another ultrasound results...

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yummymommy
yummymommy Member Posts: 14
edited December 2016 in Benign Breast Conditions
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so I was the women that posted a previous topic about my terrible health anxiety and ultrasound results..
basically for reassurance purposes I went for breast ultrasound and the results were normal. however they stated on the report about an intrammary lymph node. I was concerned being that I never heard about it, and didnt even feel anything. however since then I've been feeling my breast all the time and 1 day, I actually felt a little further in the breast tissue (closer to the back) and felt something hard/ big and moveable. I panicked. at first I thought it was f'sure a muscle being that it felt that way, but when I didnt feel the same thing on the other side, I got concerned. I visit my ob. she said being tha tshe knows me, she is sending me for another ultrasound cuz she knows I wont be calm.
the technitian told me everything pretty much looks the same.
I didnt get the rsults from my doctor, but she did upload it online where I actuallly get to see it. I got so nervous reading it, I would like to know if any of you can help me what it means: it states:
there is a 0.08*0.07 cm oval, circumscribed hypoechoic mass with central echogenicity compatilbe with an intrammary lymph node. similar prior study.

on the previous report 2 weeks before, they just wrote : a 0.08cm intrammary lymph node is seen. no discrete mass or shadowing is seen
both of them are birads 2.
my question is, why does the 2nd report mention a mass as opposed to the first one? what do the other terms mean?
also,the lump I feel, feels so huge and scary. just feeling it puts me in panic. it doesnt feel 0.08 cm at all. to me it feels alot bigger. I'm wondering if the ultrasound saw someting close to it,but what I am feeling is actually a muscle???
any advice is appreciated. I know I have severe Health anxiety (although this time I actually feel something. ), and I will take care of it, but for now, the report scares me alot. as well as the actual lump..
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Comments

  • Meadow
    Meadow Member Posts: 2,007
    edited December 2016

    Yum, firstly. try to calm down. did your doctor have any follow up recommendations? Any further tests ordered? Please stop poking and digging at the spot/lymph node, you will make it sore, and you have the test results yes, to show it is there? Curious what your next step is, to watch? Ask your dr these questions, and let us know what she said.

  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited December 2016

    I was the one that told you before that now you have a baseline for further testing. Every time you get imaging now they will try to find what was seen on the last test and will mention it. That is so they can see if it grew. By getting another test so quickly you haven't given it a chance to grow so they have no way to tell. EXCEPT the previous tech waa able to identify it as matching the lymph node seen previously.

    You are still in the clear now leave it alone and let it settle down. You're pissing it off.


  • nihahi
    nihahi Member Posts: 3,841
    edited December 2016

    Have you discussed your health anxiety issues with your doctor yet? Does she know you are posting again on a breast cancer forum? It's clear that repeated testing is not reassuring you or helping you deal with your anxiety. It is not reasonable to have ultrasound tests to your breasts every couple of months (as you mentioned in your previous thread) as a way to deal with anxiety.

    If your doctor is ordering such frequency and then just posting results for you to stress over....you're not going to the right doctor.

    I am sorry for your fears and worries, but I honestly believe you would be better served by having some honest discussions with a different doctor or a counselor regarding your anxiety .

  • yummymommy
    yummymommy Member Posts: 14
    edited December 2016

    On both of the reports it mentioned no follow up. Only recommendation was to follow up with yearly mammograms at age 40.

    After the first ultrasound, when i asked my ob/gyn about the intrammary node she said, oh.. thats nothing. They just mention it cuz they saw it.

    But now that i felt it, and it feels pretty big, it concerns me alot more than as when i just saw it on report. I also want to know why the first report said no mass, and on the 2nd report it refers to the node as a mass?

  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited December 2016

    A "mass" is a general term used to describe what's seen on the imaging. Calling something a "mass" doesn't imply that it's a bad thing or a good thing; it just says that something is showing up on the imaging.

    In the first report, the Radiologist referred to the intramammary lymph node as a node and indicated that there were no other masses; on this report the Radiologist is choosing to refer to the intramammary lymph node as a mass. It's irrelevant - either Radiologist could have said "nodule" or "mass" or "node" or used any other word to describe the intramammary node. It doesn't mean anything. It's just the word they choose to indicate that the node is seen by the imaging.

