The Gift That Keeps Giving.

It's been 13 years of fun and adventure, with very few posts to this blog.  But it is now time to update this blog with some new adventures with cancer, the gift that keeps giving.  Way back when I first went through breast cancer, I was told that my type often recurred down the road.  I'm constantly doing breast checks for any changes, and recently had my annual mammogram, which came back clear.  

In July, I started having some swelling and discomfort in my left arm.  I soon realized that it was lymphedema, the condition they cautioned me to look out for after my surgery.  It had been 13 years, but they said it can flare up at any time.  I called my oncologist and shared that I thought I had lymphedema and they connected me with their lymphatic massage physical therapist.  I started meeting with her once a week, and as time went on, my arm started feeling tighter and tighter, with pain as I stretched it.  Over time, my pinky started going numb and losing control.  Finally, my PT said my type of pain was not normal for lymphedema.  She tested my strength and said my left arm was significantly weaker.  She shared that she thought I needed to see a neurologist.  I had to have a referral to see one, and their wait list is about 4 months long.  

My oncologist said "Let's see what's going on before we  send you to neuro."  They did x-rays of my neck, spine, and hand; then did a vascular ultrasound to see if I had a blood clot.  There was no blood clot, but he found a vascular mass in my arm, near the arm pit--a mass about 1 inch wide and tall that has its own blood supply.  That triggered an MRI scheduled a week later to check the mass, and then an additional MRI to check out the neck/shoulder area the day before.  Both scans together show that I have an ill-defined.  infiltrative, heterogeneously enhancing mass encasing the left brachial plexus, highly worrisome of malignancy, approximately 4x3.3x3.7 cm.  I also have a 1.9 cm mass within the lateral deep soft tissue of the medial mid arm.  They are scheduling a biopsy so they know the type of cancer they are fighting.  I meet with the radiation oncologist Thursday morning.  I'll have a biopsy after that.  They've scheduled a PET scan to make sure there are not other areas affected.  I'll update this as I learn more.  

To the handful of people who knew this was going on, thank you for your prayers.  I feel strength and comfort from them.