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Extremely worried - Urgent US referral.

lynfai
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Hello, my name is Lisa and I have recently been to the doctor for a lump on my shoulder neck area. It has been there for a fair few months however over the recent month this lump has grown from barely noticable to down to my collarbone and down my shoulderblade.

I know my urgent US referral has went through (previously a routine referral) and I am beyond worrying at this stage as when I had went into my doctor in regards to my shoulder/neck area lump growing considerably I had also complained of pain in my right thigh (important as I have metalwork in my left - femur and hip break). The doctor noticed a sizeable lump there too.

Obviously, I know that there is always a higher chance of a lump being benign but I cannot help thinking the worst as my grandfather recently passed away due to cancer (last year).

Any advice for a scared mother?

 

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    Hello Lisa and welcome to the forum.  The "waiting" time is always scary and seems to go on forever.  We are advised to "keep busy" which does make sense but doesn't really help with sleepless nights.  It is human nature to fear the worst and our minds sometimes run riot because, well, that is because human beings do this.  I can only hope that you don't have to wait too long; in the meantime is there some hobby or interest which preferably takes up your time and energy?  Do let us know how things go (only if you want to of course). Best wishes from Annie.

  • Offline in reply to Annieliz

    Thank you for your reply, AnnieLiz. I think the issue I have is that my stepmother is a diagnostic radiographer and the first thing she did when I told her about my initial lump was tell me to get the next available appointment at my GP's and get the scan changed to urgent. So, she hasn't helped my worry in the slightest in that regard. 

    I have a few hobbies unfortunately there are also other things going on in my life which are rather serious (not medically) so my anxiety is heightened anyway. I also do have some limitations due to physical health. I've actually lost stregnth in the arm the lump is - apparently it may be pressing on quite a lot of nerves in my arm which is no wonder considering the size it has gotten. I'd usually love walking but winter isn't good on my leg with the metalwork in it... Silly, I know. 

    I've been trying to distract myself with my child and friends but when a diagnostic radiographer (who has rarely believed my medical issues up until now) tells me to get an urgent referral asap. 

  • Offline in reply to lynfai

    Update:

    Call from the hospital to say my scan is on Tuesday! :confused::shocked:
    Don't know if this means that they are more worried or not! 

  • Offline in reply to lynfai

    Hi Lyn

    Sorry you’re going through this anxious time. Waiting for appointments and results is incredibly stressful. 

    From a recent experience of being referred under the 2 week rule (dodgy looking mole) I was also shocked when I got an appointment within the week.

    I think it was just a case of...they had the appointment available and could fit me in rather than they think it’s something that needs super, super urgent attention xxx 

    You don’t have long to wait...Tuesday isn’t far off now xx please keep coming back to update us xx 

     

     

  • Offline in reply to lynfai

    Hi lynfai; don't get ahead of yourself.  You have an appointment on Tuesday which I realise is going to be a very long time.  But that is all it is at the moment; it is an appointment to look into the nature of your lump; it may be nothing more than a nuisance in which case "great" or it may be more serious but you don't know yet.  Tests are run to both confirm things and rule out other things.  Whatever, at least  you will  be dealing with facts and actions.  I know it is easy for me to say and harder for you.  Do try to avoid your stepmother in the meantime!  Best wishes.  Annie

  • Offline in reply to Annieliz

    Oh, I'm not getting ahead of myself. Still aware it could be a freak lipoma (shoulder neck area) that is one of the rarer ones that just grew very quickly and another smaller lipoma in my leg. My issue really is the pain both cause. I know that the US is to rule out blood supply to both lumps because if there is no blood supply they are 100% just benign fatty tumours (otherwise I need more testing etc). It's hellish when all of the older members of your close family work in medical fields... They just cant seem to stop spewing medical facts! xD 

    Unfortunately, I can't just avoid my stepmother... She works in the radiography department my scan is at, if I was referred further afield my father works in the next closest radiography department and they are looking after my child this weekend so I can try to relax so she's picking him up around 5pm today and has rang me twice. 

    You'd think I'd learn not to listen too much to them after 24 years (birthday was on the 29th of Jan - so yes, I would be in an age group that it is unlikely to be anything untoward) but they always seem to say the wrong thing that they think is "right". Not their fault, they just don't seem to understand the anxiety of waiting.

    Starcatone - I will absolutely update on Tuesday.
    Annie - Thank you for your advice. :) 

    Unfortunately the scan isn't the only thing playing on my mind. I have another massive thing happening on Monday (can't divulge) and an Autism assessment for myself on Thursday so it is a rather stressful week anyway! xD

  • Offline in reply to lynfai

    Hello all! Just back from my ultrasound - the radiologist was lovely, however - she had to leave the room to discuss the scan with the doctor straight away then I was told I would be getting a report sent to my GP within a 10 day timeframe (more likely 7 days)... Obviously a radiologist cannot diagnose but the fact she left the room to discuss my scan with a doctor hasn't filled me with confidence. xD

    I know that I'm still going to be worrying until I get my results. Here's hoping it is a benign condition... Although, in my area any time I've had a conditon that can wait I get told results will be with your GP between 6-8 weeks.

    So, as soon as I get my official results I will update again!

    One thing I can say is that without a doubt a mass was seen on my shoulder and leg - just have no idea what they are yet!

     

  • Offline in reply to lynfai

    Thanks for taking the time to come back to us with the latest situation.  I realise that we read "bad news" into anything even the radiologist speaking with the doctor.    Let's hope they get those results moving along quickly then at least you will know the direction you are going in.    I sometimes wonder why it all takes so long - surely the doctor can just look, dictate the letter and get it sent out.  But what do I know.  Hoping that we hear from you again soon!  Annie

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