WELL...........

stacy_harp
stacy_harp Member Posts: 44
in Breast Cancer #1
General Surgeon today felt around on my breast (only right), he felt the lump after I told him where it was. He admitted that he hadnt even looked at the ultrasound images because the referral said "possible intramammary lymph node but lacked a hilum or vascular pedicle" not like I know what that means but he said he would only biopsy or remove it after I have waited 6 months. He kept saying "its only 7mm."

My PCM was beside himself as was I and he put in a "failure to establish therapeutic care/relationship" referral to a womens health clinic. Now only if military will approve it :( so needless to say I am still in the waiting game....

Has anyone ever heard of a benign lymph node lacking hilum or vascular pedicle?

Comments

  • roseann4
    roseann4 Member Posts: 992 Member
    #2
    I know that nodes can calcify.
    Cancer needs blood to feed itself so no vascular sounds like a goog thing. But, I'm certainly not an expert. I would go back to the surgeon and get more clarification.

    Roseann
  • jessiesmom1
    jessiesmom1 Member Posts: 915 Member
    #3
    General Surgeon Visit
    Hi Stacy,

    It so happens that I have an appt. tomorrow with my general surgeon. It is just a check-up as my last treatment was 18 months ago. I will ask him about your situation and see what he has to say. I am sorry that you are being put through the wringer by the military's medical system. Do you ever feel that they are not equipped to deal with women's issues? There may be a perfectly valid reason to wait and observe for 6 months but that would certainly not be my choice and would make me very anxious.

    IRENE
  • jessiesmom1
    jessiesmom1 Member Posts: 915 Member
    #4
    That Breast Lump
    Hi Stacy,

    I visited my general surgeon today for a checkup and mentioned your situation to him. Here is what he had to say:

    1. In general he believes that military doctors are not really equipped to deal with women and their health issues. You have to be a strong advocate for your own health.
    2. A 7mm growth IS small (likely Stage 1 IF it is cancer).
    3. If a woman wants a biopsy on a lump he never argues with her.
    4. He thinks waiting for 6 months is too long. He said he would go along with another clinical breast exam AND an ultrasound in 3 months. If the lump has grown then it needs to be biopsied.
    5. He was ready to see you himself but I told him you were an online friend and I do not even know where you live.

    I hope this was of some help. Keep us informed.

    IRENE
  • stacy_harp
    stacy_harp Member Posts: 44
    #5
    jessiesmom1 said:

    That Breast Lump
    Hi Stacy,

    I visited my general surgeon today for a checkup and mentioned your situation to him. Here is what he had to say:

    1. In general he believes that military doctors are not really equipped to deal with women and their health issues. You have to be a strong advocate for your own health.
    2. A 7mm growth IS small (likely Stage 1 IF it is cancer).
    3. If a woman wants a biopsy on a lump he never argues with her.
    4. He thinks waiting for 6 months is too long. He said he would go along with another clinical breast exam AND an ultrasound in 3 months. If the lump has grown then it needs to be biopsied.
    5. He was ready to see you himself but I told him you were an online friend and I do not even know where you live.

    I hope this was of some help. Keep us informed.

    IRENE

    you are amazing
    After reading your post I am even more assured that I have done the right thing by pushing the issue (eben if it turns out to be nothing). I got a referral approved to a Womens Breast Health Clinic (its actually the Glenda Vasicek Treatment center in Temple @ Scott & White). I have to call tomorrow for an ASAP appointment. I am relieved! I can not tell you how grateful I am for all of your help! I will definitely keep you updated
  • stacy_harp
    stacy_harp Member Posts: 44
    #6
    appointment
    well gang, I saw the general surgeon at the Breast Health Center and he sent me for a repeat mammogram and ultrasound today. they kept coming back taking different views and more ultrasound. They have decided that my little pea pod needs to be biopsied tomorrow since the "clear and concise margins" the military doctor saw when magnified werent so clear and concise afterall.
  • Megan M
    Megan M Member Posts: 3,000
    #7
    stacy_harp said:

    appointment
    well gang, I saw the general surgeon at the Breast Health Center and he sent me for a repeat mammogram and ultrasound today. they kept coming back taking different views and more ultrasound. They have decided that my little pea pod needs to be biopsied tomorrow since the "clear and concise margins" the military doctor saw when magnified werent so clear and concise afterall.

