Prayer Request for Me...personal/Female

[nikked]

Okay, ladies. I could use some prayers right now...

A little back story...

When I was pregnant with our little guy (who turned two in March), my OB/GYN found a mass in my breast, that just kinda appeared out of no where. I'm pretty good about my monthly self exams, and when she found it, it was about the size of a grape. I hadn't felt it before.

After an ultrasound of the boob, mammogram (wearing about a ton of lead :yuck, and biopsy, it's what's called a fibroadenoma. Which is benign, thank God, but in rare instances can become cancerous later on. You'd have to know my family's medical history to understand, but "rare" in my family usually means trouble...

So, over the last few months, my little lump has decided to go on a growth spurt, and is now quite large. I was updating my Director (and BFF) about it the other day. Told her it was time to get it out, and she was telling me about another gal in her down line with one whose doc won't remove it. I asked her how big it was...not very big. So, I whipped out my boobie (I would only do that with her by the way :blushing, and she said... "Holy BLEEP...that's a tangerine!". Which about sums it up.

Fast forward to today, when I was finally able to get in to see my primary doc for a referral...

I've been working hard to keep a positive outlook on this. I know they can grow. But the doc did NOT look happy. My nipple is now retracting, it itches ALL the time, and there's pain. The edges are no longer smooth like they had been. No discharge, though, which is good.

So, now we wait for referrals, appointments, etc.

What am I looking for prayer wise? Peace, first and formost. I don't want to freak out...which up until I saw the doc today, I was doing pretty well with. And of course that it's still "nothing" and that the insurance will pay to have it removed.

Thanks, ladies. I can't tell you all how much this site has meant to me over the years...

 

[crystalscookingnow]

Nikke - my prayers are with you. May God hold you in his arms & give you the peace that you need & also allow this mass to be nothing but a small inconvenience. Please keep us posted.

 

[WLMcCoy]

I will keep you & your family in my prayers. I pray God gives you comfort..

 

[raebates]

Praying for peace, wisdom, a good report, and quick healing.

 

[nikked]

So, the good news is I have an ultrasound and mammogram scheduled for tomorrow morning...the bad news is, they scheduled it for tomorrow morning, giving it a sense of urgency.

Thank you all so much for your prayers...I'm no where near as worked up as I was this morning...

 

[rennea]

Sending many good thoughts your way Nicole.

 

[raebates]

Don't panic. My understanding is that it's standard operating procedure to get you in there ASAP.

 

[letscook04]

I will keep you in my prayers.

 

[pampered.chris]

You are in my prayers girl. Keep us posted on what they find out.

 

[tlag1986]

Nicole you are in my prayers. May God give you the peace, comfort, and healing you and your body needs. I also pray for the same comfort for your family. Please keep us posted on how things are going.

 

[Crystal Patton]

Prayers BIG TIME!!!

Hang in there, we are all in this with you!

 

[Nanisu]

Hang in there Nicole. I'm a breast cancer survivor so double prayers going up for you. Try to stay calm if you can...I know it's hard, but take one day at a time.

 

[diradt]

Nicole, keep faith. We in the mammogram/ultrasound business handle breast issues with urgency whether they are nothing or not. The earlier caught, the better the outcome....even by a month. Many prayers and peace!

 

[pcchefjane]

Prayers going up for you! It could be nothing but the size alone makes it urgent! Just think how nuts you would have been if it had taken 2-3 weeks to get it looked at! HUGS!

 

[nikked]

Prayers going up for you! It could be nothing but the size alone makes it urgent! Just think how nuts you would have been if it had taken 2-3 weeks to get it looked at! HUGS!

Good point! Thanks for the perspective...

My DH can't get off of work tomorrow (long story...bad day, late notice, etc.), so my aforementioned Director/BFF will be going with me.

Thanks, everyone for the words of encouragement and prayers. I'll update tomorrow after the appointment.

 

[Grandmarita]

Prayers for your peace of mind, and quick diagnosis. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
I'm a survivor and can appreciate the anxiousness you are currently feeling. May you
feel God's presence and love for you tomorrow through the tender care you receive.
Love and prayers, Grandmarita

 

[nikked]

Okay...so here's the scoop, and it's mostly good, Thank God!

It still appears to be just a fibroadenoma, but the boobie doc said it's possible it's turned into a phyllodes tumor. (I think that's what it's called). The ACS website says:

"phyllodes tumor: (fie-loads): rare breast tumor, usually benign, which grows quickly and can become quite large. Also called phylloides tumor or cystosarcoma phyllodes."

We're scheduling to have it removed, and we won't know for sure until it is removed. But, it all sounded good! They mammogrammed & ultrasounded both boobs, and also did an ultrasound of the lymphnodes. There were no other suspicious spots, and the nodes were clear. So, that's all good too!

Once I have the surgery scheduled, I'll post and let y'all know the details.

