My breast surgeon guarantees me that the little bump near my port-a-cath scar is not a tumor. That it is likely to be an undissolved stitch although scar tissue would also be a possibility.
Why would I suddenly feel it now? Perhaps because the rest of the area has softened and resolved enough to allow me to feel it. I did figure out, through endlessly prodding said lump over the weekend, that it can be flattened out. And that was a bit reassuring.
"But can't we just take it out? Biopsy it?" My pleas were ineffective.
No.
And he really did use the word guarantee. In addition, he assured me that he doesn't use that word lightly.
I have had complete confidence in him so far and his reputation is stellar. So I will go with the guarantee in spite of the fact that, I do NOT (and will not) watch-and-see. Ever.
I don't like the downward spiral that I went on over this. I'm not sure if I think that I acted like a baby, or if it was a reasonable fear. People live with recurrence, and I all but crumbled with the fear of recurrence. I think that I was done in by having two "what-ifs" in one month.
Conclusion: I still have lessons to learn.
Need a Writer?
<>About Me
- Jayne England Byrne
- I'm a breast cancer SURVIVOR & I live one day at a time. I'm also a freelance writer, incredibly happily married, and the mother of three amazing sons.
My Cancer Journey
Blog Archive
Love Squared
Links to Breast Cancer Blogs
Breast Cancer Resources
Blogging Pals
Blog Banner Design
Disclaimer, Links, Review Policy
Copyright
5 comments:
SOOOO glad to hear the doc's guarantee. What a relief....kind of. I'm like you, can't we get some sort of test to confirm your guarantee?
Well if you feel uncomfortable, go to another doctor..It's not worth the stress.
deena
Hi Jayne, I agree with Deena. If you are uncomfortable, get another opinion. If a guarantee from a doctor, even a wonderful one like yours, doesn't give you a warm fuzzy, then you should explore that. Maybe if you talk to him again and explain your concern and not wanting to take chances, he would biopsy it. Or do an ultrasound to maybe get a look at it, that's less invasive.
Hope I don't sound too bossy! I just think that if a patient has a fear, even if the doctor thinks it's unfounded, then the patient should be humored a bit.
Take care,
Katie
P.S. Just had another thought: if the lump is uncomfortable and/or unsightly, perhaps cosmetic surgery is the way to get your way? Could your dermatologist or plastic surgeon remove it?
To be sure, I will seek a second opinion if I think that is necessary.
I'm meditating on it...
The explanation made perfect sense to me in the office, although it has now turned into blah, blah, blah inside my head :)
I had already called back though and expressed concern that feeling like I have a piece of broken glass under my skin right where my seatbelt and bra strap are constantly rubbing has already gotten really old. Indeed it DOES hurt. I just wasn't (couldn't be?)focused on that aspect during the visit.
Shall see!
Two months ago my mom had a masectomy and she is doing well with that now. She was a tad bit scared, but never showed it. She could have gotten by with a lumpectomy but chose this as extra measure and assurance.
And now I have oral cancer. Stage 4. I think she is more scared than I am over this. But...that is a mom for you I suppose.
I do not know how either of us would act if we were told it was back. ( assuming I get rid of it. )
Thoughts are with you.
John
My Unforlding Cancer Story
Post a Comment