MRI ordered after oncologist saw CT results

LilSmilee

I am 3 years post diagnosis this week!  Yay!  But my celebration has been halted.  At the end of January I had an US after mentioning discomfort under my ribs on my right side.  It feels like a fist is being shoved under there.  I've had a stable hemangioma since 2006 and it was viewed on my cardiac MRI a year and a half ago still stable.  However, the US revealed a significant growth and 3 new lesions.  So of course, a CT was ordered.  But it was not a liver protocol CT.  The results were that each lesion enhanced slightly differently but the radiologist was fairly certain they were all hemangiomas despite the differences in enhancement and size.  

So, I saw my PA oncologist Friday feeling really great about everything.  The first shock...a brain MRI was ordered d/t persistant nausea since Dec.  Originally, I blamed this on the bulging eardrum I had for 2 months.  Then, when that resolved I thought it was from the liver crap.  But evidently, this can also be caused by neurological issues.  And since I've had persistent occular vertigo (although currently resolved), the brain is the next place to look.  Okay.  I'll go along with that.

Then the second "whoa!" moment.  I waited a little longer to actually see my oncologist since I hadn't laid eyes on her in a year and a half and she was expected to walk into the office shortly.  There's a part of me that wishes I'd just left and had my brain MRI.  Instead, she read the CT of the liver and immediately became concerned.  She didn't like what she read or how it was just left as probably hemangiomas.  I'm sure with my young age she wants to be certain.  And I didn't realize it at the time but MRI is more diagnostic of hepatic metastases especially if hypervascular which breast cancer often is.

So here are my questions.  Has this happened to anyone else out there?  Has anyone ever developed new hemangiomas?  What could be the cause of the previously stable hemangioma suddenly growing from 3.2 X 3.8 cm to now 4.4 X 4.6 cm?  What was your outcome?  

Should I be concerned?  My oncologist questioned my lack of concern, but I told her I don't want to jump to conclusions until I know exactly what I'm facing.  But that got me worried, that she was and I wasn't.  She is the expert after all.

Thank you for helping me sort this out.  I know I won't have definitive answers until after my MRI's this Thursday evening.  But to me knowledge is power.  I can deal with it if I know what I'm dealing with.

Thank you again!

bevin

I am sorry you are going through this. I have no information to share, just wanted to wish you the best with your scan. I'm glad your doctor is looking into everything.

LilSmilee

Thank you for the encouragement. 

edwards750

Lilms - I am sure someone will respond who is more knowledgeable than I am about your situation but I do have several observations and one is why aren't you seeing your Oncologist every 6 months? Mine told me I would until I reach the 5 year mark. I am 3 years out too since January of this year. Secondly I have to admit I would be concerned if my Oncologist is. I would rather be the anxious one however, Oncologists do tend to rule on the side of caution as they should so until the tests reveal otherwise she really doesn't know anything definitive yet so as you said you will know a lot more after the MRIs. Knowledge is power of course and at this point nothing has been confirmed. Do let us know after you have your MRIS. Keep the faith. Diane

LilSmilee

Thanks, Diane. I do see the oncology PA every 6 months with the assurance that my onc is available at those appointments. But she never has been, so that's why I waited this time. 

 I try not to worry. In fact, I didn't think twice about that original lump and was doing what you're supposed to do and get it checked out.  When I think back to my lack of concern when I should've been, I get concerned. Lol!  I'm weird, I know.  

I too hope someone with a bit of insight will post soon. If not, I'll just wait. And of course, I'll post the answers. 

capricornchrissy

Sorry, I have no experience with hemangiomas.  But I will say that my onc always seems more concerned about everything than I am.  I guess it is his job to think negatively, and my job to think positively.  I hope and pray that everything works out ok for you, KUP.  

LilSmilee

Just wanted to update.  All scans are clean. The liver masses were all confirmed benign hemangiomas and the brain is clean. Whoooooo hooooooo!  Praise God!

shoppygirl

Thank goodness!!

So happy for you!!

bluepearl

Well, now I don't have to answer! I had liver cysts that demanded a CT scan before surgery (mastectomy) so of course, I looked everything up and also found hemangiomas.....both common occurances but have to be examined just-in-case......YEAH LilmsSmiles!!!!

Tomboy

now you will have to call yourself,"greatbigsmilee!!