nervous nellie :(

Options
116
116 Member Posts: 108
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

I had a CT scan done due to bladder issues (I swear chemo gave me bladder problems, feels like constant bladder infection, but not) and they found a small 9mm spot on one of my kidneys, along with multiple small spots on both kidneys that are too small to read, but most likely cysts. They also found multiple cysts on one ovary along with a area of focal hypodensity on my uterus. To top it off there is something on the bottom of one lung that they caught in the view that looks hazy and has focal groundglass issues. None of this was there in my initial CT scans 4 years ago. I am sure it can all be explained away, but I can not help but be worried. Anyone else experience this and had it turn out to be nothing? Not sure what the next step is since I was referred back to primary doctor, but urologist recommended ultra sound on uterus and abdomen in one month and each month after until it is grown or gone and a repeat CT on kidney in six months. SIX MONTHS! He said that typically these spots are slow growing and said it was not a cyst, but that is all he could say. I know that it will probably not even be there in six months, but that is a long time to think about it and wonder anyway. Sure could use some reassurance.....

PS my bladder turned out to be beautiful, dysfunctional, but perfect none the less :) 

Comments

  • pupfoster1
    pupfoster1 Member Posts: 1,484
    edited July 2011

    UGH, I HATE this freakin disease!  Of course most of what we are experiencing could be the normal aging process, but what with our dx it is SO hard not to worry.  If it were me, I'd probably see my onc with the scan disc/results to get their spin on it.  Hopefully they can give you some peace of mind.

    Take care,

    Sharon

  • Karina121293
    Karina121293 Member Posts: 370
    edited July 2011

    Giddy, sorry you are having a scare. Sorry cant share any experience, but want to send you hugs. Stay strong while going through this. It can turn out nothing, so don't wear yourself out with worries.We are here for you.

    Hugs,

    Karina 

  • NancyD
    NancyD Member Posts: 3,562
    edited July 2011

    I had a "cyst" on one ovary many years before bc that turned out to be a low grade carcinoma. When my gyn discovered it, we followed it for several months (normal cysts tend to come and go with hormal changes), and when it didn't change, we decided to remove it. The pathology showed abnormal hypoplasia, and it was declared a low grade carcinoma in situ. Successful removal with clean margins was all that was recommended.

    None of that meant anything to me then. I wasn't even sure if I had had cancer. I had to ask my dr if I would have to answer "yes" to that question on health forms.

    I'm telling this story because it is the usual procedure to follow a suspicious spot for a few months to see how it changes, rather than immediately cut you open and hack away at your insides. Chances are they are nothing and will either be gone or the same when the next scan is done. And the time spent waiting did me no harm.

    I know, though, that it's the time waiting for the scan that does a lot of emotional damage. Try to fill the next six months with things that keep you busy in a good way. Special projects, trips, just enjoying the rest of the summer and then planning for the holidays.

  • MaxineO
    MaxineO Member Posts: 555
    edited July 2011

    Sorry you have to wait so long, but I'm hoping all you get is good news.   We're here for you!

  • jennyboog
    jennyboog Member Posts: 1,322
    edited July 2011

    I can tell something is different with my bladder since chemo as well, not enough to bring up but every now and then just something aint right.  I have no advice to give but just want to share my experiences....while on Taxotere in Oct. I ended up in the ER one night, they did a CT of my lungs and said I had a spot.  I repeated a PET in Feb. at which point they said I had a spot on my liver and said nothing about my lungs.  I just did a CT of my liver this week and found out it was a cyst.  I guess what I'm trying to say is everyone has cysts and things but because we get scanned more than the average bear we just find out about ours.  6 mths is an insane wait time though and I hope you find something out before then.  I waited till now to do the liver CT because I was told if it was anything that my tx wouldn't change, I'd continue on my AI and wait to see if it worked, so I didn't see any rush since I wouldn't start chemo again.  I hope you find peace of mind soon, it's worth so much.  Hugs & prayers going your way.

  • AnacortesGirl
    AnacortesGirl Member Posts: 1,758
    edited July 2011

    I had experiences similar to what Jenny described.  Find something, then it wasn't there but something new would be found.  Felt I was chasing my tail.  None of the "somethings" amounted to anything of consequence.  Just like we have scrapes and scars on the outside, we get them on the inside too.

    Another thing I've always wondered about is the equipment used now versus what was used 4 years ago.  At the very least I would imagine the CT (if it's the same one) has had firmware and software updates.  I always wonder if that baseline from years ago really is an apples-to-apples comparison.

    Six month is a long time.  But don't let the "what ifs" rob you of your time now!  Sending you strength.

  • jennyboog
    jennyboog Member Posts: 1,322
    edited July 2011

    Good thought Christy, I don't think some think of that.  I was in Hawaii at dx. & had my first mammo there & also did DD ACX4, when I got to N. Carolina and after Taxotere X2 another mammo was performed.  The dr reading it said he saw no improvement and it looked worse.  I knew it was better, I felt my tumor shrink and get softer and I was devasted & crushed to hear him say this.  Come to find out...the one in HI was older and not digital and in NC it was, the side by side comparison was amazing, the digital one showed so much more details.  I do agree that the machine type, age, etc have a lot to do with things.

  • 116
    116 Member Posts: 108
    edited December 2012

    Thanks everyone, I have had enough time now to explain away everything in my mind as "nothing" and will try not to worry, I think what made me so nervous is that really this is the first time that I have had anything pop up on scans since original diagnosis, and since it was lungs, kidney, ovary, and uterus all at once it just sent my imagination a little off the deep end. I now know that I will just need to get used to the worry of the "wait and see" stuff, but at the time I think I just suddenly felt overwhelmed thinking that it is going to be this way the rest of my life. Thank you again for all the support!  

Categories