Thanks again for all your prayers...

 

[raebates]

Glad for your good news. I'll keep you in prayer.

 

[Ginger428]

Tons of prayers & well wishes coming your way....

 

[cwinter474]

I always find comfort in this -

"The good Lord won't bring you to it, if he won't bring you thru it"

Prayers, thoughts and positive energy headed your way!

Carol

 

[dkitten13]

Thank God for the good news! Literally, thank God since all our prayers seemed to have helped!

 

[Grandmarita]

What a relief. Praise the Lord for their thoroughness today. You have been on my mind
many times today.

 

[Dina Atnip]

Sending prayers your way

 

[Ann F]

Sorry to have just now read this one. I'm so glad you were able to have the tests promptly. I know having to wait would have been almost unbearable.

Best wishes for a speedy surgery and quick recovery.

 

[aried]

Nicole, glad for the good news! Prayers for you for still a peace of mind.

 

[Chefstover2]

Nicole...just finding this thread. Glad that news looks good. I'll still add you to the prayer list anyway, just for good measure. Let us know how surgery goes.

 

[MWCOOKIN]

Best of luck. My prayers are with you. As a 5 year survivor with 3 additional lumpectomies non malignant i know the inportance of urgency!

 

[nikked]

Hi, all. Thank you so much for your words of encouragement and your prayers. I haven't posted for a few days...

Things are not as rosey as they first seemed. The type of tumor they are suspecting (phyllodes) is not the simple thing the doc made it out to be. It's a rare tumor, and a lot of docs don't understand it.

Could be benign, could be malignant. Phyllodes tumors are often misdiagnosed as fibroadenoms (what they first thought I had in the Fall of 2006). The only way to tell the difference is to take it out and do slides. A needle bipsy (which is what I had) cannot differentiate between the two most of the time. Sometimes an MRI can, and I'm pushing to have one done since I have to wait to see the surgeon. It can help in the removal of the tumor, so it would be a good thing all the way around.

For me, at least right now, the scariest thought is that these tumors can start benign and turn malignant. And I've had it for almost THREE YEARS in my body. I want it out NOW, but...

The earlist they could get me in with a surgeon that takes our insurance is on the 13th of July...that's just for the consultation. So, now we wait. And believe me, I've done everything I can to get in sooner. I'm going to call on Thursday and see if there has been a cancellation for next week.

I'm not doing so well, especially emotionally. I just seem to have hit a brick wall today. So your continued prayers are much appreciated. I've cancelled all my kids appointments for tomorrow and have someone watching them so I can just STOP. I'm worn out and just need a day.

I swear I'm not a drama queen...just confused and worn out! :cry:
Thank you.

 

[Curlyone]

I just found this thread . . I am praying for you. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to wait, but it can also be the very thing that we need at that time. I pray for your guardian angel to hold you and comfort you. Do your crying, yelling, or what ever it takes and then compose yourself and know that this too shall pass. God is always in control.

Take care!
Connie

 

[dkitten13]

I'm so sorry things are so challenging right now...more prayers heading your way!

 

[murkey]

I too just found this thread but I truly feel lead to share with you that the Lord is with you. He WILL pull you through this... come to him in your own prayers (as we pray for you too) and trust in Him. I know this is a horrible challenge.

I too would want it out NOW (um, okay... yesterday!) and truly understand your desire to have this DONE. 0hugs!)

I will continue to pray, as I am sure, will all of us. Try to get your church to pray on this as "when two or more..." I have faith that you will be FINE and WELL (mentally and physically as well, perhaps growth spiritually) as the Lord may have been using this time as His "refining fire"...

I pray you come out on top, stronger in all areas, healthy which can be testimony to all while you are having your "it's out and I am cancer free" party!!

 

[MWCOOKIN]

I suggest asking your dr. To call the surgen and ask him to get you in sooner. As a past nurse i know sometimes that makes a difference, i always ask my dr. To call the dr. He is refering me to and it usually gets me in faster. Keep calling and ask if there were cancelations. Ask to be called if there are any cancelations. Don't be afraid to express your stress level. I continue to lift you and your medical team in prayer thru this difficult time know god has wrapped his arms around you. Find comfort in his love. I have been thru so much my therie is it is what it is now how can i cope? Blessings my friend!

 

[nikked]

I suggest asking your dr. To call the surgen and ask him to get you in sooner. As a past nurse i know sometimes that makes a difference, i always ask my dr. To call the dr. He is refering me to and it usually gets me in faster. Keep calling and ask if there were cancelations. Ask to be called if there are any cancelations. Don't be afraid to express your stress level. I continue to lift you and your medical team in prayer thru this difficult time know god has wrapped his arms around you. Find comfort in his love. I have been thru so much my therie is it is what it is now how can i cope? Blessings my friend!

