Pain and Swelling--Underarm and Breast

chefmom

I posted back in December about pain and a lump under my arm, not the side where I had my mastectomy. I had a PET scan and apparently it showed nothing out of the ordinary. The doctor never called me, I just saw the test results on my online account with the cancer center. Anyway, since then my pain has become progressively worse and it's almost constant. The lumps under my arm don't feel super hard, just very painful to the touch. and now the pain is radiating into my breast as well. There's no nipple discharge or redness and I keep reading that pain is not a "usual" symptom of breast cancer but I just really feel like there's something wrong. I am scheduled to go in 3 weeks for my annual mammo and check up. should I try to get an appointment sooner? Am I overreacting? Any direction or advice would be appreciated.

icey

It sounds like you might have some type of infection. I would try to see someone as soon as possible!!

vlnrph

I agree, don't wait - with no call back after a PET scan, I would even consider going to a different doctor. Increased, almost constant discomfort should not be ignored. The 'no pain from BC' idea is a myth.

You may be aware that lobular cancer is more likely to be bilateral so get it checked out right away!

chefmom

Thanks, ladies! I am going very soon to get everything checked out so I can breathe a little easier! I don't want to live the rest of my life fearful that everything is cancer returning, but when it just lingers and doesn't go away, it concerns me for sure. I'll keep you updated!

chefmom

Well, I'm still battling a swollen, painful underarm. The GP doesn't think it's infection and I had a mammo and CT which showed a "dense" area that they are watching because it's thick fatty tissue. I just know that there is some reason that I'm having this swelling and discomfort. I'm thinking about pushing for a biopsy of the dense, questionable area...any thoughts? My first BC was discovered through mammo but only one of the 5 tumors I had were visible. I don't want to panic, but this swelling isn't going away and is getting very uncomfortable. Any direction or thoughts from anyone would be appreciated.

chefmom

Well I didn't have time to ask for a biopsy they want me to contact my MO and schedule an MRI of my right breast. I'm nervous. I hate this feeling. I know that it could be nothing, but it's probably going to be a stressful couple of weeks. Pray for me!!

Luvmydobies

Prayers going up! When is your appointment?

chefmom

I'm not sure yet, I've got to call them first thing on Monday. I'll definitely let you know! Thanks for the prayers!

Luvmydobies

Let us know when you get your appointment. I have my four month checkup on Monday. I dread it because it seems like I always get new aches and pains when it's time for the checkups. Ugh!

I'll keep praying. I have Lymphadema which causes constant swelling in my armpit and truncal area on my cancer side. It can cause pains as well. I get really sore sometimes even from just doing light housework. It may be worth checking into? I had a double mastectomy so I can't say whether or not it would cause your breast to be sore but I would assume it could. Try to hang in there. HUGS!!

chefmom

Well I got a call from my MO that I am being referred to a lymphedema specialist, but that is because of worsening swelling on my left side (cancer side). The armpit swelling is on the right. And I still haven't heard from my doctor about the MRI on my breast. I know I'm not their only patient but I get so frustrated with the hurry up and wait!! My underarm has been hurting for over a year and the swelling started over 6 months ago! they kept saying it's nothing, it's nothing, but now it may be something and it's taking forever to find out! Sorry, just had to have a quick vent!!

Thanks for the hugs Luvmydobies, and I'll be keeping you in prayer as you go to your four month check up! Let me know how it goes! HUGS to you!