2nd pelvic ultrasound results

On Friday April 30, 2010 I had another pelvic ultrasound. I was confused again with the results. I asked her why on my last ultrasound I wasn't informed about my cyst. She explained that they are not cyst. Several individuals for example on my MRI call these pocket of fluids cyst as a general term. She performed the test and confirmed this is still the case. She measured the cyst on my left and it already had decreased in size since the MRI. The two cyst on the right were still large but seem to be getting ready to let the fluid out. This process is normal when a women goes through her menstrual cycle. Some women have the fluid filled structure and never completely go away when she gets her cycle. The progesterone is suppose to release the fluid but in some circumstance it doesn't. I had some fluid under my uterus but was okay. She suggested that I come back either next month or the following month to have another pelvic ultrasound but wants to see me between 5-10 days into menstrual period. She wants to compare the results. Each time I go, she prints out pictures. She asked me to follow up with my OBGYN doctor, same office when she is back from vacation. I am still wondering my CA-125 number has gone up. I had the correct test done so I guess I can't sweat the small stuff but will make sure I keep going to the doctors. I will follow up with my doctor this week.

My Oncologist text-ed me Friday evening and said he received a copy of the ultrasound results. He said everything looked well and he will speak with my doctor this week. It was nice that he followed up.

On Wednesday May 5, 2010 I am going to Long Island to get my areola  tattooed. I will keep everybody updated how it went.

Breast Cancer Surgeon

I already had an appointment with the Breast Cancer Surgeon the following day April 29, 2010 for a follow up. Since I have implants, I no longer get mammograms. I will see her every six months for an examination.
The nurse called me in to update my file and I mentioned to her that I had two MRI's yesterday (4/28/10) and I didn't know the results. She was able to log onto the radiology  website and print out the results for the doctor.
My surgeon examined  my lymph nodes by my throat and under my arms as well as a breast exam. Everything was well. She said the MRI's which includes liver, pancreas, uterus, cervix, abdomen and fallopian tubes was great and no concerns. According the MRI  I have two cyst one on each ovary. The left side measured 3.2 and the right side measured 3.5. She thought the doctors don't like the cyst to get bigger than 4. The  MRI showed the cyst are filled with fluid and no fatty deposits which is a good sign. She asked me to follow up with my OBGYN and see what she would like me to do. I will see her again in 6 months.
I called my OBGYN when I got home and left a message. The nurse called me back and explained  that my doctor is on vacation until 5/3/10 but she had spoken to the ultrasound doctor and she would like me to come back in the office to have a pelvic ultrasound. I questioned her since I had one a month ago and it didn't detect the cyst. She insisted that I still come in. I was concerned that my health insurance wouldn't pay for another ultrasound because  the test are close to each other but she said it would be covered. I made an appointment for the next day 4/30/10.
The same evening  4/29/10 my Oncologist called me to review the results of my MRI. I told him I saw my cancer surgeon earlier that day. The doctors are in the same building and speak often. He wasn't able to log onto the radiologist site but I told him what I have found out. He wasn't concerned with the size of the cyst but wants me to follow up with my OBGYN because he is concern with my history of breast cancer and remember my genetic test is undetermined  if I carry the gene. Since my CA-125 had risen, he would like me investigate the situation some more. He said he was reviewing my last pelvic ultrasound and it stated that I had cysts on my ovaries. Wow I was shocked and asked why did I find out through the MRI and wasn't informed from my ultrasound. He explained that sometimes if the ultrasound examiner feels that it is normal there is no mention. I was angry because I feel I should know all my medical information. He agreed that it was a good idea that I have another pelvic ultrasound the next day. He is going to talk with my OBGYN next week when she is back from vacation.(week of 5/3/10)
About a hour later my Oncologist text-ed me (he thought it was late for a phone call). He was able to log onto the website and review my MRI's. He confirmed that the cysts are benign nature cysts. The report shows that I have one cyst on my left ovary and two on my right ovary. I will have him copied in my results from the ultrasound.
Check back for my next post about the pelvic ultrasound results.

