Well, I thought I was in the clear regarding my PET scan---sigh :(

missrenee
missrenee Member Posts: 2,136 Member
Saw my oncologist Tuesday. She told me my PET scan showed no evidence of disease in any organs or even bone (not even where the previous met was seen in T-12)! Yippee! BUT, she did say one lymph node in the affected side did show uptake and was enlarged. However, she said she was 99% sure it was probably swelling left over from my mastectomy on 10/10. I told her I didn't even know I had any lymph nodes left--surgeon took out 23 when I had my lumpectomy almost 3 years ago. She said she would send the PET scan results over to my surgeon, but as far as she was concerned it was all good.

Well, my surgeon's office called me today. He has reviewed the PET, read the report and wants to see me in his office next week to "talk to me." Hmmmmm. Don't know what that means, but I'm thinking, can't be good.

Anyway, a brief feeling of elation only to be once again dashed with feelings of fear and doubt. I hate this crap.

Hugs, Renee

Comments

  • RozHopkins
    RozHopkins Member Posts: 578 Member
    Good luck
    with appointment. We can never relax can we......... Tell us how things go. TRY not to worry yourself TOO much.
  • SIROD
    SIROD Member Posts: 2,194 Member
    Axillary Lymph Nodes
    From what I understand about axillary lymph nodes, there are 3 levels. When they remove lymph nodes with a dissection with the initial diagnose it is from level 1. You had 23 removed at level 1. I had 27 removed at level one. My surgeon told me to imagine grapes, I don't count them when I buy them do I? They grab a bunch of nodes, some have more than others.

    Four years later, I had a tumor in the axillary and insisted it be removed. My surgeon wasn't keen on it as we knew it was near the axillary vein (large vein in arm) and had sucked in a nerve (caused of pain and that how it was discovered). He removed the tumor wrapped around the large axillary vein and level 2 nodes, then reached up, taking a sample few of level 3 nodes. I was lucky the large arm nerve was buried in scar tissue at level one. He cut the two nerves from the tumor.

    I should never have insisted on that 2nd dissection, it has caused neuropathy in that area.

    Here is a where you can see an illustration of all the levels of axillary lymph nodes along with other nodes in color:

    http://www.breastcancer.org/pictures/breast_anatomy/axillary_lymph_nodes

    Hoping it is inflammatory node caused by your surgery last summer.

    Wishing the best, Renee,

    Doris
  • RE
    RE Member Posts: 4,591 Member
    Dang it!
    Oh Renee I am so sorry that you now have to wait to hear what he wishes to discuss with you, lets hope it is simply precautionary stuff. I know I hate this crap too! Enjoy your weekend, go out do something that brings you joy!

    Hugs,

    RE
  • Jean 0609
    Jean 0609 Member Posts: 2,462
    Sending positive thoughts & vibes your way
    Hope it is nothing dear Renee. What day is your appointment? Keep us posted.

    xoxo,
    Jean
  • ladyg
    ladyg Member Posts: 1,577
    Sorry you had your elation ended so soon. I think if a dr. calls and says he need to "talk to you" it should be done that same day not a week later. Don't they realize the stress we feel. I hope all goes well when you do see him. Try not to worry too much.

    Hugs,
    Georgia
  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    Renee, I am praying that this is benign. Sending good thoughts!
  • sbmly53
    sbmly53 Member Posts: 1,522
    What day next week?
    I plan on holding my breath and crossing my fingers, besides the very positive thoughts, wishes and prayers.

    Much love,

    Sue
  • camul
    camul Member Posts: 2,537
    Hope
    they left a few stray nodes when they did the mastectomy. I am choosing to stay positive as your tumors have been so responsive, and I am sending you lots of positive energy! Spend time with that beautiful baby this weekend and hopefully you won't think about it.

    Hugs Renee,
    Carol
  • No News is Good News
    Dear Renee

    Until you hear what the surgeon has to tell you, consider it this way...no news is good news.

    Best of luck. Sending you tons of hugs and positive energy.

    Lots of Love,
    Janelle
  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294
    camul said:

    Hope
    they left a few stray nodes when they did the mastectomy. I am choosing to stay positive as your tumors have been so responsive, and I am sending you lots of positive energy! Spend time with that beautiful baby this weekend and hopefully you won't think about it.

