Pinda

Hello Katie,

Thank you so much for answering me. I have only had an MRI that showed Fatty Liver in May and no lesions. Not a concern to the doctor. Then a couple months ago an ultrasound that showed one lesion they called it a non-cancerous type - hemangioma? or something on that order. Said we'll watch it, not to worry, very common and have another scan in 3 months. So I did a couple weeks ago and this last ultrasound showed another lesion (didn't tell me what size) near my gallbladder and the original lesion had grown from 1 cm to 1.35. The nurse seemed very concerned I get in and have the CT scan to try to get to the bottom of these lesions, but I am highly (and I mean highly) allergic to the iodine IV so I told her that I couldn't do that one with the contrast. I am seeing my ob/gyn this afternoon at 4:30 to get on track and be sure this is not a spin off of ovarian cancer or another cancer that has been brewing. But when I called and told the nurse I would rather not take the chance on having that CT scan with my bad reaction previously she got mad and said "Well we'll see you in 6 months I guess". So it really was not a doctor related thing. I am not sure if my doctor even knows about all this except a cancellation of a CT. I am supposed to see him in Milwaukee on Sept. 30th but after that nurse treatment I an not sure - I haven't canceled anything yet with him.

I called the Cancer Center Of America which happens to be only about 35 minutes away from me in Zion, Il. and spoke with a lady there. She told me to get the AFP test as soon as possible. If it showed positive then their cancer specialists would be able to take over. I have a lot of faith in this place. Have heard wonderful things about it. So today I am going to ask my ob/gyn if he will order that test as well as a complete liver/kidney panel and blood panel. I am surprised my GI doctor didn't already offer to do that for safe measure, but I just got his crabby nurse. I recently had a perfect colonoscopy by this same Milwaukee doctor. I have been having pain on both my lower ovarian areas/back for some time but my previous ob/gyn (who left for Denver) just blew me off when I saw her a couple months ago. Did no testing for that at all and said "Oh you don't have ovarian cancer." Why all the pain??? Then this liver thing shows up.

The only reason I thought it might be cancerous is because on a post here I read that MOST hypechoic liver lesions are malginant but again, that doesn't mean always I guess. I was not told by anyone yet that it is cancer. I am hanging on the thread of MOST right now and praying they aren't or are some different kind that aren't. However the worrisome thing is that I am getting more than one and the original has changed in size. Wish I knew what size the new one is. I suppose people can get several liver tumors and they aren't cancer. I just am in pain and depressed that these doctors seem to just not be in a hurry to do anything. I think, however, that the GI doctor in Milwaukee may not be aware of what his nurse said and I will call if my ob/gyn doesn't order another MRI of my upper and lower areas. For that I have to be sure my kidneys are at 100% because of all the problems associated with the IV fluid used in the MRI's. Have you read about all the lawsuits on this?? It's horrible. But I guess the main thing is to get that AFP test (and others) done, according to the lady at the cancer center. And then pray pray pray. I still need these lesions attended to, even if it says I don't have cancer at present. I am in pain and they can probably turn into something later. I don't want to risk that. I also just wasn't sure if the Xanax I had been on for panic attacks and tinnitus these past 9 years might not have damaged my liver. I wouldn't be surprised. I am so sensitive to any medications, but the Xanax was about all I could take that kept me out of the ER. My blood pressure floats up and down alot too and the Xanax always lowered it. I would take 2 (per doctors order) and lie down immediately. Within about 1/2 hour it was down. I did have a severe dizzy spell Friday night. It was rough. Almost went into the ER then, but our ER here in Racine is NOT good. The nurses at the hospital even call it the butcher shop. Isn't that something? So I have no faith in anything here in Racine. There is Froedert Hospital in Milwaukee that is a teaching hospital. It is one of the best around here. I do have options, especially if it isn't cancer but these lesions are coming on.

Katie, thank you so much for writing me back. You have no idea who your note helped me. Just knowing that I have someone out there listening has made all the difference this morning.

I'll keep you posted and if you do find out anything or some other members in your group do, PLEASE write me back. I am feeling so down already, cannot even think about breakfast. Well, I am sure you understand all this Katie.

Big Hugs and thanks again,
Linda P.