So Stinken Scared!!

momx5plus1
momx5plus1 Member Posts: 17
edited July 2015 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

So I have had a problem with a cough that has lasted some 6 months but both my primary doctor and oncologist thought it was related to a sudden onset of GERD that occurred around the same time. After I saw GI and tried medication for the GERD with no success (to control the reflux and stop the cough) I called my primary doctor to ask for a rx for cough syrup and she said it was time to go the pulmonologist. Now my primary and onc both did chest x-ray's that were normal. I went to the pulmonologist and they thought the same that since both symptoms occurred roughly around the same time that the cough was more than likely related to the return of the reflux and my asthma. But to be proactive due to my history of breast cancer they wanted to go ahead and do a chest CT. I had the CT done on 6/17/15 around @ 2:30 pm and my phone rang around 4:00pm. The pulmonologist said no masses or fluid was seen in the lung which was good. Then she proceeded by saying there were enlarged lymph nodes biliaterally (one on each side of the lung) but were small and didn't feel like there was anything to worry about. In the mean time she wanted to contact my oncologist to discuss if they wanted to do a PET scan. Next day got a call that PET scan is on and I will get a call with the appointment date and time. In the meantime my CT report was released to MyChart so I could view it myself. Not only do I have enlarged lymph nodes in my lungs but I also have enlarged periaortic nodes and a small nodule on the anterior right heart boarder. WTW!!!! I am four years out from my triple negative diagnosis and I was just starting to not hold my breath so much worried about recurrence. I had a complete response to chemotherapy and my oncologist said this was a great thing in itself and she did not worry a whole lot about recurrence in me. I am trying to focus on the positive as I know that this does not have to be a recurrence of cancer but how can a cancer patient not worry about what if it is? I just needed to get this off my chest and share with people who understand. My PET scan is on Friday. Say a prayer please!! Thanks for letting me share.

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Comments

  • Luvmydobies
    Luvmydobies Member Posts: 766
    edited June 2015

    I am sorry about your recent worries! I am Triple Negative too and am still petrified over every little thing! I wanted you to know I'll be praying for you this week! Do you have any idea, or anyone else for that matter, if GERD or Asthma can cause enlarged nodes?? Or did you already ask your doc's about that being the cause? (((((HUGS))))!!

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  • Beatmon
    Beatmon Member Posts: 1,562
    edited June 2015

    I'm so sorry that you have this worry. Big hugs and hope u can relax just a little! Everyone here can understand your anxiety

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited June 2015

    Sorry you have to wait so long. I hope all comes back clear.

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  • momx5plus1
    momx5plus1 Member Posts: 17
    edited June 2015

    Thanks so much everyone for the {{{{hugs}}}} and support.  Luvmydobies, of course the doctor said something about this could be infection or something related but my brain went into "OMG....the cancer is back" mode when I heard "enlarged lymph nodes that were not there on a previous exam".  Funny thing is I am a nurse so I know that it could be infection but I also know it could be "stupid cancer"!!  Thanks for the prayers as I patiently hurry up and wait for Friday!! Winking

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  • Luvmydobies
    Luvmydobies Member Posts: 766
    edited June 2015

    We're waiting with you. I'm saying lots of prayers for you! Hang in there! XOXO

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  • momx5plus1
    momx5plus1 Member Posts: 17
    edited July 2015

    So here's the update:  PET scan was cancelled because insurance denied it!!  Called insurance company to find out why and they denied it as being investigational because they had not record of my CT scan.  The pulmonologist office never sent over the report even though I was told they sent everything insurance needed.  Needless to say I went to my oncologist office and they are handling every thing from here on out.  Now PET scan is scheduled for 7/10.  I am much calmer than when I made my original post but all of you know when you are a cancer patient these things scare the patooties out of you and "YOU JUST WANT TO KNOW"!!  I'll keep you posted and keep praying this is much to do about nothing.  Tootles!!

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited July 2015

    How frustrating that you have to wait so long.

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  • shoppygirl
    shoppygirl Member Posts: 694
    edited July 2015

    So sorry you have this worry and that now you have to wait. FYI, a nodule in your lung is very common, I have one that they have been watching for 2 years !!! Everything else can certainly be due allergies and inflammation.

    Hugs and good luck with the PE

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  • momx5plus1
    momx5plus1 Member Posts: 17
    edited July 2015

    Shoppygirl, that's what I'm believing and banking on that its just inflamation.  I had an enlarged lymph some 15+ years ago (of course precancer) and they watched it for 6 months and it was determined it was a old histoplamosis infection (live in the midwest).  It just stinks because once you have been diagnosed with cancer the things that you could just write off as a cold, infection, headache, etc. and just treat the symptoms and not be terribly concerned about could totally mean something else. 

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  • shoppygirl
    shoppygirl Member Posts: 694
    edited July 2015

    Yes momx5. Everything is a worry. I thought I was going to be off the hook for ct scans on the nodule as there has been no change in three scans but my Cancer nurse is a little over cautious and has ordered another one for Oct .

    I am actually thinking of calling her and asking if it is really necessary as there has been no change and ct scans cause so much anxiety and radiation. I think there comes a time when enough is enough. On the other hand I might just be a good little Cancer patient and just go for the scan! Oh, what to do!!!

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  • momx5plus1
    momx5plus1 Member Posts: 17
    edited July 2015

    Shoppygirl, it does seem like its always a poke here, a picture there but I think we would probably have serious anxiety issues if this didn't happen because we would always be wondering "is the cancer back"!!! What a tangled web we weave!!!

    Anywho, the good news is I found out my PET scan for Friday has been approved by insurance so now I am just looking forward to having this done, get the results (which of course I pray or negative for a recurrence) and focus on my cruise that's booked for January. My husband and I are celebrating love and life. We just celebrated 27 years of marriage, he was diagnosed with Stage IV small lymphocitic lymphoma in February of this year and was just given the "remission" status 3 weeks ago and its time to relax and enjoy. Keep praying.

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  • shoppygirl
    shoppygirl Member Posts: 694
    edited July 2015

    momx5

    Congratulations in your anniversary of 27 years and to your husband on his great news.

    It sounds like we have similar stories, my DH and I just celebrated 20 years of marriage in Las Vegas. My DH was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer 2 months after my diagnosis. He had an amazing respond to chemo and is currently NED. He has another scan in October but we just take things one day at a time!!!

    Good luck with your pet scan. Please let us know the good news!!!

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