biopsy results

sandysp
sandysp Member Posts: 868 Member

Hi everyone,

I heard from Dr. Lee and Dr. Mendelssohn (the GI) doctor.

The needle biopsy came back negative (Yeah!) which should mean that the consolidated cystic mass is not cancer. BUT, somewhere along the way in doing the Bronchoscopy the pathologists said were Squamous cells. He said he is going to press the pathologists for still more clarified information. (I'm thinking - are they squamous anal cancer cells?) They also found a mold culture growing in my right lung. YUCK! (for some reason that seems really yucky). I will be undergoing more testing for a clearer diagnosis and treatment in the coming weeks. Blood and sputum tests. (I have never been good at coughing up sputum which is one of my issues all along since birth) but he says that they know how to deal with my types there:-/ 

So I am in a watch and wait thing. I have to have another CT scan in October (3months from last scan). He says if it is growing it may still need to be resectioned at some point whether it is cancer or not. 

Thanks for your help through all this. I feel as though I have been carried with all the support and prayers from our community here and in my personal life.

I have needed the support. I had an argument with my husband on the phone last night - re: dismissiveness, and my punishment is he isn't going to call me for the rest of his motorcycle trip:-0!  I have been in a state he cannot fathom and so he ran away while telling me he knows I am okay, all along he's known, etc. I told him he was full of "__it". Unfortunately the dogs were barking and I wound up telling him that very loudly, making matters even more hurtful to him. Oh well. I emailed him an apology. What else can I do except reassure him I love him which I also did. Last time I used a bad word loudly with him he had a bad motorcycle accident the same day. The roads are dangerous in the mountains of West Virginia. He is having a great time but his focus is important. The state of affairs with my diagnosis did not distract him but my hurtful language hit him hard. I didn't want him to get back on the bike without me making amends.

I should have just been content with having y'all to support me.

Fondly,

Sandy

 

 

 

 

Comments

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    Sandy

    It's certainly good news about your biopsy results!  I am breathing a huge sigh of relief for you.  I hope that resection won't be necessary.  Where were those squamous cells located exactly?  Do you or your doctors know yet?  I was hoping all questions would be answered for you with this, but I guess with so many of these procedures, the quest for answers leads to more questions.  Frown  I hope the next scan will show that whatever is there has decreased in size.

    I'm sorry you and your husband had some words.  It happens between my husband and me more often than it used to.  I think it's another one of the fringe "benefits" from cancer.  You will smooth things out and all will be well.  In the meantime, we are always here for you.  Take care, my sweet friend!

    Martha

     

  • 0626june
    0626june Member Posts: 73
    Hi Sandy,

    yay on the biopsy and I'm with Martha on the resectioning...perhaps it will not need to be done.  I've certainly noticed the dynamics in my marriage have changed through this ordeal or "gift" :) I am so grateful to my husband for supporting me through this, that it has made things lopsided....I know to my bones that I would have done the same for him, were the situation reversed, and it's what we promised each other we'd do when we got married....So, with me being so grateful, I feel like I can't even critisize him or offer an different opinion than his about anything because, after all, he stood by me through this...Well, that can only go so long, right?? Then I blow up, fly off the handle about something miniscule, when it's really the 20+ other situations that went on before in which I kept quiet.  So, here's what we all need to remember...we're the same fabulous people who we were before, and now that we've had this profound, life changing experience, we're even better thasn before and our partners are damn lucky! And for me I need to remember...this is an equal partnership...I get to speak up.  Somehow in all of this, my sense of self worth got left behind...no pun intended.

    Take care of yourself during this time.  We're here for you.

    June

  • sandysp
    sandysp Member Posts: 868 Member
    mp327 said:

    Sandy

    It's certainly good news about your biopsy results!  I am breathing a huge sigh of relief for you.  I hope that resection won't be necessary.  Where were those squamous cells located exactly?  Do you or your doctors know yet?  I was hoping all questions would be answered for you with this, but I guess with so many of these procedures, the quest for answers leads to more questions.  Frown  I hope the next scan will show that whatever is there has decreased in size.

    I'm sorry you and your husband had some words.  It happens between my husband and me more often than it used to.  I think it's another one of the fringe "benefits" from cancer.  You will smooth things out and all will be well.  In the meantime, we are always here for you.  Take care, my sweet friend!

