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Hi Karen,
I have the radiologist report. "Multiple view demonstrates minimal symmetric fibroglandular change. No dominant mass is seen. No malignant calcifications are seen. There is an ovoid mass in the right axillary region, which is likely an enlarged lymph node. This is clearly asymmetrical. Further evaluation and correlation with clinical findings is warranted".
Here's the question. If the N.P. didn't really feel around that area, and I'm not scheduled to see her, and I can't feel this, how am I supposed to keep an eye on it and do the "self exams" as I am requested to do every month? I'm to see the N.P. in 6 months as I am to repeat the mammogram. In my humble opinion, she didn't do anything to find anything "clinical" and I don't have much confidence that she'll do a better exam the second time around. She never palpated under my arm. The breast itself was normal. Can I kinda relax now? Or is 6 months too long to wait?
Thank you so much for all your help. What a gem you are!
Sue
Answer -
Dear Sue, This report states that there is SOME change in symmetric firboglandular views.... There are NO malignant calcifications, but this does not state there are NO calcification at all... The avoid mass means there IS an egg-shaped mass that was found in the right arm pit and it is likely an enlarged lymph node, but it does not say whether it is a solid cancerous mass in the lymph node or just an inflammation in the lymph node.... Asymmetrical means irregular.....
If this were me, I would NOT wait and even the radiologist states in his report that MORE evaluation is NEEDED....
thank you, karen
Hi Karen,
Here's the clincher...In the "Impressions" part, the radiologist states, "...Recommend re-examination in 6 months to confirm stability assuming further evaluation correlation yields benign adenopathy." I understand that means someone should be "checking" to see if this is doing strange things, but there has been no follow-up scheduled between now and August. I've poked like crazy, and can't find anything, so I'm assuming it's not real close to the surface? Given the health care program I'm under, I don't think I'm going to have much choice but to wait. To be quite honest...I'm kinda wishing I had never gone for that mammogram and Pap. Ignorance was "bliss"...LOL A little humor here.
Thank you so very much for being so kind and quick to respond to my questions. I can't begin to tell you how grateful I am, and I'll let you know how things go.
My very best wishes to you,
Sue
AnswerDear Sue, Your care is now totally in your hands and YOUR "demands".... I would very strongly suggest that you make another appointment with this so called N.P. or the TRUE doctor, take the radiologist report with you so you can shove it in her face or his face and make him/her read it.... I know for a fact that OFTEN these reports are just filed in your and my file and never even read by the doctors/NP's....
If it takes another test like an ultrasound or sonogram or if it takes a FNA biopsy to make sure this is a safe (benign) mass, then so be it.... I know if it were me I would NOT be waiting 6 more months and the radiologist even states in his impression that waiting 6 months for re-evaluation is okey "IF" other tests (further evaluation correlation) yields benign adenopathy.... Adenopathy basically means "large or swollen lymph nodes" and further testing is required NOW to see if this is a benign situation or something more severe....
thank you, kare PS... Keep me informed
