lump in scar tissue?

Diseases & Conditions Breast Cancer
1
    Today was my first appt. with the radiologist onc., finished chemo last Thursday.For two months I have questioned my onc. about  a lump at my lumpectomy site, and he has told me it is proably scar tissue.I admit I did feel somewhat nervous that it was not checked.Anyways, now the radiologist onc. seems to be concerned with this, and is sending me back to the surgeon.This is a definate lump.My question is how many of you had this, and did it turn out to be scar tissue? I now have to wait three more weeks to even get in with the surgeon-does'nt that seem a little ridiculous-or am I to impatient?Im glad thier checking this out now, but why did'nt they just do it from the get go.I guess Im really getting aggravated will all of this.
Michelle

"There are two ways to live your life. One is though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."     -Albert Einstein

2

Who made this appt. -- you or the doctor? Regardless, it would not hurt to call the surgeon's appt. sec. and explain how upset you are and ask if you can get an appt sooner or wait list for a cancellation. If nothing else, is there someone with him who can check this out sooner.

I just checked my own scar and I am o.k. but it has only been since Dec.  What you need is peace of mind, so use all your skills of persuasion  and/or tears, to get an appt. sooner.

JUJU

3
One of the very first things you learn about with this dämned disease are patient's rights. I would definitely call the surgeon's office, explain nicely that I have too many concerns to wait three more weeks to talk to him and if they cannot "fit you in right away", ask them what other surgeon they would recommend and would it be okay if you came and got all your records to take to this other surgeon.

Do NOT simply pass this off or wait three weeks. I know what you are going through and the mental distress this guy is causing is, frankly, bad medicine.

Get on the phone first thing tomorrow and find someone to see you Mon. I was fortunate enough that my onc, rad guy, and surgeon worked closely together with me. I was the a topic of an every Fri meeting. I think that is what you need, a team working FOR you.

Please let us know what happens.

Hugs, Jo-Ann

A good friend will bail you out of jail...
but a true friend will be sitting
next to you saying,
"Dâmn... that was fun!".

4

Amen, Jo-Ann.

JUJU

5
I agree with Jo-Ann.  Call and get an earlier appt.  My doctor called the surgeon and got me an earlier appt than what I had (at the very beginning).  One of the things my rads therapist explained to me is that the area with highest risk of recurrence is along the surgical site.  That is why they do the boost along the scar at the end.  If there is a lump there, I am very surprised the onc didn't get it looked at sooner.  I will be hoping for good news for you. 

L & H,
Kathy

6
Michelle-
Who is your RN at the U? I usually communicated through Gini, who works alongside Dr. Wicha (my onc). Maybe your nurse can help get you in sooner, especially since you've been complaining about this to him already. Or the clinic director? You may be able to get more attention if you go to someone other than the scheduler.

BTW, I was in AA on Saturday night, July 30...downtown, sitting in front of the Earle and SweetWater's cafe. A young woman with a bandana and long skirt walked by, holding hands with a man,.....and she made eye contact with me. Kind of a long shot, but I wondered if it was you?

L&H,
Lori

7
Again I agree with everyone else. You are already a patient of this surgeon, right? This is the guy who did your original surgery? If so, he should fit you in immediately. I would call his office and talk to the scheduling person and explain all this. Perhaps the other doctor's office called and made the appt without explaining what it was all about. Be aggressive this is YOU and YOU are Number 1. Now if this is another surgeon and your first visit, you may not be able to get in much faster, in that case I would call the surgeon you had originally and talk to his nurse and explain. Do take the initiative. Hugs to help you get moving. Hugs, MK


8

I agree with Lori... call the RN but instead of the RN at the onc office call the RN at the surgeons office not the receptionist just ask to talk with the RN. You may have to wait for her to call you back but thats ok be patient for the call. When she calls back tell her about the concern and see what she thinks you need to do.. but by no means wait 3 weeks ok. Sometimes the doc don't like to tread on the other docs territory. Which I understand cause they could tell you something and the actual surgeon what was there and did your surgery knows what was done and may have different ideas, even if they all work together its best to ask the doc who did it.