    The words "oval, circumscribed hypoechoic mass with central echogenicity" mean that the mass is an intramammary lymph node. That's what an intramammary lymph node looks like on ultrasound imaging - it's oval, it's circumscribed (defined borders), it's hypoechoic (solid), and it has central echogenicity (the center reflects ultrasound waves) - those are the very specific features that tell the Radiologist that what the imaging is showing is a simple harmless normal intramammary lymph node.

    You've had two ultrasounds that say that you have nothing to worry about, and your OB/GYN told you that the intramammary lymph node is 'nothing'. So why don't you believe all these expects?

    Stop poking around your breast and go on with your life.

  • wrenn
    wrenn Member Posts: 2,707
    edited December 2016

    You need a different doctor and this forum needs to be moderated to better protect those with anxiety and to spare women who actually have cancer from these endless posts

  • Freya244117
    Freya244117 Member Posts: 603
    edited December 2016

    Wrenn, I absolutely agree with your post. This and all the spam are the reasons I have not joined this forum previously. I am sure I would not be the only one.

    Yummymommy, the best thing you can do for yourself is to get some type of treatment for your health anxiety issues, and stop fixating on breast cancer. In your opening post you said you posted for "reassurance purposes", the women on this forum are very kind and compassionate, we all know the fear of waiting for a dx. You have been dxd, you do NOT have breast cancer. You should be dancing with joy and looking forward to the rest of your life.

    IMO, it is selfish and insensitive to come back again and ask women WITH breast cancer to pander to your need for reassurance and attention. I apologise if I have offended or upset you, but you are focusing on the wrong area of your health.

  • yummymommy
    yummymommy Member Posts: 14
    edited December 2016

    i really do want to apologize i was insensitive in any sort of way to the women on this forum, i really wish you well and thank you for your replies..

    The reason i chose to post here is because i thought u ppl would have the most knowledge about the issue i am dealing with. After all, who else can u ask? My dr is very patient in answering all my questions...

  • Jujube43
    Jujube43 Member Posts: 178
    edited December 2016

    I think what the people here are trying to say is that while we know about our own cancers, most of us don't know about anxiety. As long as your Dr. is patient about answering your questions, I'm not sure what more we can add...

  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited December 2016

    "The reason i chose to post here is because i thought u ppl would have the most knowledge about the issue i am dealing with."

    Here's the thing. You are not dealing with any issue.

    - You've had two ultrasounds that have shown nothing suspicious or concerning; both been assessed by Radiologists as being BIRADs 2 ("BI-RADS II is a benign category in the breast imaging reporting and data system. A finding placed in this category should have essentially a 100% chance of being benign." Radiopaedia BIRADS II ).

    - Your Ob/Gyn has reviewed the ultrasound report and told you that there is nothing to worry about.

    - A lot of women here have taken the time to explain to you what your report is saying, and have assured you that the report is all good news, that it's saying that your breasts appear perfectly normal, and that there is nothing bad or concerning in the report.

    I get that you don't understand all the medical terms, and that you are unfamiliar with breast anatomy (for example, the fact that intramammary lymph nodes are completely normal).

    What I don't get is why you persist in thinking that because you don't understand something, it must be bad, even when everyone is telling you that everything is fine. What I don't get is why you think there is an issue, when everyone has told you that your imaging is normal.


  • Jujube43
    Jujube43 Member Posts: 178
    edited December 2016

    I am not "u ppl". Our experiences are unique We each have our own story and our own coping mechanisms. We are not a monolithic group

    and you should be very glad that you are not "u ppl"

  • nihahi
    nihahi Member Posts: 3,841
    edited December 2016

    I am glad that you have a patient doctor who explains things to you......but then why are you posting on a breast cancer forum when it has been explained to you that you don't have cancer ????

    Your "issue" is your anxiety. That is what you need to be dealing with, and clearly this is not the appropriate place to do so.

    Perhaps you believe it is more socially acceptable to have cancer and you are seeking the compassion and attention that you believe comes with a cancer dx??? I can assure you that breast cancer is not the "better" scenario in place of anxiety .

    I understand anxiety disorder . ...I have close family members who struggle with serious anxiety issues. It's a challenge to overcome . ..but you have to accept that this is not the appropriate way or place for you to be hanging out .

    You do not have breast cancer . ...take comfort in that and start to address what will give you a happier life .

