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Inconclusive MRIs: Abnormality in pineal gland
Hello everyone
I recently had two MRIs (one with contrast and one without) on my brain because my neurologist was looking for the cause of tremors. Both showed an abnormality in my pineal gland and the radiologist couldn’t say whether or not it is a cyst or cancerous tumor. They are also sending me back for an MRI of my spine because the doctor said, “to be sure there’s no other cancer in your neck.” I have an appointment at mayo in 4 weeks (and the agony of waiting is painful). I’m afraid and I feel alone...although I have much support. Has anyone else had multiple scans in which no one would tell them conclusively what was going on? I’m looking for some solace in not having answers.
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@whitney111, welcome to Connect. Oh, the waiting is the absolute worst part. I'm glad to hear that you have much support. But I also understand that you still feel alone and afraid. Sometimes you just don't want to say to close family and friends what is really weighing on your mind for fear of frightening them too. I'd like to connect you with @alpaca. She gets it.
In the meantime, you might also wish to read this discussion
- Pineal Cyst https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pineal-cyst/
While this is all very worrying, you can at least take solace in the fact that the doctors are being thorough. Have you called Mayo Clinic to see if you can get an earlier appointment? With which department do you have an appointment?
Thank for this information. When Mayo called yesterday to set up my appointment, the lady said the first opening was my date in February. I asked if I could see a different doctor, and she said that this one was whom I had to see. It’s the neuro-oncology/neurosurgery department.
The agony of waiting! I know it well. It's hard the first time. First of all there is good reason to believe there is no cancer, secondly, you can use this time to treat and spoil yourself. It it is cancer you will have some treatments which might not be nice so try to do things you really love over this time. Another thing is to avail yourself of a counsellor. They are used to dealing with people going through this sort of stress. You aren't alone. There are thousands of cancer patients out there going through the same thing and many of them online, all of them knowing that uncertainty and being in limbo is a major cause of stress. We are with you.
That’s great advice, @alpaca. Use the time to do something nice for yourself and/or with family and friends. It’s also a good time to take care of other health items, like the dentist, optometrist, etc.