[aclee]

So...couple months ago I had an ultrasound of my thyroid because at my yearly she said it felt sort of large. At the ultrasound the tech said it seemed fine, but went to ask the Dr if it was within normal ranges and he said it was on the upper limits size wise, but it was ok. So I went on my merry way.

Got a letter a few days ago that I have a nodule. Have to follow up with my Dr on the results and she will make me another appointment. At first she said, "You are coming in on the 29th anyway, so I'll talk with you about it then." She just called and said she would rather see me sooner, could I come on the 20th? Ok...so I'll do that on the 20th.

Yesterday I went to see my Dr for my Arthritis, and she notices the weight loss, which I have only sort of been trying at. She says in the last two weeks (according to her scale) I've lost 10 pounds, and for 5 days of that, I was on steroids, and I always gain like crazy on steroids...everyone does. Iwas proud I didn't gain! She says...do you have any history of breast or ovarian cancer in your family? Of course I do! So now I get to have a pelvic and abdominal ultrasound, my very first mammogram, a bunch more blood work, a chest x-ray, and a TB test (that's so I can start some new meds). I still can't figure out where I'm going to get my flu shot, and I don't think I can get the H1N1 because it's live and I'm immune compromised...

Add this to everything going on with Matty, all the specialists DH sees and our co-pays are going to put us in the poor house.

[loveajax]

OMG, I am so sorry! I can't imagine having to go thru all these tests as a single person, let alone with two babies!! I hope that all the results are fine....keep us posted.

And is the doctor suggesting that the weight loss is a "problem" that suggests possible cancer? (My doc is usually "on" me for the opposite reason!).

[Fran27]

Oh my. I hope you get a clean certificate of health soon!

[aclee]

Originally Posted by loveajax

OMG, I am so sorry! I can't imagine having to go thru all these tests as a single person, let alone with two babies!! I hope that all the results are fine....keep us posted.

And is the doctor suggesting that the weight loss is a "problem" that suggests possible cancer? (My doc is usually "on" me for the opposite reason!).

They are never happy. This particular Dr has never suggested that I lose weight, although clearly I need to. She knows it's hard with the combination of the arthritis and being on and off steroids constantly..my primary dr's nurse practitioner though..she's a whole OTHER duck. She would be thrilled for me to lose some weight.

I think she's concerned not that I'm losing it, but how quickly it's coming off when I confess I'm not really trying that hard. This last week I didn't exercise at all, and ate...whatever...fast food even. The week before that, I was on the steroids and ate everything that didn't eat me first, and did 1 hour of yoga and 45 minutes of moderate (if that) water aerobics for the entire week...Apparently that's the magic combo for losing almost 10 pounds. I think it's stress honestly. I think I'm fine. I always have these major medical scares and they turn out to be NOTHING. I had multiple cat scans once that showed I had large granuloma tumors (or cysts? can't remember) all over my lungs. The pulmonologist called me in a panic and I had to rush right into his office...he told me it was really serious and I needed to start being seen in Boston. Turns out it was a medication reaction, and after 2 weeks on steroids (a HIGH dose) I had a clear cat scan again.

[jalapeno]

I'm so sorry you're going through this Aclee! I'll be thinking of you and sending healthy thoughts your way . . .

[Dickons]

Aclee,

Medical scares are the worst and it is incredibly hard to take your mind off it. I feel bad for anyone who has to go through this...for what it is worth you are justified in being scared. Try some deep breathing excercises to help take the edge off.

I can tell you that extreme stress like you are feeling know is the absolute quickest way to lose weight...your body literally sheds the weight like water. I wish for you that is the reason for the weight loss.

All the best,
Dickons

[portlowski]

You have my greatest sympathy empathy and understanding! I won't hijack your thread...only to say that I too feel like I spend my whole life seeing various doctors and getting tests done. I had 6 doctor appointments this month alone!

Chronic conditions really stink because there isn't a clear end in sight. But I hope you are deemed cancer free very soon and that everything else just lies low for a long long time!

[Nevada Jen]

You have my sympathy as well. Do you think you lost 10 pounds or do you think its more likely it was a bad measurement on time or another?

I avoid doctors like the plague because I really do not want to know. (Yes, I know that's bad but I can't handle personal medical stress on top of my DD's medical stress).

Hopefully you will have some answers on the 20th.

[crick]

I'm sorry things are so stressful right now!! I hope the 20th goes well and do not envy you all the tests. Well, maybe the mammogram. While it's totally NOT p.c., I stand there and snicker to myself because I'm making jokes inside my head daring myself to ask the tech if my girls are hanging alright and if she wants to sing the "Do your girls hang low" song with me.

Hopefully a little smile for ya during this time....

[JLW99]

I am sorry you're going through this...just a thought though, did they check all your thyroid labs (bloodwork)? Sometimes nodules lead to hyperthyroidism, which is manifested by high metabolism and rapid weight loss. Reminds me of the old "if you hear hoofbeats, it's probably not a zebra" saying.
They should look at the more likely stuff first...cancer weight loss usually is accompanied by other symptoms, and the weight loss isn't usually that rapid in the early stages....hope you get some good news soon.

[karaboo]

Have you had any other symptoms? Night sweats? Heat intolerance? Cold intolerance? Bowel habit changes? Heart Palpitations? Are your shins swollen?

Hyperthyroidism can cause rapid weight loss...maybe your thyroid is the culprit.

Hope everything turns out ok.

[shy_bear]

Medical problems are never fun!! I am 34 and have had 2 mammograms. I felt lumps, same week my aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer, it turned out to be nothing more than fatty deposits. I went again this year b/c I get nervous that something could be behind the deposits. I also have thyroid problems; been through all of the test. It started with me gaining alot of weight and my doc felt it was enlarged. Have never lost the weight and been on thyroid meds for years. Your thyroid, when out of whack, can cause major problems. Try not to worry; I know easier said than done!!!

[kakuehl]

Aclee, you are in my prayers. One of the scriptures I like to hang on to is "don't worry about anything, pray about everything." Try focus on one day at a time. (The not knowing is the worst; there are so many possibilities.) Do remember to breathe.

[Cjmeck]

Good Lord, that is too much for any person... Hang in there!

[DPline]

You have my prayers!