    Martha

     

    squamous cells

    I don't know the answer to the "where exactly" question. In the lower lobe there was no consolidation but there was an opaque ground glass opacity. He said he wasn't going to concern himself with the lower lobe but maybe the bronchoscopy got within range of that area?  Maybe it was in the area of the consolidated cystic mass from the other direction than the needle biopsy which was through the esophagus. Another Pulmonologist told me he would not be able to scope the entire bottom lobe. She told me there was a chance of things being inconclusive for one reason because of this. But Dr. Lee assured me he believed the results would be 96-97% conclusive when I asked him. But on the phone last night, when I pressed the issue, he admitted the results were inconclusive but said he would review the reports with the pathologists. He mentioned removal of the mass if it grows but I know because of the location that's not an easy surgery to accomplish or endure. Of course, I am sure it can be done since he mentioned it, but I am getting my affairs in order. Things always move quickly at MSKCC once the doctors are on a case.

    All I can do right now besides the above, which I thought were in order until recent developments, is the next step which, I guess is to make sure the CT scan is scheduled and the blood tests and sputum samples, etc. Normally the doctor's office does that for me but since I didn't hear from them, I need to call them in the a.m.

    We only have one day at a time anyway. I'm feeling okay today:-)

    Fondly,

    Sandy

     

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    sandysp said:

    squamous cells

    I don't know the answer to the "where exactly" question. In the lower lobe there was no consolidation but there was an opaque ground glass opacity. He said he wasn't going to concern himself with the lower lobe but maybe the bronchoscopy got within range of that area?  Maybe it was in the area of the consolidated cystic mass from the other direction than the needle biopsy which was through the esophagus. Another Pulmonologist told me he would not be able to scope the entire bottom lobe. She told me there was a chance of things being inconclusive for one reason because of this. But Dr. Lee assured me he believed the results would be 96-97% conclusive when I asked him. But on the phone last night, when I pressed the issue, he admitted the results were inconclusive but said he would review the reports with the pathologists. He mentioned removal of the mass if it grows but I know because of the location that's not an easy surgery to accomplish or endure. Of course, I am sure it can be done since he mentioned it, but I am getting my affairs in order. Things always move quickly at MSKCC once the doctors are on a case.

    All I can do right now besides the above, which I thought were in order until recent developments, is the next step which, I guess is to make sure the CT scan is scheduled and the blood tests and sputum samples, etc. Normally the doctor's office does that for me but since I didn't hear from them, I need to call them in the a.m.

    We only have one day at a time anyway. I'm feeling okay today:-)

    Fondly,

    Sandy

     

    Sandy

    I don't know how comforting it is to know this, but we all wait for those answers with you because you are so very special to us.  We all want answers for you and the best possible news.  I'm glad you're feeling okay and I hope you have a restful night.  Hugs!

    Martha

  • sephie
    sephie Member Posts: 650 Member
    thinking of you

    hey,  so glad for biopsy good report..... so sorry for your worry about hubby....i have had words with my hubby also over my reactions and worries about this anal c. stuff.... they look at us like all is well now  but we all know that it still scares us for each and every little thing...... i used to be so tough and nothing medical scared me.... now everything does and i want everyone to wash their hands and all health care nurses to wear gloves...... i just had a biopsy done on arm.... doc wore gloves but nurse did not..... she was touching my arm and placing the 2 x 2 guaze and etc..... really upset me.... i kept quiet.... did not have enough courage to telll the nurse...... but i will not go to that dermo office again......sephie

  • sandysp
    sandysp Member Posts: 868 Member
    sephie said:

    thinking of you

    hey,  so glad for biopsy good report..... so sorry for your worry about hubby....i have had words with my hubby also over my reactions and worries about this anal c. stuff.... they look at us like all is well now  but we all know that it still scares us for each and every little thing...... i used to be so tough and nothing medical scared me.... now everything does and i want everyone to wash their hands and all health care nurses to wear gloves...... i just had a biopsy done on arm.... doc wore gloves but nurse did not..... she was touching my arm and placing the 2 x 2 guaze and etc..... really upset me.... i kept quiet.... did not have enough courage to telll the nurse...... but i will not go to that dermo office again......sephie

    amazing

    I almost didn't share about the husband thing but listening to what everyone is sharing here, I am so comforted. We have such a strong bond because of our similar experiences. I also believe, Martha, in spite of all the problems it was a gift. I am so much more grateful for every breath and so thankful when I can control my bodily functions all day! The thought of being sick is very frightening to me but not so much with my friends here.

    I have researched the Mold culture aspect of what Dr. Lee told me and found out that the chronic mold infection could have caused all my lung problems the ground glass opacity and the mass. It is common in people with immune deficiency but rare in the general population. No wonder Dr. Lee kept his focus there when he spoke with me. That is so treatable. The squamous cells are the only odd ball but sometimes our own immune systems can flush out rogue cells so I am hanging in here hopefully. Hope is part of our anatomy. It functions in a profound manner throughout our lives. I have it again. The infusions should help me with this. My immunoglobulin G level after 6 months of infusions is almost normal now. Wooo hooooo!

