New lump?

epgnyc
epgnyc Member Posts: 137
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I was diagnosed with Stage I idc of the left breast in May 2002 and finished with my lumpectomy, chemo and radiation in March 2003 (I was ER/PR-). A few weeks ago I thought I felt a new lump on the opposite breast, but it was elusive. I knew I had a check-up with my oncologist and breast surgeon in two weeks so I waited. Last week I saw my oncologist and he said, yes, he did feel something but it was "subtle" (that was his word). He said before he sent me for a mammo, ultra-sound, etc. (I have very dense breasts), he wanted my surgeon to see what she thought. I see her tomorrow and am very nervous. I am leaving for a two and a half week trip to Africa on Monday. I'm going on safari, which has been my life-long dream. I am hoping it will turn out to be nothing, but I am pretty much of a wreck. In any event, I have no intention of cancelling my trip. If the news is bad everything will have to wait until my return, but I so don't want anything to ruin the excitement and pleasure of fulfilling my dream. I'm having trouble not jumping right to the bad news.

Comments

  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #2
    Good idea!
    Wrap all the worry, anxiety, fear up in a pretty box and put it somewhere to find when you come home. Do your trip, and enjoy every minute!
    I went to Holland during my treatments...best thing I ever did...
    And if the news is not what you want...well....you will fight it AGAIN. You see, you beat it once, and so it is a LOSER...easier to beat this time. (This from me, a lady who after taking care of her colon cancer was told 5 months later that she had breast cancer...and am beating that, too!).
    Have a great trip, take lots of pics...
    Hugs, Kathi
  • SilverT_1
    SilverT_1 Member Posts: 1
    #3
    KathiM said:

    Good idea!
    Wrap all the worry, anxiety, fear up in a pretty box and put it somewhere to find when you come home. Do your trip, and enjoy every minute!
    I went to Holland during my treatments...best thing I ever did...
    And if the news is not what you want...well....you will fight it AGAIN. You see, you beat it once, and so it is a LOSER...easier to beat this time. (This from me, a lady who after taking care of her colon cancer was told 5 months later that she had breast cancer...and am beating that, too!).
    Have a great trip, take lots of pics...
    Hugs, Kathi

    Sweetheart, go live your dreams. I've been in your shoes, I had the same type of cancer, and my surgical onclogist and chemo oncologist keep me coming back to each every 3 months. Each year I have to have a PET scan, a brain MRI, a bone density scan, plus 3 months checkups for blood, mammos, etc. But I'm still here. Some of what you feel is probably radiational related tissue damage. At least mine is. I have also been scared more than once, or 15 times. The point is, if you trust your doctors sweetie, then listen to them. If you don't, go find another who makes you feel comfortable. I finally found docs who not only saved my life, but who treat me like family. Do what you can, when you can, and when you are tired, don't apologize to anyone, just rest. You deserve it, live your dream, and live your life. Luv and God Bless!!
  • katcam
    katcam Member Posts: 83
    #4
    i went thru the same thing as you - i had to see my surgeon 2 weeks before my wedding!! i was so upset but he let me wait until 2 weeks after the wedding to have the biopsies done and they turned out to be benign. WHEW!! i'm sending lots of good thoughts and prayers your way - go on your trip and have the time of your life!! :-)
  • epgnyc
    epgnyc Member Posts: 137
    #5
    Thank you for all your kind thoughts and good wishes. I saw my surgeon yesterday and had a mammo and ultrasound, and the results were that it's not anything I need to be concerned about. What a huge relief! Thanks again -- Africa here I come!

Discussion Boards