Worried about new symptoms

Swede

Hi everyone. I am approximately 10 months post lumpectomy with SLND (positive for macromets), 6 months post chemo, 2 months post radiation and have been on AIs for 2 months. In the last week I have noticed increased swelling, warmth and tenderness in the affected breast, and slightly reduced range of motion of that arm as well. Today I noticed a small pea-sized lump at the SLND area which I do not remember being there before. However, before, the SLND area was not tender so I was not feeling around. I have a call into the doctor, but in the meantime, I am wondering what you think? Is it likely that I am feeling a lymph node or new tumor? Can my symptoms be caused by something else? My anxiety level is really beginning to rise. Thanks in advance.

MelissaDallas

Swede, I think you should post this in one of the "worried about a recurrence" threads to get more and better answers. This particular forum really caters to women who have never been (and probably won't be) diagnosed. They really don't have the experience to appreciate what you are asking.

Moderators

Agree with MelissaDallas -- we're moving this thread!

NancyHB

Swede,

Congratulations on being done with treatment! Yet, so sorry you find yourself here, full of worry.

If never hurts to talk with your MO when you have a concern. Recurrence is always a possibility. Your symptoms sound very, very similar to those I experienced about six months post-final rads and 8 months post-final chemo. I noticed one day the ROM in my shoulder was greatly diminished. No real pain - it just didn't want to move like it used to. At the same time my breast started to swell and feel (I thought) warm and looked a little pink. Then, I found a small lump on the same spot as my previous cancer. I tried to wait a couple of weeks but got more worried as symptoms increased in intensity with each passing day. Long story short - I had frozen shoulder from rads, remedied after a few weeks of PT. Redness and swelling were a SE of radiation, too, which apparently continue for days and even weeks after the end of treatment (who knew? Not me!).

And my lump was rock hard, freaked out my MO so much she sent me straight to surgical excision, patting meon the back and saying, "I'm so sorry...." Turned out to be a complex cyst with a lot of debris covered by some scar tissue.

I share this not to diminish the possibility of recurrence, but to jet you know it could very well be something else all together. But please get it checked out. Good luck!

Luvmydobies

Swede, if you have swelling, warmth and tenderness it could be an infection. Is there any redness? I'm no doctor but when I read warmth it makes me think of the beginning of an infection rather than cancer. Maybe the thing you feel is a swollen node that's trying to fight an infection. Keep us posted! HUG