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Original poster

Lump on baby's spine

107 replies

PinkLillies18 · 05/11/2018 18:59

DS is coming up to 4 months old in the month. After 4 weeks of being born he developed a lump in the middle of his back which feels it's just off his spine.
I was the size of a 5p then swelled to a 50p coin size, it's not red or any colour. It has since stayed the same size but it now hard. He isn't in pain from it or when it's touched it doesn't seem to be sensitive.
He went to see a doctor at the local hospital who booked him for an ultrasound.
The lady who was doing the scan had to call her 'head of team' in to look but they both said they haven't seen one like it. From what I know the report came back inconclusive.
He was referred to a consultant who then booked him for an MRI.
2 days later I had a call from my hospital saying he's being referred to Great Ormond Street hospital where they will want to see him within 3 days time and will discuss his case with me.
I'm just confused as to whether I should be worried for it to get sent to them. Nothing was disclosed over the phone from the local hospital other than the fact he's had to be referred.
Has anyone had any similar situations or have any advice?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
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dontknowwhattodo80 · 07/11/2018 14:39

When is your app @PinkLillies18 ? X

CherryPavlova · 07/11/2018 14:40

That’s not necessarily so. Sometimes they need a more recent ultrasound to see whether a biopsy is risky or straightforward. It can be the difference between admitting him or not.
They’ll have a good idea from an MRI but will need to confirm one way or another, probably. They’ll explain everything well but it will be matter of fact - you’ll get a chance to ask questions. Take someone else with you, if you can. It can be a taxing day regardless of the outcome.

Original poster
PinkLillies18 · 07/11/2018 15:02

Hi just had another update, he has to have ultrasound on mornings of appointment and go on the safari ward. (Not staying in). It says on their email the safari ward is to discuss the diagnosis and treatment. Does this mean they know?
Sorry to sound paranoid now

OP posts:
Tawdrylocalbrouhaha · 07/11/2018 15:08

You don't sound paranoid at all, OP. They probably don't know yet what it is, but will have a better idea after the US. As difficult as it is, you just have to wait and see - best of luck.

itshappened · 07/11/2018 16:32

You definitely don't sound paranoid, it's only natural that you would be feeling anxious about this. But reassuringly it sounds like they are being very thorough, so they will get to the bottom of what the lump might be as quickly as possible. Really hope it all goes well at the appointment 

Stormwhale · 07/11/2018 16:41

I think all you can take from the information you have so far is that they are not willing to leave it to get any worse and are thoroughly investigating what is going on. That is good, they are taking it seriously and are making sure they are doing everything your baby needs them to. I would try to put the rest on pause. You don't have any firm answers yet and trying to prepare yourself for every eventuality won't work. You will just stress yourself further without having all the information.

Great Ormond street are the real experts with children. Your baby couldn't be in better hands.

Holding your hand and praying that it turns out to be something easily sorted. You are being very brave and are clearly a fantastic mum.

RandomMess · 07/11/2018 16:46

I suspect they are being extremely through Thanks

dontknowwhattodo80 · 07/11/2018 16:48

Want to wish you loads of luck @PinkLillies18 , I'm thinking of you xx

HollowTalk · 07/11/2018 16:52

Just looking at the Safari Ward info and it says:

"Children and young people come to Safari Day Care for a clinic appointment, medications, tests or procedures and go home the same day."

That sounds promising, OP.

ShowOfHands · 07/11/2018 17:06

I went through this last year. DD had a lump, she had an ultrasound at the local hospital and they said at the appointment that in 90% of cases they diagnose as fatty or fluid at that stage. They couldn't tell what it was and so dd had an mri very soon afterwards. We were told to await a letter but instead got a phone call whilst on holiday in Devon telling us to go straight to Addenbrooks. She then had an MRI with contrast and still didn't know so we were referred to oncology in Birmingham. We're in Norfolk! She had a biopsy under sedation and then a full excision under a general a short time later. So two hospital stays many miles away.

It was benign.

I remember well how terrified I was but they are being thorough because they simply don't know. I remember them telling me repeatedly that they are honest at all times. If they don't know, they make damn sure and quickly.

notapizzaeater · 07/11/2018 17:08

Because he's so young they will want to dot all the I and cross the Ts 🤞

minmooch · 07/11/2018 18:45

Wishing you and your little one much luck. Hopefully it will be a case of thoroughly looking into what it could be and that whatever it is, is easily treatable.

When you go to your appointment take a pen and paper with you. Write down any questions you have before you get there. Write down the things they are saying to you. It is very difficult to remember all things when you are frightened.

Original poster
PinkLillies18 · 07/11/2018 20:05

Thanks so much for replying in, I'm definitely going to go in as level headed as I possibly can be and take a pad and paper. I'll update the outcome after His appointment. Hopefully all will be okay

OP posts:
SloeBerri · 07/11/2018 20:15

Not for the same reason but my daughter had MRIs and reasons pointing to a regressive illness. I remember the fear and googling. It was never totally explained all the symptoms and what happened, but in short she grew after the set back into a healthy child x

Rarotonga · 07/11/2018 20:50

Wishing you and your little one well for Friday OP. Fingers crossed they will be able to rule out anything worrying. It's an amazing hospital and I'm sure they will take good care of you through the process. Flowers

Squeakybubbles26 · 07/11/2018 20:56

Wishing you all the best for your little one  can't imagine what your going through right now but hoping for positive thoughts for you all xx

mama17 · 07/11/2018 21:12

I don't know the answers to your question but sending lots of support. I'm sure everything will be fine but can't imagine how your feeling right now. Keep us updated if you can massive hugs

minmooch · 09/11/2018 07:05

Hope you get some answers today xxx

notasnowploughoratiger · 09/11/2018 07:36

Will be thinking of you today x

Nogodsnomasters · 09/11/2018 07:39

Good luck for your appointment op, stay strong xx

IceBearRocks · 09/11/2018 08:19

Good luck today x

ShowOfHands · 09/11/2018 08:30

Also thinking about you today.

Original poster
PinkLillies18 · 09/11/2018 09:47

Thank you. Will keep post updated with any results or answers. Staying positive today :)

OP posts:
MsForestierinParis · 09/11/2018 09:55

I remember you showofhands and that long journey to the hospital. Your dd had a great sense of humour.

Hope everything goes well PinkLillies. Will be thinking of you.

ileclerc · 09/11/2018 10:01

Thinking of you and hope all is ok Flowers