Crap.
I was hoping for an e-mail from my oncologist that went something like this:
“Your MRI results are back, and everything is great!”
But this is what I got:
“Your MRI report is attached; My take is that there are some low risk changes and that we should keep doing what we have been, the mammogram alternating with the MRI. Let me know if you want to talk.”
We talked. And my doctor said he thinks we are fine to just keep monitoring — even though the report said things like: There has been interval development of few small, less than 3 mm enhancing foci located more posteriorly within the right breast which demonstrate Type II enhancement curves. No space-occupying lesions are identified. No other concerning enhancing lesions are identified.
You see, tests like MRI are very sensitive, and they pick up all sorts of things. It’s all probably benign, it could be fibrous stuff, or hormonal stuff, who knows.
The “who knows” part is what scares me. Maybe it shouldn’t. The radiologists involved are apparently very cautious, and if they were worried, they would have recommended further action. Still, I’m going to have my surgeon and some others take a look at the report on Monday.
Some good news — everything on the left side is good, and that’s where the cancer was five years ago. It’s the right side that is causing trouble now.
More as the mystery unfolds.
Tags: low-risk changes, MRI, oncologist, surgeon
If only doctors had to experience all that you have then they would understand that the phrase “try not to worry” or “it’s probably nothing” are ridiculous! You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
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Thinking of you and knowing this is all precautionary. I know you are strong and healthy and will continue to be!!!!!
Very sorry to hear- went through the same thing last year on the other side with calcs on the mammo and enhancements on the mri, one year after treatment. Nothing like being plunged back in the darkness. I took solace in knowing that I made it through once, and I could do it again. Everything worked out fine for me, if that’s any reassurance. Good luck.
Your MRI sounds alot like mine did… although I have never had cancer, just high risk b/c of the family. Ended up having a biopsy a few months back, but it came back fine. Thank God.
I have a physical exam, 3 months later an MRI, 3 months later another physical exam, and then another 3 months later a mammogram. I see a breast specialist who put me on this plan b/c if I do end up having it, its going to be caught early.
You are in my prayers.
My oncologist actually rolls her eyes at radiologist sometimes. Radiologist are always very cautious.
I think you should take heart from this report. Once you’ve had cancer, just about every hangnail gets written up as “suspicious of cancer,” so I’m guessing you’re home free with this one. Good luck in any case.
I hope it’s all fine, Jacki. I wish I could take this faint uncertainty away. You are doing everything in your power to live a healthy life — I admire that.
What a wonderful wealth of information you have shared. I was diagnosed on 09/09/09 (”you have breast cancer”). Currently undergoing the chemo. What nasty stuff you go through. I am half way through my chemo and cannot wait until Spring! Thanks again for sharing.