  • Cowgirl13
    Cowgirl13 Member Posts: 1,936
    edited December 2016

    yummy, I strongly suggest that you see a psychiatrist who can correctly diagnose your anxiety issue. Not a general md as you really need specialized help with an expert who can correctly diagnose your issue. Please think about this.

  • yummymommy
    yummymommy Member Posts: 14
    edited December 2016

    So I spoke to my ob/gyn on the phone. he told my results are normal and of no concern. he claims that intrammary lymph node is there prob bec there is a 0.03 cm cyst. does that make sense?

    I'm feeling little better now. partly bec of speaking to him, and definitely bec women on those forum have been so kind to reassure me and answer my questions. That was really nice of you and I greatly appreciate it.

    just one more question if you don't mind. My dr mentioned to come in for clinical breast exam in 6 months to make sure cyst hasn't gotten bigger. (I would lie if I would say that doesn't make me worried at all...) but I wanted to hear your experience with cysts. when I took my first US, it was a day before I got my period. the 2nd one however, was 2 weeks later. so had it been hormone related, it would have gone away by the time the 2nd ultrasound was done. is that correct?

    did you ever have to follow up on cysts? have they gone away? gotten bigger?

  • wrenn
    wrenn Member Posts: 2,707
    edited December 2016

    Your claim to not want to be insensitive is feeling a bit inauthentic given that you keep coming back and asking cancer patients to take care of you.

    This is a cancer forum. You do not have cancer.

    Go someplace where you can be helped with your issue.

  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited December 2016

    We all have cysts in our breasts at any given time. 0.03 cm is so very tiny I'm surprised they could even measure it! Your cysts can come or go at whim depending on many factors and not just your periods. Drinking coffee can cause you to have breast cysts. Go figure!

  • Jujube43
    Jujube43 Member Posts: 178
    edited December 2016

    Ask your OB/GYN. I totally agree with wrenn.

  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited December 2016

    "when I took my first US, it was a day before I got my period. the 2nd one however, was 2 weeks later. so had it been hormone related, it would have gone away by the time the 2nd ultrasound was done. is that correct?"

    No, that is not correct.

    I've had more cysts than I can remember. Some have grown, some have stayed the same, some have shrunk, some have completely gone away. The changes can happen over a single cycle, or over years. None of it matters. Simple cysts are harmless and benign, whether they grow, stay the same, shrink, or disappear on their own.

    If a cyst grows large, it can become uncomfortable, either because of it's size or because it starts to press on a nerve. I've had cysts the size of golf balls - in my very small breast. So larger cysts are often aspirated. This is a quick simple painless procedure done in the doctor's office with a needle and syringe. The liquid is simply pulled out of the cyst and the cyst collapses. This isn't usually done for small cysts, and even when done, there is the possibility that the cyst could refill. My guess is that the only reason your doctor is suggesting a recheck of your cyst in 6 months is so that it can be aspirated if it becomes larger, before it causes any pain. Your doctor probably knows that you will panic if you start to have pain, even though a painful cyst is still a harmless cyst. And your doctor is probably just trying to be reassuring by letting you know that he will keep an eye on the situation, even though simple cysts don't require any follow-up. I have one that showed up on my mammogram last year; at the time I couldn't feel it but by this year's mammo it was quite noticeable, and it showed up much larger on this year's mammogram. No follow-up last year, no follow-up this year, no concerns at all.

    And you should have no concerns either.

    Now, go deal with your anxiety issues and stop worrying about your perfectly normal, healthy breasts.

  • yummymommy
    yummymommy Member Posts: 14
    edited December 2016

    i have a close family member that has close ties with breast center in my area, so i had him forward the actual images of my scan. they dr reviewed it and told me everything looks completely benign and normal. intrammary lymph node is totally normal.
    when i told her though that im a real worrier, and that i feel this lump.. she told me, if you are still concerned, you can come into breast center and we will check you, perhaps we will order an Mri if we can see anything on ultrasound?

    the 2nd a Dr mentions more testing, i cant control myself and go for more testing..
    what now? should i go? perhaps the ultrasound didnt show everything.. is that possible? or did the dr just want to have me as patient?
    im soo confused what to do.
    breast centers are always related to cancer so this makes me panic like crazy. just visiting the place triggers my HA terrible.
    but now i got a doubt that perhaps they didnt see everything. maybe what im feeling is not a node?

