS ( maria)

naturaleigh · 01-17-2007, 10:08 PM

Does your surgeon have to be the one to prescribe an MRI, can't your onc do it? If he, she will not do it, how about your regular physician? Tell them you need it just for your peace of mind.

Big hugs to you!!

Chelee · 01-18-2007, 01:58 AM

Becky, Your reply has helped reduce some of my anxiety. My surgeon got so mad at me this time which is unlike him. He had me so upset I couldn't think straight. All I know is this is very painful and he wanted to do nothing after I hear I have all these masses. I am so glad you confirmed *lucent* means benign.

I never thought of the herceptin causing the lymph nodes to enlarge since it never happened before. Now that you mention it...I *HAD* been doing *weekly* herceptin for 8 months...and its just recently since this happened that I SWITCHED to the 3 week doses. I just did my 4th 3 week dose. Maybe its the larger doses causing some of this? Thanks for bringing that to my attention.

As to my bra...I think its the BEST fitting bra I have every had in my life.

In my cancer center they have a little store that is just for us women going though cancer trt. Wigs, bra's, prothesis, hats, etc. The women in their take you in back and fit you. My bra is excellent.

Although soon if that breast doesn't QUIT swelling..I will need a cup size larger. I have lost weight...so that breast shouldn't keep getting bigger...thats my biggest concern, besides the pain! It hurts.

Thanks so much for your reply.

Chelee

Chelee · 01-18-2007, 02:24 AM

Maria, UCLA is 48 miles away from me...one way. So round trip its a long drive but worth it for a 2nd opinion. I am going to see if they will expedite a 2nd opinion for me...and if they won't...I will pay out of pocket if I can afford it.

Sara, Thanks for the name of that radiologist. I am going to call them tomorrow and see what I can find out. I have heard some of the best oncologist are out there. I'd like to be checked out by one of their onc at this point with all the pain I am having that it seems my place isn't taking serious, along with having all my films & U/S looked at.

Bev, I think thats why my surgeon is upset with me because I want it biopsied. I have been having pain in that breast, axilla & superclavical area for a good 2 months. With my bc history, it seems to biopsy it would be an easy way to find out what it is for sure? But like Becky said...maybe the pain is just from the enlarged nodes. It sure hurts. Its a constant pain.

Naturaleigh & Bev, They called me today! MRI is set-up for next Wed. Wish it was sooner since I have been dealing with this since Dec. 18th. Plus, after I have my MRI on Wed...my surgeon only sees me on Mondays & Wednesday...which means that is another 2 wks away. Waiting is so hard as YOU all know. We've all been there. But I am getting my MRI thank goodness. This will be my FIRST one of my breast.

Thanks so much to all of you that replied. I so appreciate you help. I truly mean that. God bless you all.

Chelee

Bev · 01-18-2007, 10:08 PM

Good Chelee. I know I felt so great hearing that my MRI looked perfect. Even if it takes 2 weeks to hear it. I would think if they see something evil, they will call your doc stat. You can google "MRI sounds" if you want to hear what it will be like. It's a wierd experience the first time. BB

Chelee · 01-18-2007, 10:34 PM

Bev, I have had MRI's...but only of my brain and once of my lower abdomen. But I didn't know you could google it and *listen* to the sounds. I would of never thought of that one. I did it right now just for the heck of it. You should of seen my dog...she went NUTS. It was hilarious. lol

I can't wait to get this MRI...I just can't understand why so *much* pain is involved? What's really worrisome to me is I have this soreness/tenderness pain on both sides right below AND above collar bone where lymph nodes are. I don't like thinking the worse but it feels like its spread to the lymph nodes there? This is sure stressful...thats all I can say.

Thanks Bev!

Chelee

Joy · 01-19-2007, 09:13 AM

I hope you do get that second opinion and get a quick resolution to these issues. Best wishes, Chelee!

Chelee · 01-19-2007, 01:36 PM

Joy, Thanks so much for your kind words...I really appreciate it.

Sending warm wishes and happy thoughts your way.

Chelee

rinaina · 01-19-2007, 02:13 PM

Chelee, I have just read through this thread you started and I have to say, thank goodness for this forum. They always have knowledge and suggestions that help us. So glad you listened to everyone and took quick action at getting this taken care of. Good luck with the MRI and I hope the outcome is what we all think, benign.

Chelee · 01-21-2007, 12:32 AM

rinaina, I totally agree about this forum. Regardless of the question a person has, someone here always has an answer or suggestion. What a terrific bunch of people. I'm thankful I am getting this MRI Wed...but I will admit this breast & axilla pain is getting REALLY bad. Something is JUST NOT right. I wish my surgeon would of went straight to biospy.

I am starting to wonder if my zoladex is NOT working and my estrogen is up? Last time my estrogen was up I had alot of pain in that breast and axilla. The surgeon has no idea how much this hurts...not just a little bit...alot. It better not be cancer back. That breast is still so big? I know my body and something is wrong. I've been having this soreness & tenderness type of pain around my collar bone...below and above it. (Its really worrying me to be quite honest.) It should NOT hurt this bad.

Chelee

Hopeful · 01-21-2007, 05:58 PM

Chelee,

I am sending good thoughts your way and hoping for the best. I know it is frustrating, when you know how your body normally feels, and your concerns about discomfort are passed aside. If nothing else, I hope you can get some relief from the pain very soon. Good luck to you,

Hopeful

Soccermom · 01-21-2007, 09:45 PM

Dear Chelee,
I am so sorry to read your posts ,and I *feel* your distress.I too hope that you will find answers,soon.

Thinking of you,Marcia

Chelee · 01-22-2007, 01:49 PM

Hopeful & Marcia, Thanks so much for your kind replies. It helps to know others are out there and understand what your going through and care. (For me this has been a very lonely road & I am so thankful for the wonderful women & men on this board.)

This MRI I have set-up for Wednesday will not be soon enough. The pain in that breast and entire area is very concerning. Plus now I can actually feel enlarged lymph nodes on the side of my axilla area. Also a lump in that 2/3 o'clock area. I could NOT feel it before...now I can. I still don't understand how all these enlarged lymph nodes are not of more concern with my bc history?

I am sending many thanks your way.

Chelee