Not diaganosed - Consult on Thursday

Options
ccccccc
ccccccc Member Posts: 66
Hi,
I've been posting on the "Not diagnosed but worried" forum for a little over a month now I think. My last post was about my concerns about IBC. Can you tell me what you think?

Here is how my symptoms progressed as well as tests I've had (which are also in some of my previous posts).

lumpy painless tissue about 1" in diameter
followed by a lymph node swelling under same side armpit about 2 weeks later
2 more axillary nodes swelling w/in the next week, supraclavicular lymph node swelling a week later (last Fri).
Ultrasound clean
Chest x ray clean
CBC normal

Lumpy area now taking up about half of my breast
Currently breast is slightly enlarged w/ achy pain and warmth
Axillary Lymph nodes 3/4", 3/4" and 1"
Supraclavicular Lymph node about the size of a pea

With my symptoms and current test results, should I be concerned?
My consult w/ a surgeon is this Thurs. to find out which node they will biopsy. Is this taking too long? I understand that this is a highly aggressive type of cancer and am worried that things are going slowly.

Comments

  • Squeaker
    Squeaker Member Posts: 87
    edited June 2007
    You should be concerned if you weren't listening to or watching the changes you've described. Hang in there until you have your consult. It's maybe just 48 hrs away??? IBC
    can present in a variety of ways. Don't think the worst immediately, you'll have more answers soon enough and then you'll be able to move forward. Good luck and you know where to find us if you need more help.
  • ccccccc
    ccccccc Member Posts: 66
    edited June 2007
    Thanks.
    The time has gone by so slowly. I am nearly counting the hours. Hopefully they will schedule the biopsy soon after the consult. I'd like them to do it that day, but my appt. is only 1/2 hr so I doubt they will.
    I had my 1st nightmare about all this last night and woke up sick to my stomach and super upset. I hope I don't have any more like it, it was very graphic.
    When they do a biopsy, do they ever put you under and tell you they're going to remove the "bad" area and if they find it's anything they will continue removing stuff? I dreamt that happened and they would just keep going until there was nothing left and then the breast was too badly messed up for reconstruction.
    I'm sorry if that was too much detail.

    I also want to say how glad I am I found this site, how happy I am that you are all so supportive, yet how sad I am to know that you are all dealing with this devastating disease. You are all such wonderful and strong women and I want you to know how much those of us who are scared by this appreciate your support.
  • Squeaker
    Squeaker Member Posts: 87
    edited June 2007
    Right now is maybe the hardest time of this whole experience. You fear the worst and your mind goes on hyper overdrive ... hence you have a night like last night. So sorry! We've ALL been there many, many times. Remember whatever happens, knowledge is power. Biopsies are done in numerous ways. For IBC suspicions, the std is a core needle biopsy. (I'm sure you can read more specifics on biopsies somewhere on this site.) In most situations, your doc is there to get tissue samples only and not do a procedure, so no one is going to do anything to you until they/you know what's really going on. The pathologist determines that when he examines the samples that will be taken. Sometimes, you just have to have patience ... not one of my finer points I might add! I know it's hard.
    Be well, treat yourself kindly and when you know what's up, let us know, OK??
  • ccccccc
    ccccccc Member Posts: 66
    edited June 2007

    Consult in the morning. Feeling OK. (anxiety meds are wonderful) Want to add new symptom... I noticed this a few days or so ago and wasn't sure what was going on... Now I can see a hint of blue and know that there are several new veins on my breast under my nipple and to one side... very prominent "skin puffing" over the new veins when I raise my arms. My hope is that this is nothing and someday down the line someone will frantically be reading post after post of peoples symptoms and find mine which is nearly identical and that the person will find relief because in the end... despite all of these "symptoms" my problem is benign. Heres hopin!

  • Lauralynne
    Lauralynne Member Posts: 123
    edited June 2007
    7seas- (ccccccc)
    I am hopin its nothing too. What great news that would be if it was something easily treatable like an simple infection. Post here on Thursday after your consult and let us know what was said. Sometimes doctors can misdiagnose inflammatory breast cancer thinking it is mastitis. Of course that would be much better than a diagnosis of IBC, for sure!

    Good luck tomorrow.
    We are all here for you and wishing you the best.

    Laura
  • lexi4
    lexi4 Member Posts: 1,074
    edited June 2007
    Ccccccc,

    Hoping for a benign result. Please know that you are in my thoughts.

    Hugs and Prayers,
    Lexi

Categories