Username:    Password:      Remember me       

Cancer Forums

A website for discussions about any type of cancer, including lung cancer, breast cancer, mesothelioma, prostate cancer, laryngeal cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and others

SearchSearch   DigestsEmail Digests     Register to postRegister to post   ProfileProfile   Check private messagesCheck private messages   Log inLog in 
Watch and Wait? What is this ?

 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Cancer Forums Forum Index -> Breast Cancer Forum


Author
Tracey
Guest





PostPosted: Wed Nov 17, 2004 8:50 pm    Post subject: Watch and Wait? Reply with quote

My doctors have been watching my "good" breast for over six months now. An MRI last spring had some areas of enhancement that were recommended for follow up in 6 months. So, last month I had a follow up MRI, which came back "suspicious for malignancy." My doctor suggested I repeat the MRI at a different point in my cycle, which I did this week. Now it has come back as "probably benign" areas of enhancement, with follow up in 6 months recommended. I'd like to relax, but I just don't feel very confident. I'm wondering, how long are these kinds of things usually followed? Will I be following these areas every 6 months for the rest of my life? Is it possible for an MRI to miss a cancer? I haven't spoken to my own doctor, since he's out this week and another doctor whom I've never met called me. This doctor didn't sound at all familiar with my case, and didn't put me at ease over this situation. I am afraid I will worry for the entire next 6 months. Any info or insight appreciated.
Back to top
leo
Contributor


Joined: 23 Sep 2004
Posts: 1575

PostPosted: Wed Nov 17, 2004 11:37 pm    Post subject: Re: Watch and Wait? Reply with quote

Hello

Difficult situation. Even though you can have a benign or malignant lesion, these situations are done when patients want to avoid going in for a biopsy, which has all the risks and all... but you should express your concerns to your doctor, and if you are willing to get the area biopsied, it may help you answer your question at once.

regards,
Leo
_________________
Leonardo F - Webmaster Cancer Forums
Disclaimer: this information is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice.
Back to top
MuttsMom
Guest





PostPosted: Thu Nov 18, 2004 12:37 am    Post subject: Re: Watch and Wait? Reply with quote

Hi,
The waiting is such a hard thing to do especially once we've had BC. My thinking is don't wait. Get the incisional biopsy done and if it's B9, which I'm praying it is, you can relax. If it's not, then you can get a jump on things. The last thing you want to do IF it is cancer again, is give it more time to grow. The only good lump, is one in a jar.
Please keep us posted.
Nancy
Back to top
MNlady13
Guest





PostPosted: Thu Nov 18, 2004 11:42 am    Post subject: Re: Watch and Wait? Reply with quote

I've never been a fan of the Watch And Wait game. I agree with Nancy, get a biopsy and find out what you are dealing with for certain. I love her phrase, "The only good lump is one in a jar." Good luck to you and keep us posted. You have caring friends here who are in your corner. Hugs, Lauri (8 and 7)
Back to top
Tracey
New User


Joined: 22 Nov 2004
Posts: 1
Location: United States

PostPosted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 6:35 am    Post subject: Watch and Wait Reply with quote

Thanks Dr. Leo and all who replied. I will let you know what happens, if anything.
Back to top


Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Cancer Forums Forum Index -> Breast Cancer Forum All times are GMT - 5 Hours
Page 1 of 1

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum



Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2002 phpBB Group

Anti Bot Question MOD - phpBB MOD against Spam Bots
Blocked registrations: 21719