    I'll definitely make my appointments tomorrow.

    Fondly,

    Sandy

  • pializ
    pializ Member Posts: 508 Member
    sandysp said:

    amazing

    I almost didn't share about the husband thing but listening to what everyone is sharing here, I am so comforted. We have such a strong bond because of our similar experiences. I also believe, Martha, in spite of all the problems it was a gift. I am so much more grateful for every breath and so thankful when I can control my bodily functions all day! The thought of being sick is very frightening to me but not so much with my friends here.

    I have researched the Mold culture aspect of what Dr. Lee told me and found out that the chronic mold infection could have caused all my lung problems the ground glass opacity and the mass. It is common in people with immune deficiency but rare in the general population. No wonder Dr. Lee kept his focus there when he spoke with me. That is so treatable. The squamous cells are the only odd ball but sometimes our own immune systems can flush out rogue cells so I am hanging in here hopefully. Hope is part of our anatomy. It functions in a profound manner throughout our lives. I have it again. The infusions should help me with this. My immunoglobulin G level after 6 months of infusions is almost normal now. Wooo hooooo!

    I'll definitely make my appointments tomorrow.

    Fondly,

    Sandy

    Sandy

    So glad to hear of your news. We are all hoping for the best possible outcome for you. 

    Squamous cells are found in the respiratory & digestive tracts, so I am thinking along the lines of it's ok for them to have been found during this procedure.  You seem to have the best doctors, so you can feel confident that they will work out the most appropriate way forward. I'm not sure, but there's such a thing known as 'farmer's lung' & I think that is linked to mould too. 

    Hubby! Well you know the person he is, & for some that is a typical response. My dear friend was awaiting iinvestigation results regarding the confirmation of MND diagnosis. Her partner escaped to Spain. Sadly, the diagnosis was confirmed,  so he had to face it when he returned anyway.  I think I would have at least rippled about your hubby's remark about knowing it would be ok. You see, my point is, if THEY know it, why do the EXPERTS have to bother with investigations? However, having a spat when he's away & knowing the circumstances,   I too would apologise (even if I still felt I was right.....). 

    But Sandy, we are all with you & await your postings. Internationally there are few of us, but although small in number, we have a united strength.

    A woman is like a tea bag. You never know how strong she is until you out her in hot water

    Liz x

     

  • nicotianna
    nicotianna Member Posts: 209
    Sandy

    Thinking of you & wishing you a positive resolution to the findings.  Your docs seem to be good!

    Nic

  • qv62
    qv62 Member Posts: 434 Member
    sandysp

    So glad to hear your biopsy came back negatve What good news, I know you still have to tackle the other obstacles but one step at a time, I had a feeling you would kinow by Tuesday :) As for hubby, I can relate, they haven't been through what we have so they just "don't get it" I have my scans  this Fri and of course have been on edge so I"m just thinking it's just a matter of time before we have words and when I come home from the scans on Fri, he'll ask "where have you been" ? I just have to let it roll, so I say to you my friend "let it roll" I'm sure he is missing you and needs some time to himself as well. We all handle stress so differently and the closer it gets to Fri the more stressed I'm getting so I need to let it roll till I have answers next week. Hope you have more answers soon, things are looking up from your unknown state last week. xo

  • sandysp
    sandysp Member Posts: 868 Member
    pializ said:

    Sandy

    So glad to hear of your news. We are all hoping for the best possible outcome for you. 

    Squamous cells are found in the respiratory & digestive tracts, so I am thinking along the lines of it's ok for them to have been found during this procedure.  You seem to have the best doctors, so you can feel confident that they will work out the most appropriate way forward. I'm not sure, but there's such a thing known as 'farmer's lung' & I think that is linked to mould too. 

    Hubby! Well you know the person he is, & for some that is a typical response. My dear friend was awaiting iinvestigation results regarding the confirmation of MND diagnosis. Her partner escaped to Spain. Sadly, the diagnosis was confirmed,  so he had to face it when he returned anyway.  I think I would have at least rippled about your hubby's remark about knowing it would be ok. You see, my point is, if THEY know it, why do the EXPERTS have to bother with investigations? However, having a spat when he's away & knowing the circumstances,   I too would apologise (even if I still felt I was right.....). 

    But Sandy, we are all with you & await your postings. Internationally there are few of us, but although small in number, we have a united strength.

