Now I have the official report!

[Beryl71]

Hello lovely people,

I came away last week thinking everything was ok after all, and thank you for all your encouragement, but now I have the doctor's report I am less sure.

It says the scans showed ' a new retrosternal soft tissue mass 43x22x33mm, suspicious for nodal reoccurrence.'

Then later it says ' this retrosternal soft tissue mass was initially present in her initial scans and her tumour markers have been stable with a CA 15-3 of 68....'

Can anyone put this in everyday language, should I be worried? I can accept whatever it is myself but I don't want others worrying about me. Yesterday I had a lovely walk along the beach from Goring to Ferring, and I've booked my flights to go back to North Uist for Christmas. ((For a month, but if the weather's bad I might get stuck🤣)! X

[Hazelgreen]

Hi Beryl,

Since the mass was present from the beginning, it doesn't make sense to describe it as "new". I have a couple of similar masses that are often mentioned in CT scans. Since they don't grow, nothing more is said. Mine are near a shoulder blade, and in an armpit. They may have occured when a lymph node "exploded"?? It sounds like yours is behind your sternum.

It is great that you are going to enjoy Christmas with your new partner! How far was your walk along that lovely, but bleak to me, walk along the beach?

Warm wishes, Cindy

[Beryl71 in reply to Hazelgreen]

Probably about 3.5 miles, and it wasn't cold. So lovely to hear and smell the sea! Thanks for your reassurance. X

[Hidden in reply to Hazelgreen]

I’m not a medical person by training but I agree. If they were present at the onset and you’re otherwise stable, that is what I’d focus on.

Please let us know if you hear otherwise. Good luck!

Nice photo. Being near the ocean is good for the soul.

[Rubyjude]

Hi BerylNothing to add but just wanted to say what a fantastic walk that looks. I love the shingle beaches in Suffolk but the beaches in North Uist must be among the best in the world.

[Beryl71]

They are, just so spacious and uplifting. I've been watching the Ben Fogle programmes, Scotland's Sacred Islands. I found it so moving. BBC, You can get on iPlayer. X

[Klamato]

If you are feeling good and there are no new lesions, I say you are good! Keep going forward and live your best life! Don’t concentrate on the negative!! Even if the tumors haven’t shrunk, they are not growing and there are no new ones, that all you can wish for! No worries now, just live your life and ignor the rest! God bless! Kathy