New lump during chemo

waiting-to-exhale

I am a week and a half into my first round of chemotherapy and i have two swellings in my armpit. One almost the size of a ping pong ball. It appeared overnight. I went into the cancer emerg last night and confirmed that i am neutropenic. They didnt think it was cancer but thet also didnt know what it was and "hadnt seen this before".

Of course I am worried this is new cancer. Anyone have words of wisdom for me

Loviesmom2

Don't know if you've already got results but this sounds much like what I had after my core biopsy. A lymph node in my armpit grew to the size of a walnut. It was quite scary but turned out to be a damaged blood filled node that was negative for cancer. At least you can feel at ease because it's during chemo. Those drugs are killing cancer so even if it is tumor it will be wiped out. Stay encouraged

MaryJC

Hi, any update on this?

waiting-to-exhale

It turns out my swellings were boils/abscesses. For some reason, everytime I am neutropenic I get an infection in my armpit. I ended up hospitalized for 4 days to get it under contol and chemo was delayed a week.

I just finished my 4th round of chemo and now take preventative antibiotics to keep from getting infections.

I cant wait until chemo is over. I will probably be antibiotic resistant by then!

MaryJC

thanks for the update. It's hard to believe something new would develop during chemo. I have a lump in my armpit under incision from lymph node removal. It's consistent with when I was doing heavy lifting. Had mamo and ultrasound. Radiologist said cancer low on her suspicions, esp since I just finished 4 rounds of chemo but can't tell what it is. Said wants tissue sample but to schedule end of next week. If it shrinks then not necessary. It does feel like it's getting smaller but until it's gone I'll worry that it's my imagination.

waiting-to-exhale

after what we have all been through, its hard not to panic at any sign of a new lump. I was convinced I had some super aggressive, chemo resistant cancer growing.

Thats good the radiologist says cancer the lump does not look like cancer. I hope it shrinks on its own so you can avoid biopsy. Please update once you know. I will keep my fingers crossed for you.

MaryJC

it does feel like it's getting smaller each day thank God. Thank you for well wishes. Now waiting for evidence that my hair will grow bac