    A woman is like a tea bag. You never know how strong she is until you out her in hot water

    Liz x

     

    Ha, ha!

    I love that Tea Bag remark. It is so true. I realize that when I am in the 105 degree room in Bikram Yoga holding a posture where I am looking at the back wall, holding my ankles in a back bend or one of the other amazing postures I seem to be able to do when I stop letting negativity occupy space in my head:-)

    Thanks for your friendship. Your post very deeply touched me and then made me laugh!

    I nominate you for the quote of the month!

    Sincerely,

    Sandy

  • sandysp
    sandysp Member Posts: 868 Member
    qv62 said:

    sandysp

    So glad to hear your biopsy came back negatve What good news, I know you still have to tackle the other obstacles but one step at a time, I had a feeling you would kinow by Tuesday :) As for hubby, I can relate, they haven't been through what we have so they just "don't get it" I have my scans  this Fri and of course have been on edge so I"m just thinking it's just a matter of time before we have words and when I come home from the scans on Fri, he'll ask "where have you been" ? I just have to let it roll, so I say to you my friend "let it roll" I'm sure he is missing you and needs some time to himself as well. We all handle stress so differently and the closer it gets to Fri the more stressed I'm getting so I need to let it roll till I have answers next week. Hope you have more answers soon, things are looking up from your unknown state last week. xo

    Are we married to the same guy?

    That has happened to me before! Unbelievable. I am so different. When there is something wrong with him (He was really sick with Lyme disease once) I almost went nuts! He was not diagnosed until he had Bells Palsey and the whole side of his face was paralyzed. I almost took a bat to the doctors office to get him the antibiotics. REALLY - I thought about it - a lot:-)

    Hope to see you soon, Lisa. When you get your strength back and come into the city.

    Fondly,

    Sandy

  • sandysp
    sandysp Member Posts: 868 Member

    Sandy

    Thinking of you & wishing you a positive resolution to the findings.  Your docs seem to be good!

    Nic

    Thanks - you would know about docs and procedures:-)

    How are you? Anything new?

    All the best,

    Sandy

  • Ouch_Ouch_Ouch
    Ouch_Ouch_Ouch Member Posts: 508 Member
    sandysp said:

    Are we married to the same guy?

    That has happened to me before! Unbelievable. I am so different. When there is something wrong with him (He was really sick with Lyme disease once) I almost went nuts! He was not diagnosed until he had Bells Palsey and the whole side of his face was paralyzed. I almost took a bat to the doctors office to get him the antibiotics. REALLY - I thought about it - a lot:-)

    Hope to see you soon, Lisa. When you get your strength back and come into the city.

    Fondly,

    Sandy

    Sheesh

    sandysp, I am so sorry that your testing didn't resolve all issues for you. When you were told squamous cells, were they normal or abnormal?

    Whenever I was crabby to my husband over the past few months, he asked me if I needed to take some pain meds! I found it a bit dismissive about half the time, but on target the other half. My husband expressed his fears by hovering over me, practically non-stop, in a smothering way. Maybe yours is expressing (or suppressing) his by trying to get away from the situation. Perhaps he's been thinking about your illness the whole time and working things through in his mind.

    My fingers, toes, and eyes are all crossed for you.

  • sandysp
    sandysp Member Posts: 868 Member

    Sheesh

    sandysp, I am so sorry that your testing didn't resolve all issues for you. When you were told squamous cells, were they normal or abnormal?

    Whenever I was crabby to my husband over the past few months, he asked me if I needed to take some pain meds! I found it a bit dismissive about half the time, but on target the other half. My husband expressed his fears by hovering over me, practically non-stop, in a smothering way. Maybe yours is expressing (or suppressing) his by trying to get away from the situation. Perhaps he's been thinking about your illness the whole time and working things through in his mind.

    My fingers, toes, and eyes are all crossed for you.

    Hard to do it right, I guess

    Dr. Lee said they weren't supposed to be there and he was going to check for more information from Pathology. I don't know what if anything he found out about the squamous cells. He was very focused on the mold culture. Apparently mold can cause abnormal cellular activity.

    He was at a conference yesterday so I didn't get to talk to him. My husband puts up defensive walls automatically. I don't think he had anything on his mind but having a good time. He can compartmentalize very well. He was shaken by what happened yesterday, though. I sent him a selfie from the guerney. I went to the downstairs bedroom so he could sleep last night. Oxicodone wasn't enough to relieve the pain for me to sleep. Maybe tonight will be better.

    Thanks for sending the positive energy.

    Fondly,

    Sandy