Underarm pain and lump

chefmom

I posted over the summer about having pain under my arm and in my breast. It's been going on since April of this year. I went to the cancer center in August and they did lots of mammogram angles and even ultrasound but didn't find anything to be concerned about. Since then the pain has only gotten worse and more constant and now there is a hard lump a little below my underarm, to the side of my breast.  It is very tender to touch anywhere in that area.  So what is my next move?

I hate to not trust mammograms but when I was first diagnosed, my mammo showed one tiny little spot that the first onc. I saw almost laughed at because it was so small. (Yeah, that's why I didn't go back to him.) When I had my mastectomy, there were actually 5 tumors in my breast, one larger than 5 mm, and it was in my lymph nodes.  One node was even broken open and the cancer was growing out of it like a finger. So I know that they don't show everything, even though they are a very effective method of early detection. My tumors were very close to my chest wall, that's why they didn't show up on the mammo.

I guess I'm asking if I go back to the cancer center again and have more tests or just keep monitoring my condition? I don't want to  live my life thinking that every ache and pain I have is cancer again, but this has been going on for so long and isn't getting any better. I welcome any advice. Thanks in advance.

bevin

Could you request a breast mri? Those also get the underarm area in the scan. Since you have a history of breast cancer it should warrant approval of one.

lessormore

Trust yourself! You know your body better than anyone else and you know something needs to be addressed. If your doctor isn't volunteering any more followup or tests you'll have to ask for them. The first time asking is the hardest but you need answers and time is not your friend. An MRI is in order or a CT scan. Given your past history I'd think a PET scan might be reasonable too. They should be following up on your progress but since they aren't please contact them. You know your body best. This is not the time to trust that the medical system will catch it; they're too overworked and I think doctors rather appreciate it when a patient draws the line rather than an insurance company. Go get em.

fifthyear

Absolutely go back and have Pet or MRI. I had my mammo pristine clear 3 months before I found a hard lump myself. If you have dense breast mammo may miss something. US may or may not catch it either. Once having BC, the motto must be "ME FIRST". Don't wait. Come back and let us know

chefmom

I finally got in to see my MO on Dec. 22. They did some bloodwork and I am scheduled for a PET scan on Tuesday, Dec. 30. I was hoping for some good news and the all clear before Christmas, but I made it through ok.  I have started experiencing some weakness in my arms and legs and extreme fatigue which the doctor said may be because of my thyroid (it is swollen on one side) but the bloodwork didn't indicate that it was out of whack.  So now, the waiting continues. I'm doing my best to stay positive and just enjoy my Christmas break and spending time with my kids. I'll keep you updated!

chasingzoe

I would skip the scans and request an ultrasound guided needle biopsy. My mammogram did not detect my cancer.