MRI information

I had two MRI's - pelvic and abdominal  on April 28, 2010. My appointment was at 1:00 but they were running late and I went in just before 1:30. I had to lay on my back for the first MRI which was the pelvis and my body was inserted up to my chest area. My arms had to be placed by my chest but were able to relax the elbows against the sides of the machine after I was inside.The nurse gave me headphones to listen to music but the noises from the machine were louder than the music. I had called my Oncologist a few days earlier to get some medication to help me relax for these test. I had taken Valium RX in the past but this time he called in a RX for Ativan. I never took this medication before so I tried a pill the night before the test to see how my body would react. It helped me to relax and not tense up too much. My mom drove me  to my appointment since I took this medication before my test. If you haven't had a MRI, they aren't comfortable. I was nervous to go into the machine and get tensed for this appointment. I wondered about the results but it didn't seem to bother me as much as being in this machine. The medication was wonderful! After this test they inserted an IV in my arm for the abdominal  MRI and  contrast portion which lets die into areas to compare the pictures. My entire body had to be inserted into the machine. My arms were straight up by my ears. This section of the test was long. Towards the end of the test, I had to take three deep breaths then hold my breath depending what he told me.The average was about 20 seconds. This was repeated several times.

The test was finally over. I had to wait for the information to be transferred onto a disk which I keep with all my medical records. I can't download/read the disk but is handy to bring to any doctor appointments if needed for the future. When I came out to the waiting room my mom mentioned to me that it was 3:15. Wow, I was in there for a long time. I had told my kids that I was going to pick them up from school that day and they get out at 3:30. I called the school and told them to get on the bus. I was able to make it to the bus stop on time. I didn't tell my kids that I was going to this appointment because I didn't want to worry them until I know more information. They were wondering why I didn't pick them up so I did tell them I had some test done and reassured them I will let them know the results as soon as I know. I had to take AJ for his physical so Emily went with my mom to her house. I was exhausted and tired from the day  so I went to bed early.

I went to the doctors the next day so check back later for all the updates. There's a lot of information that happened last week so I need to update my blog several times this week.

updated blood work

I had my blood work re-tested for my one month  follow up with the CA-125. I received a call from my Oncologist and he explained that my blood work number has shown an increase. My blood work last month was 44 and now its 55. There are over 50 reasons why my blood markers are increasing. My internal ultra-sound was good but further testing will help us determine if there are other medical issues we need to correct. I am having a pelvic MRI on Wednesday April 28. I feel good and don't feel sick but I would like to know whats happening with my body. I will keep everybody posted as soon as I know some answers. Take Care!!!

I had an ultrasound of my ovaries.

On April 29, 2010 I had an ultrasound of my ovaries. I received the results right away and everything was terrific! They looked healthy and there were no signs of any abnormality. The only area that she documented for my medical records was the lining of my uterus was thicker than normal. This is common when an individual is taking Tamoxifen.
The previous blood work showed a slight changed in my CA-125 which is associated with the ovaries. I am having my blood withdrawn again to see what the CA-125 will show a month later. My Oncologist and my OBGYN agreed even thou I had an ultra-sound and it was perfect, they would like to see what my blood indicates a month later. I will go in the next few days since my last test was on 3/5/10 and it has been a month already.

I spoke with the nurse from my plastic surgeons office in Long Island (about 1 1/2 hrs away from where I live) to inquire about tattooing my nipples. I will have to travel to NY since this is where my plastic surgeon main office is located. My plastic surgeon doesn't have time to do the tattooing since she perform surgeries for breast cancer. This is scary to know there is so much breast cancer out there! The nurse explained to me this procedure would be performed in the office and would take around 1 1/2 hours to tattoo bi-lateral. This would be covered under my insurance since I had cancer. Since we live so far away, we agreed that I can have my office consultation on the same day. At that time, we will decide on the color pigment of the nipple. I will have very little or no sensation while the tattooing is being applied in that area. The ink that is used is a micro-pigment which is different from a regular tattoo. It will take about two weeks to see the color around the nipple. I will be bandage up for two weeks after-wards. I will need to purchase non-stick bandages, aquaphor and bacitracin ointment. The pigment does fad over time and I might have to get it re-done in 7-10 years. I am going to schedule this procedure for the beginning of May. I will keep everybody posted.

Bloodwork results

I was a bit frustrated with the nurse who I was in touch with about my blood results. I called her last Friday 3/12/10 and we were disconnected then the phone was busy for the rest of the day. On Monday 3/15/10, I called her again. She said she remembered my name, asked for my home number and she will call me back because it's busy in the office. Monday went by and guess what she never returned my call!!! Now I was starting to think that perhaps the doctor needs to speak with me but she didn't mentioned nothing. My mom made a good point to me. If it was an urgent matter then the doctor would of already called me with the findings. On Tuesday the office is closed. I called once again on Wednesday 3/18/10 and the representative I've been talking with said O" the doctor didn't call you, I left the message on his desk. She could of told me this information a few days ago! I would of make sure I got a hold of the doctor. I didn't have faith that she would make sure the doctor will get my message. I called back and spoke to another representative in the office and made sure my message gets to the doctor today. I won't lie, I was a little nervous by the middle of the day Wednesday and very frustrated. I kept myself  busy through-out the day so I didn't think about it.

