One week from today....

[megthewonderful]

One week from today I am going to have another MRI done and then I am meeting with my surgeon. Earlier this year I went to the doctor with a pain in my side and instead of finding a reason for the pain they found a mass growing in my chest. Initially they thought it could be cancer, but thankfully it was determined to be a benign growth. I've gotten multiple opinions and I need to have it removed. If the mass shows no signs of growth next week, then maybe they will let me postpone the surgery a bit longer. I have three kids under 5 at home and in order to remove the mass, they have to cut open my chest and break my ribs. It means a very long recovery time and I don't know how my husband will ever manage the kids and taking care of me. I am thankful everyday that the growth is not cancerous, but I still worry everyday that they might tell me otherwise or that something will go wrong during the surgery or recovery.

I think that maybe I just need a hug today. The more I think about it, the more it weighs on me. Seeing all of the support on the DISboards always helps!

 

[mommasita]

I can not imagine that myself, and my children are a little older. Thank goodness it is benign. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers, and hope that you do not have to have this surgery anywhere in the near future.

As hard as it is to imagine, everything will work out. It just does. Not so easy to think about, but sometimes just doing that is overwhelming isn't it?

More hugs for you, and please give us an update when you can.

 

[annie1995]

I'll be praying for you all and huge hugs to you

 

[kimis]

You are in my prayers! I am so glad the growth was benign.

It might help you feel a little bit better about the surgery if you check out your surgeon. You can do this on the internet by looking under the American Medical Assocation. I know it helps me if I know how my doctor rates.

Let us know what how the next appointment goes.

 

[Mackey Mouse]

Remember this word BENIGN.. so important and the fact that they told you that from the beginning even more so.. You will do this, it will be a not so easy recovery, but you will do it. Do you have family nearby that could help your husband or neighbors? Sometimes if you ask, people reach out.

Hugs, we are here for you... be brave.

 

[nana2tots]

Prayers and 's for you !!!!

 

[megthewonderful]

You are in my prayers! I am so glad the growth was benign.

It might help you feel a little bit better about the surgery if you check out your surgeon. You can do this on the internet by looking under the American Medical Assocation. I know it helps me if I know how my doctor rates.

Let us know what how the next appointment goes.

I have checked numerous sites for information on my doctor. Thankfully, patients rate her well and she has had no malpractice suits or disciplinary actions against her in the last 10 years (that's as far back as I can find reported).

It helps to know I will be in good hands, but I am still worried!

 

[disvaclub92]

Lots of prayers to you and your family.

 

[dougsmom98]

I am sending hugs and good vibes your way!

 

[safetymom]

Sending prayers and hugs to you and your family.

 

[mommasita]

I was thinking of you, and wondering how it went.

 

[Mackey Mouse]

Me too.. how are you doing??? just checking in here.. Do come back and let us know how things went..

 

[megthewonderful]

Well, I went for my scan on Wednesday, but my doctor had to perform an unexpected surgery, so they canceled my appointment with her that afternoon. So I didn't find out the results until late last night when she finally called me. Thankfully, the mass is showing signs of shrinking. Basically, the pockets of fluid are collapsing and forming a thick looking scar tissue. The mass and whatever scar tissue that continues to form still need to be removed. Since I have young children at home and am able to get more help over the summer, she is willing to let me go until the April/ May time frame for the surgery. I will have another scan in 3-6 months to be sure that the mass isn't showing any signs of growth. She is having another radiologist review all of my past scans (and there are a lot of them) since with each scan, the mass seems to shrink. I am extremely grateful, but still not looking forward to the inevitable surgery.

On another note, when they drew blood and attempted to put my IV in, as usual they could not get find a vein. My arms and hands are bruised and were in much pain when I left the hospital. I feel for anyone with this problem, because it only adds to the anxiety of medical situations.

Thanks fellow DISers for your hugs, prayers and support. It means the world to me and my family!

 

[Elfstar]

I'm so glad you're results were good! I'll say another prayer that your mass continues to shrink and that the surgery goes well! I love good news!