1 yr post treatment tests
Hello, friends
Tomorrow I am having a mammogram and ultrasound 11 months post radiation treatment. While I am most grateful that my tests November 1st only showed scar tissue, I am concerned about my pain and tenderness I keep reading that this feeling is normal, but I have also been sooooo tired lately (going to bed at 8pm some nights, not even having the energy to get changed.). I am currently "on tour" for the next 2 weeks - bloodwork, tests, surgeons, PCP , and onco. I plan to mention my extreme fatigue to everyone. Let's see who chooses to offer advice.
Thank you for your positivity, prayers, and advice. I have tried to keep myself in check as I approach this series of appointments, but as all of you know, it can be a stressful time. My family has been through so much with me over the past 2 years. I have not shared my concerns/fears with them. Thank you for being here for me to vent. I will return and post results after I see the surgeon next week.
Peace and prayers for all!
Kathy
Comments
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Good luck to you Teach 76!
Good luck to you Teach 76! Your apprehension is so understandable but hopefully reminding yourself that statistically your chances of a recurrance are low after completing treatment, and within a year, will help. Hopefully your doctors can provide some answers for the fatigue that you are feeling, but I know that sometimes stress can cause fatigue. As a fellow teacher, I hope that you are getting a chance to rest, destress, and focus on doing some of the things that you enjoy doing for summer break.
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Test result discussion today
My bloodwork came back all within normal ranges. I wish I could talk my PCP into letting me off the cholesterol medicine, but I already know that answer.
Mammogram of the affected breast was a little bizarre. After the first set of pictures I was asked when the last image was done. (Nov, 2016). I had to wait about a half hour for the radiologist to decide if an ultrasound was to be done. I told them I had the ultrasound paperwork first from the surgeon, but the breast center said they could not do it without the mammogram, so YES, an US is to be done. I am guessing that something strange showed up on the US. The radiologist said, " I would consider a biopsy, but the mammogram just shows fatty necrosis (scar tissue). Then they did 2 more 3D images. Return in 6 months just for another look.
I am seeing my surgeon on Monday, so we will have a lengthy discussion about my experience today. I would not be concerned except that my initial tumor connected itself to my chest wall, and that seemed to be the area of concern today. Of course, it could very well be scar tissue. I was told many patients experience twinges of pain and pinching for a while after treatment. She is very aggressive in treatment and taking her own look, so I expect a quick US with her.
Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement. After next week I can begin to destress and enjoy all that Summer has to offer!
Lemonade and watermelon all around! It will be nice to be in the sun this year soaking up some Vitamin D - a great change from last year during radiation when I became nocturnal!
Kathy
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ScanxietyTeach76 said:Test result discussion today
My bloodwork came back all within normal ranges. I wish I could talk my PCP into letting me off the cholesterol medicine, but I already know that answer.
Mammogram of the affected breast was a little bizarre. After the first set of pictures I was asked when the last image was done. (Nov, 2016). I had to wait about a half hour for the radiologist to decide if an ultrasound was to be done. I told them I had the ultrasound paperwork first from the surgeon, but the breast center said they could not do it without the mammogram, so YES, an US is to be done. I am guessing that something strange showed up on the US. The radiologist said, " I would consider a biopsy, but the mammogram just shows fatty necrosis (scar tissue). Then they did 2 more 3D images. Return in 6 months just for another look.
I am seeing my surgeon on Monday, so we will have a lengthy discussion about my experience today. I would not be concerned except that my initial tumor connected itself to my chest wall, and that seemed to be the area of concern today. Of course, it could very well be scar tissue. I was told many patients experience twinges of pain and pinching for a while after treatment. She is very aggressive in treatment and taking her own look, so I expect a quick US with her.
Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement. After next week I can begin to destress and enjoy all that Summer has to offer!
Lemonade and watermelon all around! It will be nice to be in the sun this year soaking up some Vitamin D - a great change from last year during radiation when I became nocturnal!
Kathy
Hi Kathy,
i understand how you feel. When surveillance time comes around, it is hard not to worry and feel anxious. Cancer survivors have a name for it, scanxiety! I has my first cancer almost 7 years ago. I am thinking of you and hoping that you get great results so that you can have a fun summer with loved ones! ! Hang in there!
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PRAYERS AND MUCH SUCCESS
PRAYERS AND MUCH SUCCESS TO EVERYONE...ALL OF US HAVE AND ARE GOING THRU DIFFERENT THINGS...BUT WE ARE STILL FIGHTING AND
>>LIVE YOUR LIFE..DONT SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF...TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. I have always been there for my daughter and helping her ..its all about me now and taking care of MYSELF..SHE NEED TO FIGURE THINGS OUT ON HER ON (GROWN LADY WITH KIDS NOW) ..I WILL CONTINUE TO SPOIL THE GRAND BABIES OF COURSE
AND GIVE HER ADVISE. bEEPOSITIVE 0 -
Final word . . . For now
I saw my surgeon today, and as expected, she did her own ultrasound. She agrees with the radiologist that the 3cm mass seems to be scar tissue (fat necrosis). As to the discomfort I have, there is not much to do for that - just continue massage and Tylenol. Being that the classification is "probably benign," I will have additional images in December. Now I hope to just put everything out of my mind and enjoy the Summer and planning my 2 daughters' weddings!
i am glad to share good news here! Thank you all for your prayers and support!
Kathy
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Great News!!
Congratulations on your good report and what fun planning two weddings! I hope that you find some relief from the ongoing pain!
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hugs
hugs
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Found recent post!
Hi Teach76,
I just scanned down and saw your recent posts. Glad you're coming along. It'll take time. What Stage dId they tell you you were? Get all the follow-up scans, etc. that are recommended. What subtype of BC did you have? Ductal? Lobular? I don't know if you brought that up in a previous post. Thanks. God Bless. Kats2
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Thanks, Kats2
Initial staging was 3 invasive ductal. Neoadjuvant chemo shrunk the tumor away from the pectoral muscle before surgery. Post surgery, 25 rounds of radiation. They feel the radiation is what caused the fat necrosis ( scar tissue). Both radiologist and surgeon did theit own ultrasound and both agree to recheck in December. Right now on Femara for 5 - 10 years. Trying to eat healthy and be active for now.
Thank you for your kindness!
Kathy
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