  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited December 2016

    everything looks completely benign and normal. intrammary lymph node is totally normal.

    MRI's are extremely uncomfortable and expensive and have lots of false positives. That would be a terrible idea.

    They are only telling you that they could POSSIBLY do one BECAUSE YOU KEEP INSISTING ON HOW ANXIOUS YOU ARE. There is NO CLINICAL INDICATION FOR ONE AT ALL. Insurance companies don't pay thousands of dollars for an MRI simply on the basis that you have an anxiety disorder.

    Stop. Just stop.

  • yummymommy
    yummymommy Member Posts: 14
    edited December 2016

    I agree, and I really don't want to take one! but why did she bother mentioning it? she kind of put in my mind that perhaps the ultrasound didn't pick up everything? is that possible?

    does it make sense the intramammary node should be palpable?

  • Jujube43
    Jujube43 Member Posts: 178
    edited December 2016

    Yummymommy,,.You have been told time and again by medical professionals that you do NOT have cancer. You totally ignore the advice that many here have kindly given to you. It's now time to address your anxiety in a forum that specifically addresses anxiety issues. That place is not here, we have cancer issues. Please get help....it's time to move on.

  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited December 2016

    I can't support this anymore. I'm done. Good luck yummymommy.

  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited December 2016

    Yummymommy, as Melissa said, STOP. Just Stop.

    Every doctor you have talked to or who has seen your imaging has said that everything is completely normal. HOWEVER, BECAUSE YOU TELL THEM HOW WORRIED AND ANXIOUS YOU ARE, EACH DOCTOR HAS TRIED TO EASE YOUR CONCERNS BY OFFERING UP AN ADDITIONAL TEST. These tests aren't being ordered because of your breasts - which are perfectly fine - they are being ordered because the doctors are trying to be kind to you. The doctors even tell you that. But rather than ease your mind, every time another test is suggested, you start to worry even more. You don't listen to what the doctors say about your imaging, which shows nothing abnormal, or about why they are offering up the test, which is simply because you tell them you are so worried.

    You are wasting the time of the women here who have been kind enough to respond to your posts. You have rudely ignored everything we have said.

    You are wasting the doctors' valuable time. You are wasting the time of the techs who do the tests.

    You are taking testing and appointment slots away from women who need them, causing women with real breast concerns to wait longer for their tests.

    You are wasting the money of whoever is paying for all your appointments and tests.

    STOP IT.

    Leave this board. You have way more than worn out your welcome here. Seek the appropriate help for your real issue, which has nothing to do with your breasts. Your issue is anxiety. Deal with that.

  • nihahi
    nihahi Member Posts: 3,841
    edited December 2016

    Why was Beesie's post removed???? I happen to agree with everything she mentioned.

  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited December 2016

    And we wonder why the reasonable voices no longer post..

  • wrenn
    wrenn Member Posts: 2,707
    edited December 2016

    Proof that it is about the numbers. They don't care about women with cancer. The site name needs to be changed to "breasts.org

    I'm done

  • Jujube43
    Jujube43 Member Posts: 178
    edited December 2016

    Beesie has been an invaluable resource for this community and I also happen to agree with her. If this community is now to become a place for anxiety issues I think many here will leave as we joined a cancer group.

  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited December 2016

    I too agree with Beesie and think her reasoning needs to be left in place so that new members or other people looking at this thread can understand the whole story. Otherwise I think the member that started this thread and continues to upset the community by her posts needs to be blocked from further posting.

  • Meadow
    Meadow Member Posts: 2,007
    edited December 2016

    yummy, I have no answer for you, like the wonderful ladies above. You seem to want a cancer diagnosis, or feel there is some benefit to you emotionally to be pursuing a cancer diagnosis. One day you may actually have cancer, you may see its not as scary or bad as you fear....or it may be a nightmare.....it is all in your approach, your fight, how much support you have, your team. You seem to have very patient people in your life, good for you! We here have lost patience with your refusal to accept the professional results you have received. Perhaps it makes me think, how I would have been so thrilled to get those results, and you keep coming back with reasons to worry. Get another hobby besides this one, go visit a nursing home, help others who are sick, or old, who need encouragement. There are so many things you can do with your time, your strength. Merry Christmas!

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