A small change, or is it a big change?

 I am trying to return to some semblance of normal. A bit of gardening, a bit of walking, a bit of yoga. Taking things easy, does not come naturally to me. I'm more of the "move all of the furniture in one afternoon", sort of person. But I have been cautious because, well, you know why. 

So, today, I was surprised when my abdominal mass, seemed to move. I feel like I am talking about a ghost or mystery of some kind. But the mass was located in my belly and now it is at my waist, under my left arm. Call me crazy. 

There is no pain, no apparent problem, it is just in a different place.  My best rationale for it moving, is that is it a lipoma that isn't securely attached to anything and decided to take a small trip. My next, best explanation is, that things are crowded in there, and it had to find more space. And the worst, and scariest explanation, is that it is growing so fast it ran out of space, and is now occupying an extra 8 inches because it is taking over. 

This was certainly worth a Google search and the results of my search suggest that the rate of growth among most tumors is slow. Most are not discovered for roughly 6 1/2 years. A few, will grow very fast, this type tends to feel firm, tends to be attached and creates lots of connections that provide blood so they  can grow. Lipomas, tend to be benign, soft, squishy, and slow growing. 

They also can be familial. About 20 years ago, my sister had a large lipoma, non-malignant.  A surgeon removed it through a small incision in her side. It was large and not easily removed, caused lots of problems, got infected and required months to heal. This is the problem with trying to remove an unknown mass through a tiny superficial hole. 

Could it be that I also have a large, hot dog bun shaped, lipoma that was "given" to me genetically, and will slide around willy-nilly until it is removed in a few weeks.  Or, is it something else? 

No idea. But it did move, without provocation, straining or pushing, it just moved and apparently likes it's new spot. It has not moved back. 

I notified the surgeon's office, will wait to hear if they want me to do anything. I am basically ready for surgery at any time, now that my cold has finally given up. 

Is this a small change, or a big change?  I think I will know in March when we have results and can name it. 

Also, just for the record, Natalie and Melissa, my two personal, home-grown nurses, have very busy weeks planned.  So, if I go in for emergency surgery, I am calling on all of you, who have generously offered to "help with anything I need". 

I am assuming, I will not get emergency surgery now, after delaying surgery twice, but I am not a surgeon and really have no idea what is happening. 

Check-in: 

Cold symptoms are gone. Temp normal, 64 ounces of water has been downed, vitamins have been taken and I am ready to get this show on the road. 

Birthday picks of Wes' Pickle Party are so cute. I understand he actually ate pickles with his cake:( Yuck! And, there was pickle-flavored cotton candy. :( Yuck again!







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