    I am so glad you are getting
    I am so glad you are getting the biopsy tomorrow Stacy. I will be praying that it will be benign. Please post as soon as you know anything.


    Hugs, Megan
  • jessiesmom1
    jessiesmom1 Member Posts: 915 Member
    #8
    stacy_harp said:

    appointment
    well gang, I saw the general surgeon at the Breast Health Center and he sent me for a repeat mammogram and ultrasound today. they kept coming back taking different views and more ultrasound. They have decided that my little pea pod needs to be biopsied tomorrow since the "clear and concise margins" the military doctor saw when magnified werent so clear and concise afterall.

    Biopsy Tomorrow
    I am so glad that your "little pea pod" is getting biopsied. This way you will know for sure just what it is you are dealing with. It sure is scary when the technician keeps coming back for more views during a mammogram or an ultrasound, isn't it? I imagine it will be several days until you get the pathology report from your doctor. Let us know when you hear.

    IRENE
  • stacy_harp
    stacy_harp Member Posts: 44
    #9
    jessiesmom1 said:

    Biopsy Tomorrow
    I am so glad that your "little pea pod" is getting biopsied. This way you will know for sure just what it is you are dealing with. It sure is scary when the technician keeps coming back for more views during a mammogram or an ultrasound, isn't it? I imagine it will be several days until you get the pathology report from your doctor. Let us know when you hear.

    IRENE

    it is very
    scary, especially when the other women in the waiting room keep giving you sad and sympathetic glances. The worst and best part was when the machine broke while compressing my boob LOL. I say best and worst because while it was extremely uncomfortable until she figured out to unplug it before it would release me, I couldnt help but laugh because she said, "please do not continue to hold your breath, this may take a minute" hahaha tension was cut right then.
  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598
    #10
    stacy_harp said:

    it is very
    scary, especially when the other women in the waiting room keep giving you sad and sympathetic glances. The worst and best part was when the machine broke while compressing my boob LOL. I say best and worst because while it was extremely uncomfortable until she figured out to unplug it before it would release me, I couldnt help but laugh because she said, "please do not continue to hold your breath, this may take a minute" hahaha tension was cut right then.

    I bet that hurt! Glad she
    I bet that hurt! Glad she finally figured out to unplug the machine for you.


    How did today go for you Stacy?


    Hugs, Lex
  • stacy_harp
    stacy_harp Member Posts: 44
    #11
    Alexis F said:

    I bet that hurt! Glad she
    I bet that hurt! Glad she finally figured out to unplug the machine for you.


    How did today go for you Stacy?


    Hugs, Lex

    Hey there
    I posted an update under "nerves" heading.
  • skipper54
    skipper54 Member Posts: 936 Member
    #12
    stacy_harp said:

    Hey there
    I posted an update under "nerves" heading.

    Glad you could chuckle if not laugh out loud
    Laughing while compressed can be painful!

    Hopoe all goes well. We'll be there with you watching to make sure everything is okay.
  • jnl
    jnl Member Posts: 3,869 Member
    #13
    stacy_harp said:

    Hey there
    I posted an update under "nerves" heading.

    Thinking of you Stacy and
    Thinking of you Stacy and sending prayers.


    Leeza
  • ltropic
    ltropic Member Posts: 4 Member
    #14
    stacy_harp said:

    Hey there
    I posted an update under "nerves" heading.

    HELP STACY_HARP
    I wanted to see what happened with your testing because I have a similar situation and cannot find the post. Please IM me the link or let me know what happened. I see my doc tomorrow.

    THANKS...hope all was OK with you :)

    Laura

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