SCARED ?!! Woke up with tender area in right axillary -- HELP

ByFaith

**Excuse me for posting this a second time, but I originally posted this in the wrong section.**



On Arimidex for 3 years, used to waking up with aches and pains. This morning, however, something has me concerned -- area of right axillary armpit (non-BC side) tenderness when applying deodorant.



I was DX'd with IDC of LEFT breast, 1 cm, stage 1 (no lymph nodes) in 2010, lumpectomy, radiation and Arimidex. At initial diagnosis in 2010, also had an MRI and nothing was detected other than the left breast cancer. No subsequent problems. I go for regular 6-month checkups, mammograms as directed, and my GP also closely monitors me in this regard.



Last bilateral mammo was 5-20-13, normal. Followed same day by complete bilateral breast and axillary exams, nothing detected, no tenderness or concerns. My annual physical with GP was 6-26-13 and GP also performed bilateral breast and axillary exams, nothing detected and no tenderness.



I'm VERY aware of my body and have noticed no breast or axillary concerns until immediately after I woke today. I was applying deodorant and felt mild to moderate tenderness under the RIGHT armpit (not my lumpectomy side) when I press in the middle of my armpit. I can't tell if it's muscular or nodal, but I performed several exams this morning and felt NO lump or abnormality, just the area of tenderness. If I hadn't been DX'd with BC in 2010 I'd simply had written this off as muscular strain. I don't recall straining it, but I rarely recall things like that, especially with Arimidex aches and pains. I do often sleep on that side and woke on that side this morning. Hubby has said I'm a fitful sleeper (migraines) and am often found sleeping with hands holding my head or moving my arms.



I took 800 mg Advil 30 minutes ago (not for pain/tenderness, but to see if tenderness would go away) and have been Dr. Google'ing since. To summarize, noticed only this morning while putting on deodorant and examined myself every which way and feel no lump. It's slightly tender when I press on it and perhaps when I lift my arm (though less), but no lumps felt. I do primarily sleep on this side, but remember nothing unusual. I never exercise due to chronic migraine pain and depression, so even stretching hard or lifting (filling back of refrigerator, playing with dog or an unusual sudden movement) could cause very mild injury. Straining to fill the back of the refrigerator to fill with bottles is perhaps all I remember.



I'm TERRIFIED nonetheless. If I call my onc they'd likely have me come in because doctors never "hold off" on any type of complaint at this hospital. I'm so terrified I'm physically anxious, but do always think the worst and have all my life.



Any advice? Please help, I'm such a baby about this, so terrified.



UPDATE: Noticed doing minimal chores, such as loading the dishwasher, very mild discomfort in that area.

Moderators

Dawnsm, we're sorry you're dealing with this worry! You received good advice on the other thread, and we hope it helped to ease your anxiety a little.

• The Mods

ByFaith

Thank you! I realized the earlier forum thread is likely for those never diagnosed with BC and this is probably where I should have posted. Appreciate your kindness.

Anonymous

Dawn, I just went through what you describe with slight differences: I went for a check in / follow up this morning and a lump was found by my rad onc.  It was tender when she pressed it.  I just finished off my day with an unexpected ultrasound and biopsy and am now waiting.  I don't know what else to tell you excpet that it my doctyors are concerned and I hoep that you will get a review.  

V

DivaJMusic

Good Morning Ladies,

I too am experiencing this.  About 2 weeks ago while shaving I realized I was swollen and tender in my left axillary (my cancer side).  I go to my doctor Tuesday but I am REALLY geeking out.  Within the last couple of days I've had some paid down the underside of my arm (not all the way to the elbow, but about half way).  I am SO hoping this is nothing, but we are all realists here and have been down this road before.  It's so tough.  Hugs to you both.  V, keep us posted!!

OH- and I've been so tired lately I can hardly function!!! 

Anonymous

DivaJ, I am praying for you and please feel supported.  I'll be thinking of you as we both go through  this.

Monday morning, I'll know.  And I'm scared.

Think today tonight right now.

V

Anonymous

Hello,

Thank you.  You are all getting me through this.  The lymph node that was biopsied is cancerous so now pet scan and mri to determine if it is a new primary or metastic.  I can't believe it.  Praying that it isn't mets.  The plastic surgeon said that the largest implants will not be appropriate for me as they'll be just the slightest little bump given my size and so he doesn't recommend any reconstruction.  I've never heard this and need counsel on this.  Please send posityive thoughts about the type of dx. 

Hoping,

HVV