Hi Everyone
I got my result. Or rather I didn't.
The biopsies taken did not include lymph gland tissue (in other words she missed the gland with the needle). Apparently this is easy to do (it is hard to get a good biopsy from an enlarged lymph node).
So there is NO result.
Consequently, I have to go into hospital on Monday 19th Aug, and have a general anaesthetic. They will then attempt to get a good biopsy with a needle again.
The specialist is reluctant to open me up and take the gland out at this stage. Reasons given were that the node is still very small (although bigger than it should be of course) and if she opens up under by arm then she may not actually be able to find it. I trust her judgement here because she did explain that although she can feel it through the skin it is difficult for her to remove it. There was a possibility that she could get the enlarged gland in my neck because that one is bigger, but she is reluctant to give me a 3 inch scar across my jaw line if it isn't absolutely necessary.
I'm happy to let them attempt biopsies when I'm 'out' and see what comes back.
An added complication is that I have two suspicious looking skin marks....one on my chin (yep....its small but clearly shouldn't be there! bloody great place to get it isn't it!?) and one on my arm near the scar. She is going to remove both while Im knocked out, to ensure they are not additional melanomas.
I'm also having blood tests for Glandular Fever and other ailments which cause enlarged glands.
If ALL of this comes back clear, she will then operate and remove one or more of the glands to be sure.
I'm happy about how things are being handled and I don't feel too bad about going in on Monday. They are extremely good at Whiston hospital and I will probably be out the same day.
Thanks everyone for your help and support
Sirona
