I went to the doctor the other day because I’ve been having this pain in my Achilles tendon for some time now. I decided that since my own therapy of ice/elevation/ibuprofen was not doing the trick in alleviating the pain that I’d better get it checked out. Well, shit! – the routine visit turned out to be not so routine. Not exactly what I was prepared for. Thank God for Xanax (and alcohol) or I may not have made it through the rest of the day after this visit.
He took one look at my ankle and I could tell by the expression on his face (this doc is not very good at pulling off the professional doctor poker face) that something was up. There is a large, hard lump that seems to be either attached or coming from behind the tendon. My doc decides to send me to an orthopedic specialist. Cool. No big deal. I leave the office and am merrily on my way. About an hour after I leave the doc’s office I get a phone call. It’s the doctor – he calls me directly – doesn’t even have his office girl do it. Great. I answer the phone and he says, “Don’t panic”. WTF? RIGHT! How do you NOT panic when your doctor says those words? You know it’s got to be something BAD! He begins to tell me that he discussed my case with the orthopedic surgeon who, in turn, felt that there was something ‘unusual’ about the lump and – sight unseen – decides that I should be whisked off to the cancer center. What? No x-rays? No MRI? No biopsy? NOPE…go directly to the cancer center, STAT.
I guess I shouldn’t be surprised because this kind of shit happens all the time in my crazy mixed up life. Ugh! I had a similar situation several years ago (Polyps, Cysts and Tumors, Oh My!) but the dear doctors waited until after the tumor was removed to give me the news that it was cancer. This time it’s like they’ve already given me a diagnosis of malignancy – before I’ve even had any tests done. I’m sure they are just being cautious knowing my history, but come on, way to scare the ba-jesus out of me. So, dear friends and readers, if I have to have my limb lopped off in the next few weeks in order to save my life, please bear with me as I may not be able to post regularly. Thanks in advance for your patience…and keep your fingers crossed for me!
UPDATE: 2/26/08 – met with the oncologist today. If it is indeed a soft tissue sarcoma (which is very rare, apparently) we have caught it at an early stage, which is good. I am having an MRI next month and will go from there. If the MRI shows irregular cells then I will have a biopsy. If the biopsy shows malignancy they will remove the tumor and use radiation therapy, if necessary. If no irregular cells are visible at this time then I will just have follow-up MRI’s every three months to make sure there is no change in the tumor, and will also have the option to have it removed. So kiddos, it looks like I’ll be around to entertain you for the time being!
Thank you, everyone, for your uplifting words and support. I appreciate you all so very much!
Two Lazy Dogs 
Waiting with fingers crossed. Why can’t life ever be simple and smooth? I’m sure everything will turn out just fine. Until we hear from you next, take care, and know we are thinking about you. 😉
Thank you for your kind words. Yes, indeed, why can’t it? But hey, at least I’ve got my fancy new rock star hair going for me, right?! 🙂
Take care my friend, I hope it is nothing but a simple cyst and you are back on your feet in no time.
Thanks, G! I’m hoping that is all it is. I’m going first thing tomorrow morning so, hopefully, I’ll have more of an idea by tomorrow evening. I’ll keep you posted.
I’m thinking good thoughts for you. I’m sure it’s just a strange growth.
And I liked the caramel colour in ur hair yesterday!
Thank you so much. Yes, I’m hoping it’s just a cyst or some freakish growth. I just wish they wouldn’t act so hyper-concerned…it freaks me out!!
Thanks…I’m digging my new locks – I can’t stop looking at my hair – cue song, “You’re so vain…” Hahahaha!
I gots the fingers and toes crossed for yas!
Thanks! That means a lot to me!
Well I didn’t see this one coming. Ugh. One time they told me in all their knowledge that I had a “cancerous” tumor and it wasn’t so I hope they are wrong. I’m thinking good thoughts too and hoping everything turns out okay and sending some love to you! Be well!
Neither did I! I’m just telling myself “It’s not a tumor”, and I’m prone to cysts so I’m thinking that is all it is. Thank you so much for your thoughts & love, I appreciate it greatly!!
Sorry to hear about your health scare! 😦
Thank you, and thanks for stopping by! ‘Drunkbunny’…heeheehee, that got me giggling!! 😀
You scared the hell out of me, woman, so I guess I got a teensy little taste of how you felt.
I’m always suspicious when the docs say, “Oh, it’s a tumor, but we’re gonna leave it right there. You can name it ‘Freddy’, if you like. It’ll be your friendly tumor.”
WTF???
Glad you (and Freddy, I suppose) are sticking around.
Kisses,
Maxine
Thank you Ms. Maxine! Yeah, “Freddy” is, well, a pain in the foot! Sorry to give you such a fright…it scared the be-jesus outta me but I’m feeling a bit more calm today.
Sorry to hear this latest news. I hope he at least gave you some tips (and meds) to make it more bearable for the time being. I’ll be sending up good thoughts for you. 🙂 Until then, be well and know there are people thinking about you and wishing the best for you too!
Thank you so much. I really appreciate your support!😀
I’ll add this to my nightly prayers with my daughter. Sheesh, sorry to hear about this!
Thank you!
I was so glad to read your update and I hope you’re feeling better…
*huggin you! 🙂
Thanks, Romi. I appreciate you checking on me! 🙂
I have the same thing! Wish that you would update this page to tell us how it went.
any response yet!? I have the same thing and was told it was rare. I am waiting to get a 2nd opinion as I am not ready to quite except it. Let me know how it goes for you. Thank you so much!
Hi! Sorry, I don’t check this blog much anymore. After the MRI they determined that it was scar tissue – probably from running (which I used to do every day). The lump has since disappeared. Hope all goes well with your situation.
so glad to hear it was scar tissue instead of a tumor! I am going in for a 2nd opinion and maybe it will be the same for me, I can only hope and pray which I have been doing a lot lately. I used to run a lot, too, so maybe that is what it is??? Thank you for responding. How did it disappear any thing you did in particular?
Honestly, I think I just stopped thinking about it and one day I noticed it was gone. Didn’t do anything special. I did stop running, so maybe that helped.
I do not run anymore due to a bad back. I only walk. I have pain intermittenly during the day, not consistent. Walking does seem to relieve the pain as I notice it more when I rest and then get up and stand on my foot. Though, lately the pain has become worse and then I getting shooting pains up my calf as if I have severe shin splints. Is this what you experienced? So I have not been running for 3 years now.
hello, just read this article as I was diagnosed with the same thing today… Columbus Day after a short visit to a podiatrist. He did not know what to recommend. He did not recommend surgery , though, he said the tumor could rupture and break my achilles tendon. I have no medical insurance so he said the surgery would be very expensive and to remove the tumor they would have to rebuild my tendon. Can you please let me know who did your surgery, the outcome, etc…. I would so greatly appreciate it. Thank you so much