At 6:30 PM on Wednesday 3/17/10 the phone rang and it was my Oncologist. He explained  to me that all my test results came back great except for CA-125 which is the blood marker for ovarian cancer. He said the blood level was increased but just a little. The blood test can give a positive/false reading. He wasn't overly concern at this point. I explained that I have an appointment to get an ultrasound of my ovaries on March 29 and he said that was great that I already had the appointment. He said no need to move the test sooner. My curiosity  wanted to know what causes the blood level to change. He mentioned it could be absolute  nothing or perhaps it can be signs for endometriosis, inflammation, abnormal ovulation, viral infection, or gastroenteritis. He wants me to re-take the blood test in one month and inform him if there are any signs of abnormality with my ultrasound.

I spoke with him about what happened  with the nurse. He was glad to get my input about his staff and felt it was important to know this information. He asked if I had his cell phone number which I do but I didn't want to panic and call him right away. If he didn't call me by late Wednesday, I would of called or text his cell phone. He is so nice and said at any time I need to talk with him that I should call his cell phone.

Thursday March 18, 2010 I called my OBGYN office to speak with a nurse. I wanted to find out the best time for a women to get an ultrasound of the ovaries. She explained to get the best readings would be with in 3-4 days after your menstrual  cycle is completed.
I will keep everybody posted when I get my ultrasound done in a few weeks. I feel like nothing is wrong but I will never rule anything out! We need to live life to the fullest each day even thou some days are tough!!!

Oncologist update

Wednesday March 3, 2010 I went for my six month follow up appointment with my Oncologist. During this visit we reviewed how I was feeling, reviewed my medical records, and answered questions that I had. I am doing great on the Tamoxifen besides time to time hot flashes. I am lucky not to have any side effects. I will remain on the medication for the next three years or until I go into menopause (might or might not happen). If this happens, then I will remain on medication for the next two years but on a different prescription and will have to get shots twice a year for bone density. We will cross that path when it is here. I decided to schedule an appointment for an ultrasound for my ovaries twice a year instead of once a year. I had no symptoms from my breast cancer and thank god the mammogram found it. I feel twice a year plus seeing my OBGYN once a year will be good medical follow up. The doctor has attended medical conferences and the outcome from Tamoxifen has shown great progress/outcomes to stop the cancer cells from re- occurring or building new cells for breast and ovarian cancer. He also has heard if the women is under 40 and you are not having any problems with your ovaries then they shouldn't be removed. A women needs estrogen for certain criteria  in her body and we have them for a reason. My Oncologist and I felt that I don't need to see the radiation doctor in May for my one year check up. I don't have any skin irritation and I will be seeing my cancer specialist around the same time. He explained the doctors try to accommodate the patient as much as possible for all the check ups including paying co-pays each time for the visits.The genetic testing that I had done at the beginning of my treatment indicated that my results for the gene for breast cancer was inclusive. He explained the company from time to time might get results from a similar family situation and then they will update me with any new findings. He feels that we discovered the cancer in time and I have a great outcome that the cancer is gone with the removal of the breast, radiation, and an extra precaution by being on the Tamoxifen.
We decided to get an update on my blood work since its been six months from the last results. He explained that he likes to monitor the blood work but the medical association states its not necessary to follow up in cases like mine as often. I agreed to get the blood work done because I rather know if there are some concerns and get some medical help if needed before its too late. He explained that the blood work can give positiver/false readings which make some individuals upset. If this happens possibility a MRI, CAT scan or some other medical test probably will need to be performed. The blood work was to test my cbc count, comprehensive metabolic panel (13 different chemistry test), markers for breast cancer CA-127&129, markers for ovarian cancer CA-125, and my vitamin D level. He examined my lymph nodes in my throat and under my arm pits. He also performed an external exam and pushed around my ovaries for any abnormalities. I will see him in six months.


Friday March 5, 2010 I went and had my blood drawn. I should get my results by next week. Three and half vials were taken.