I may have low grade lymphoma or it could be from inflammation

LOL. You’re right. That was a lot of biopsies. Cute story with #13. While chatting with the team who would do the biopsy that day, I joked that this was #13, a Baker’s Dozen and asked if this one was special and on the house?
Without skipping a beat the NP quipped, “Nope, but today we toss in a free colonoscopy!” “Interested?” 😂
I settled for my traditional post-op package of Lorna Doone Cookies. 😁
Joking aside, the biopsies served a vital role in diagnosing/treating my leukemia, along with monitoring progress of treatment and success of my bone marrow transplant.

I wish you only the best of news on your upcoming biopsy. Of course there’s that anxious period of waiting we lovingly refer to as Scanxiety. ☺️ From experience, the results weren’t always what I ‘wanted’ to see, but they gave my doctor a clearer direction for the next step that has me living a normal, healthy and active life at 71 after AML/BMT 6 years ago.
With your adrenal glands showing signs of inflammation does your internist feel that could be related to any prior treatments you had for breast cancer?

Your story is so encouraging to me. I am 70 and just want an answer so I can go forward with my life. My internist said yesterday the adrenal infarct last week was due to my high platelet count. She did say the chemo I had for bc could cause leukemia years later. I could’ve gone all day without hearing that!
I told my husband I was feeling very anxious about the biopsy. He said well it’s going to provide answers. My internist said we can’t just keep throwing medication at the problem. I might’ve mentioned that my previous oncologist (who treated my breast cancer) didn’t seem to think the biopsy ‘would give that much more information’. But 2 drs feel differently.
Doesn’t help that I’m a retired RN who at times has a little bit too much information for my own good!

Lori thank you SO much! It’s great being able to talk to someone. And yes of course I will share my biopsy results with you.
As a nurse I would hopefully be telling a patient basically the same thing my Dr told me yesterday. She kindly reminded me that the biopsy will provide information so I can start feeling better.
I feel pretty awful today unfortunately. Went for a short walk earlier & it about killed me. I hate feeling weak and unable to do things. I am used to working out, walking, being active. Not feeling up to it is also making me depressed! Not sure if I told you (sorry to repeat myself at times) but my hemoglobin is very low. So I know the anemia is making me feel this way.
Anyway, hopefully this, too, shall pass. Hugs back to you!

Not being able to get a firm diagnosis-not just cancer- happens more than you might think. As advanced as some of our medical testing is, there are still situations where it’s challenging, whether solid tumors, blood cancers or lymphomas. Blood cancers can sometimes be especially difficult with the different subtypes instigated by varying mutated genes. There can be subtleties between subtypes making the underlying disease hard to differentiate.

Honestly, from my perspective, it’s really comforting that you have the highly specialized doctors at Northwestern taking this seriously. Fingers crossed, your situation may turn out to be inflammation as you’re suspecting. But if not, to have a dedicated team that is monitoring you with followups, is priceless! And don’t diminish a low grade lymphoma in comparison to someone else’s case. Cancer is cancer and large or small, it strikes fear in the bravest souls! It’s how we handle the diagnosis that gets us through the worst of times.
So, give yourself some grace while you work through things. Finding an activity such as art, sewing, writing, where your hands and mind are focused, allows for some incremental healing. Subconsciously, your mind is still ruminating on the ‘lack of diagnosis’ while the activity allows you the opportunity to refocus and escape! Little by little, daily, as nothing new develops, your negative thoughts get put on the back burner. Soon enough you’ll realize you’ve gotten through an entire day without even thinking about what has you addled right now. ☺️
So let’s change your thoughts of being IN limbo to doing the “Limbo Rock“ Remember that song by Chubby Checker? 😂. How’s that for an earworm?

I have started a journal, it gives me somewhere to vent my frustrations! I don’t see any doctors again until first week of June so I have a little reprieve, kinda nice after so many appointments the last three months. I am looking for a therapist I think that will help.

Journaling is a wonderful coping tool! I bet you’d love this discussion started by a fellow mentor a few years ago, @gingerw.
Journaling https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/journaling-the-write-stuff-for-you/

It’s nice you have a little longer leash between appointments for now! I was reveling in that myself this year. I take that as a sign of graduation and a positive step towards freedom. Plus, several of my doctors, whom I’m sure lost sleep at night because I tested their brain power, are happy for the reprieve. 😂

Finding a good therapist can be really helpful to work through stresses, thoughts, coping… Hopefully you find someone who clicks on the first try. Have you tried yoga or Tai chi?

Lori thank you SO much! It’s great being able to talk to someone. And yes of course I will share my biopsy results with you.
As a nurse I would hopefully be telling a patient basically the same thing my Dr told me yesterday. She kindly reminded me that the biopsy will provide information so I can start feeling better.
I feel pretty awful today unfortunately. Went for a short walk earlier & it about killed me. I hate feeling weak and unable to do things. I am used to working out, walking, being active. Not feeling up to it is also making me depressed! Not sure if I told you (sorry to repeat myself at times) but my hemoglobin is very low. So I know the anemia is making me feel this way.
Anyway, hopefully this, too, shall pass. Hugs back to you!