I had a lumpectomy too in May 05, I get lumps in my site occasionally I ask my nurse practioner and she said sometimes you get fluid in the site or sometimes it will bleed alittle which she said is normal. My lump is soft but does hurt when I touch it. it comes and goes. I notice it more if I have used my arm alot that day,  but by no means does this mean this is what is going on with you. So call the RN today tell her whats going on and ask for help, tell her everything, and tell her your very worried, let her know you need to have help right away, if only for peace of mind don't let her blow you off k..tell all your concerns no matter how little k. Oh have you been running a temp?? she may ask that too and if its red or hot to touch, how long its been there, ect. so be prepared to answer those questions. She may be interested in these because she wants to make sure its not infected.

Like everyone says be proactive in your care k.... and good luck tells us what she says k....skeeter1
9
Thanks ladies-tried to post yesterday, but could'nt. I finally got a hold of my onc. nurse yesterday, and she told me she is confident this is scar tissue. I explained to her while that was what I wanted to hear I knew I would still have much anxiety over the next few weeks. They moved my appt up one week. She must have thought it over though, because a couple of hours later the surgeons office called to say they would squeeze me in Tues, if I would go for ultrasound Mon.So, I get to drive over an hour today for MRI-an hour on Mon. for ultrasoudnd, and two hrs back to radiologist-only to get up tues and drive another hour to see the surgeon. The good news is I will have squeezed all my appts in on those days, and will get a small break before radiation begins.
I do have a team of dr.'s, but because of child care I decided to see a radiologist closer to my mom.My lumpectomy was done in March, and I just completed chemo Thursday, Aug. 4. This is why my nurse feels it is proably scar tissue.Peace of mind is what I'm looking for-keep your fingers crossed ladies.
Michelle

"There are two ways to live your life. One is though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."     -Albert Einstein

10
Hi Michelle-
Where are you doing your treatment? I did onc and surgery at U of M but radiation at Providence. It was close to home and work, and their rad onc is affiliated with U of M. No way could I drive an hour each way for 6 weeks....it worked out well for me.

Glad you got the earlier appointments, keep us posted!
Lori

11
Lori-
Im doing radiation at Novi Providence. Its a little closer than U of M for me, and my mom can watch my two yr. old.Its still a 30 min drive from where I'am though. I also have to add on another 20 minutes for dropping my son off. The added bonus is I get to do radiation when I just bought a new gas guzzling truck, and gas out here is 2.69 a gallon. Hubby says its 20 cents less out near his work. I forgot to mention that it was not me in AA.I have not yet gotten the nerve up to go out in my scarves yet.I have fuzz now , so maybe soon.
Michelle

"There are two ways to live your life. One is though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."     -Albert Einstein

12
I had my initial consult with my rad onc at Novi Providence because they could get me in right away. My doc saw me in Southfield, which was very convenient for work. I took a 7:15 appointment and just went on my way into the office.

Take care,
Lori

13
I had a reduction a few years ago and developed a large lump around the incision.  I lived w/it for years until I had to have a biopsy and asked them to remove while in there.  It turned out to be just scar tissue.
 
Then after this biopsy I developed a lump again and it was fluid.  There is still some scar tissue but it's ok.
 
I would check it out anyway. yeah

Susan

14
I go next Monday for U. S. guided biopsy. The surgeon says it s the best idea because after radiation, my surgery choices would be limited. Im praying and reassuring myself this will be scar tissue. Im trying not to let panic take over, and so far I'am doing well. Spent the day with the kids at the beach, and had a great time.Hope everyone is enjoying the weather.
Michelle

"There are two ways to live your life. One is though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."     -Albert Einstein

15
I am glad you are getting a biopsy done, this is the best way to be sure of what is or isn't going on. I will keep you in my prayers Monday. Hugs MK


16
I am really really glad you are getting this looked at so soon.  It's great that they are accommodating you.  I shiver to think of the people who just go along.  Good for you!!!!
 
I'll be thinking of you, I'll catch the posts from the cape at the cafe to keep up.  Praying for a pork chop bone!
 

"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." -Confucius

Ellen