I'm confused and frustrated with the "hurry up and wait"

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sammysbrenda
sammysbrenda Member Posts: 2
edited June 2014 in High Risk for Breast Cancer

Hi, I'm just looking for answers to alot of confusing nonsense going on. I went to womans hospital (they specialize in BC). They compared my last three mammograms and also did an ultrasound of my right breast. Since cancer runs in both sides of my family, the doctor decided to have a chat with me. I have had mastitis several times, so I know when that starts to happen. This time however, a mass that has been dormit for years, decided to grow up, also had bloody discharge. The mammo showed an enlongated mass with rough edges. This worried me and (it seems) the doctor as well. They recommended that the mass be removed and biopsy. Sent me to another doctor that totally disregarded the recommendation and did an incision biopsy in the office. (not a pleasant experience) She told me to come back in two weeks. Since the biopsy, my lymph nodes are going alot crazy. I have two with lumps the size of a quail egg and two with lumps the  size of a peanut. This has happened very quickly, like in a little more than a week. Please tell me this has happened to others and I really don't need to be quite as freaked out as I am right now. Still have seven days to go before I have to see the doc again, I think (not sure at this point) that the next appt. is to schedule surgery. Any help would be sooooo appreciated! Thanks so much!

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  • Moiralf
    Moiralf Member Posts: 1,056
    edited March 2013

    Hi There,

    Yep, it's  a confusing horrible time and the worst part is the waiting.

    I have no real advice as such but doing the biopsy could have set off your lymph nodes. They respond to activity in the body and can flare up after such things. If they stay up you might need to visit the doc sooner but hopefully they settle down in the next few days. 

    There is not too much you can do until you get those results and even then they may schedule more tests. It's part of the determining, is it, isn't it?? and it can take time. It's hard to wait though and some people use an anti-anixiety pill to get though so that could be an option for you.

    Try to do things that take your mind off it. Anything that works for you. Keeping busy, being with friends, running a marathon, scrubbing your house from top to bottom. It's easy to say but really hard to do but try.

    Don't let fear dominate. Until you have the facts in front of you, you don't have to do anything. Fear achieves nothing and robs you of any peace and normality you have. 

    Another thought, could you contact the doc's office and speak to the nurse and see if you can be seen sooner. The results are usually available before two weeks. Plus they might want to see you about the lymph nodes.

    All the best and really hope for good things.

    Moira

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  • sammysbrenda
    sammysbrenda Member Posts: 2
    edited March 2013

    Thank you so much Moira.

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  • jennyg1975
    jennyg1975 Member Posts: 7
    edited March 2013

    I'm so sorry you are going through this now. I just wanted to let you know that it is possible to have your nodes react to a biopsy, because mine did. I had a core needle biopsy, which diagnosed me with DCIS. When I went for my presurgical MRI, one of my nodes showed enhancement and became swollen. My breast surgeon, GP and oncologist said it could very well be because of the biopsy, and it turned out to be true.



    Moira is right-this is the worst part. Her post provides excellent advice. I wish you all the best.

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  • mawhinney
    mawhinney Member Posts: 1,377
    edited March 2013

    Why don't you call your doctor's office and relay your concerns and tell them about the swelling.  Your body may have had some type of reaction to the biopsy or medications used. Also ask if the biopsy results have been received and if your appointment can be moved up.  Waiting for test results can be very frustrating.  Some biopsy results are immedicately available while others take a week or so.  I've learned to ask when I'm having any type of test when will my test results be available and I also request a copy of all test results for my files.  Take care!

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