Unfortuantely, iIt was my doctor who made the appointment. I then called the surgeon's office and told my story, ending with "I realize this may not be urgent to anyone else, but it is urgent to ME." No go. The surgeon I am seeing is on call this week, so is not seeing patients at all. Then, she only sees patients for consults Monday mornings and all day on Friday (I guess she does surgery on the other days). Plus, we're dealing with the holiday weekend. :yuck:

The other main place in town that accepts my insurance has a first available appointment in SEPTEMBER, so I guess I have to count my blessings there. The only "stand alone surgeon" is leaving for a two week vacation, and they won't be able to get me in for about a month.

I'll call tomorrow and see if there's been a cancellation. Please be praying that there is!

Thank you all again!

 

[nikked]

Thank you all so much for your prayers...

I received confirmation today that I am able to get in the doctor I'd prefer, and will be seeing her for my consultation on Friday at 1 pm Central time. I'll update after that.

 

[pamperedpals]

Nicole you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[nikked]

An update...

Well, I had my appointment today with the general surgeon whose a breast specialist. She's the one I've been fighting to get in with.

The upshot is that she's not overly concerned about anything bad or dangerous, but won't know anything until we actually get it out. So, a little more peace of mind, but still no real concrete answers.

Her nurse had to leave early today for personal reasons, so my actual surgery won't be scheduled until next week. I'll let y'all know the date once it's scheduled.

I cannot thank you enough for your prayers, personal emails, and words of encouragement and support. It's been a scary time, and it's helped a lot!

Thank you again.

 

[raebates]

I'm glad to hear that the news is cautiously good. You'll continue to be in my prayers.

 

[darlinclem]

Nicole, just some encouragement telling you a little bit about my story..In Nov. 1998 I started having leg pain. We didn't have any money but we did have insurance that had a HIGH deductible and then co pay. I put off going until the week of Thanksgiving when I could barely stand. Went to see my doc and he did x-rays and decided it was a compressed vert. on my spine. Pain pills and muscle relaxers. Then I was told to call back if I didn't feel better the next week. Next week legs felt like noodles. Called doc and he asked me which of two larger towns over an hour away I preferred then hung up on me! Called me back in less than an hour and told me I had an MRI in two hours. DH couldn't go with me so my BFF did. Long story longer.. I was admitted that day for a tumor on my spine. Two days later I was in surgery that lasted twice as long as it should have. DH (unknown to me) was told I had two months tops because of the growth of the tumor. Two days after my first surgery, they found another tumor on my shoulder. I was at that point a Stage IV. They offered chemo, experimental drugs and radiation if I lived that long. They didn't think I need to save my eggs because I wasn't expected to live. Long story short- I am still here and cancer free!My doctor later told me that if I had been diagnosed 3 years earlier (when I had shoulder problems that they now believe was the start of my tumor), there wouldn't have been an effective treatment. Time may have let my cancer grow and spread but it also gave me a better treatment than I would have had previously. THINK POSITIVE! You can fight anything that comes your way! We are resilient! We are fighters and you too can be a WINNER!

 

[nikked]

Can't seem to win for losing (or however that saying goes)...

My surgery is scheduled for August 11. That was the fastest they could get me in.

Thank you all for your prayers and support. Keep on praying, and I'll post as we get closer. Thanks!

 

[aalbert]

My prayers are with you.

 

[nikked]

Well, folks, tomorrow is the big day.

Go in at 6:30 am, with a surgery time of 8:30 (MST). I'm not sure if I'll be up to posting tomorrow after the surgery, but I'll try.

We won't really know anything until probably about a week (as far as the pathology reports go).

Thank you all so much for your prayers!

Nicole

 

[nikked]

I'm home (got home about 11:30 my time). Didn't get much from the doc as far as impressions go...just have to wait for path results now. I'm gorky, but as long as I stay on top of the pain I'm okay.

Thanks for the prayers!

 

[rennea]

Glad your home, get lots of rest.

 

[dianevill]

Glad you're home, too. Keep us posted - I'll keep you in my prayers!

 

[nikked]

Good news!:thumbup: The doctor's office called this afternoon, and it was DEFINITELY a fibroadenoma (the one we really wanted it to be). The incision is about 3 inches (YIKES!). We won't have any details as to size until my appointment next week.

But now, once the healing is all done, this whole ordeal is all done!

Praise God! :sing:

Thank you all so much for your prayers, words of encouragement, etc. I can't tell you how much y'all mean to me! :blushing:

 

[janetupnorth]

Glad to hear Nikki!

 

[pampchefsarah]

Hallelujah! Thank you, Lord, for watching over our friend, Nicole. Please let her healing be quick and with very little pain. Amen.

 

[dkitten13]

Fantastic! Blessings all around!

 

[raebates]

That's wonderful news. I'll continue to pray for quick and complete healing.

 

[dianevill]

Congratulations - glad to hear the great news!