    Hugs Renee,
    Carol

    Yes your beautiful baby will help you to stay in the moment
    Cancer ghost never let us go. Sending positive thoughts and hoping for false alert .
    Hugs
  • heart-in-hand
    heart-in-hand Member Posts: 92
    This is just too much.
    Let me guess...the surgeon didn't say that to you...his nurse did? or his secretary? I am so sick of the way they treat the patients. We need to talk crap? Why can't we just talk now? hmmmmm? I am sorry that you have to go through this waiting game because he/she could not talk right now! Kay wishing karma back on them......Is the office visit fee just so damned important to them?

    I am so sick of this kind of unemotional unfeeling, non-human treatment!
    GGRRRRRRRR

    Kay
  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member

    This is just too much.
    Let me guess...the surgeon didn't say that to you...his nurse did? or his secretary? I am so sick of the way they treat the patients. We need to talk crap? Why can't we just talk now? hmmmmm? I am sorry that you have to go through this waiting game because he/she could not talk right now! Kay wishing karma back on them......Is the office visit fee just so damned important to them?

    I am so sick of this kind of unemotional unfeeling, non-human treatment!
    GGRRRRRRRR

    Kay

    Miss Renee --
    I would be a little concerned, and confused by the comments made. After loosing a
    night or two of sleep, I would be calling the doctor's office -- repeatedly.
    Insisting that I get an appointment ... NOW.

    I understand that many women, and men are suffering -- going thru treatment, needing
    guidance, however, YOU are important. YOU, are not just a number -- YOU, need
    information, and his medical expertise, NOW.

    Congratulations on the positive, new regarding the being in remission on previous
    growths.

    Waiting the most difficult things for me to do.

    Gentle hugs ..

    Vicki Sam
  • Gabe N Abby Mom
    Gabe N Abby Mom Member Posts: 2,413
    Renee, I am not a very patient person. I don't think I could wait till next week "to talk"...give me the news now. I don't care about the method of delivery, email, phone, in person...just don't make me wait. I applaud your patience, but I'm very sorry you even have reason to practice patience. I'm also glad your onc and your surgeon are being thorough. Please let us know what the surgeon says.

    Hugs,

    Linda
  • carkris
    carkris Member Posts: 4,553 Member

    Renee, I am not a very patient person. I don't think I could wait till next week "to talk"...give me the news now. I don't care about the method of delivery, email, phone, in person...just don't make me wait. I applaud your patience, but I'm very sorry you even have reason to practice patience. I'm also glad your onc and your surgeon are being thorough. Please let us know what the surgeon says.

    Hugs,

    Linda

    I agree they cant just drop
    I agree they cant just drop a bomb and leave you dangling, its cruel. I am loving hearing that the bones and other organs look clear. They may need to talk to you about what you want to do about the other area. i doubt they know for sure what it is.
  • MsGebby
    MsGebby Member Posts: 659
    Oh my goodness
    I feel anxious along with you. I pray and pray and pray that the news is not bad. I mean, maybe the doc wants to discuss what he saw and tell you that perhaps it's nothing but he/she might want to get a closer look. I don't know. I just want everything to be OK.

    Hugs and love coming your way.

    xoxo
    Mary
  • LoveBabyJesus
    LoveBabyJesus Member Posts: 1,679 Member
    Renee - -I am sorry you are worried about this new development. I wonder if this is due to the fact that there are other nodes missing, causing additional fluids not to flow? I always wonder about this because I had edema in my breast. I have a friend who has a similar problem, her node (from her back, affected area) got enlarged. She did a biopsy and it was OK. I too had an enlarged node under my arm and it was also biopsied and it was b9. I know nodes can enlarge for different reasons, so I pray that yours will turn out OK.

    Please keep us posted and try to stay positive at all times.

    Hugs
  • sdukowitz
    sdukowitz Member Posts: 250
    Prayers and positive wishes
    Prayers and positive wishes for good news .... sorry about the waiting! Sue D
  • mom62
    mom62 Member Posts: 604 Member
    Thinking of you
    Renee,

    I hope your appointment is early this week and you get the answer to your questions. It may just be a follow up appointment to let you know why it looks that way. I had a CT scan done and the oncologist said everything was good. I still wasn't feeling well so I went to my thoracic surgeon and he told me my liver which had been pinned down when I had surgery had come "unpinned" and if I wanted they could go in and fix it. I was glad to find an answer, my oncologist didn't say anything about seeing the surgeon. I thought it may just be scar tissue. My point is he may just want to explain what the oncologist can't because it's not her area of expertise. Here's praying you get good news. Hugs.

    Terry