So far my blood cultures are negative. I will probably get the final result today and do not expect something different since we know the source was from strep throat. If it was some rare nasty bug, it might take more time to grow, but not strep A. This is a huge win and a great addition to my public service announcement to the doctor ASAP is so important.
I’m on my Augmentin and another public service announcement, I will be taking ALL of my antibiotics as prescribed. I am feeling better day by day and am to return to work tomorrow.
From the Mayo Clinic:
“Taking antibiotics responsibly: It's tempting to stop taking an antibiotic as soon as you feel better. But you need to take the full treatment to kill the disease-causing bacteria. If you don't take an antibiotic as prescribed, you may need to start treatment again later. If you stop taking it, it can also promote the spread of antibiotic-resistant properties among harmful bacteria.”
I also had a chest x-ray to ensure I did or didn't have pneumonia. I didn't but they found a "hazy ill-defined asymmetric density" on the left side of my chest which was outside of the chest wall. In my setting of breast cancer, that could be post-surgical changes or concern for something else. I commend this radiologist for reading this x-ray so closely with my current situation and want to highlight they also stated "There is no significant mediastinal widening or evidence of hilar or mediastinal adenopathy. Bones imaged are unremarkable without blastic or destructive lesions of bone." This translates to no findings of enlarged lymph nodes in the chest (YAY!) and no evidence of spreading (metastases) to my chest wall (YAY!). I appreciate this extra care taken to comment on things that otherwise may not be mentioned in a standard chest x-ray.
Due to the findings of the "hazy ill-defined asymmetric density", my care team quickly got me further x-rays (initial x-ray was anterior to posterior or AP (front to back)) and the further images were PA (posterior to anterior or back to front), lateral (from the side) and oblique (a partial turn) to truly visualize the area. The further imaging did not show the same density seen and the impression was "The previously described density over the left lateral peripheral lung field was related to superimposed soft tissue structures." I'll keep doing my breast checks but know there may be scar tissue that tosses in some scares in there. I'm currently learning the balance between being the girl who cries wolf and not speaking up when I need to.
Posterior-Anterior and Anterior-Posterior Views
- Preliminary blood cultures are negative. Final takes another day to grow.
- I'm on Augmentin for strep throat and PSA to take all antibiotics as prescribed and not stop early when you feel better.
- This helps to prevent antibiotic resistance and also ensures all bacteria are killed by the antibiotics.
- Chest x-ray from ER visit showed a "hazy ill-defined asymmetric density" and led to further x-rays. It also showed no lymphatic involvement or spread to my chest bony structures showing extreme care to read results in the setting of my ongoing cancer diagnosis.
- Those views (see above for details) confirmed that the density was likely due to superimposed soft tissue structures" and did not show further concern for an area of concern.
- I will still continue my breast exams.
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