Growing lump in pectoral muscle

alcb70

Hi everyone. I'm stressed out waiting on a Dr's appt Tuesday. My original tumor was in my outer R quadrant. Now, this one is under (in?) the muscle in the outer R quadrant where the muscle runs towards my armpit. I thought it was just a knot in the muscle bc where the pectoral muscle runs up into the armpit is really tight. It's grown, and is now probably 1-2 cm ( over the last month or so). Has anyone else had a recurrence in this area? I've looked at conflicting posts/article as to whether this would be a recurrence or mets (if it's in muscle). I'm about 2.5 yrs out from surgery (chemo prior to surgery). I was trying to not say anything until after I saw the Dr. ..... But lost it yesterday & confided in my mom. I don't have any lymph nodes left on that side. I'm soooooo incredibly scared. I just don't know what to think. My husband was talking about our future & retirement yesterday & I had to try not to burst into tears. This sucks. Thanks for anything you can share. Can they even remove it without total damage to the muscle? Not sure I have it in me to do chemo again.

vlnrph

I did not have what you describe but wonder, with all nodes gone, whether you had any evaluation by a lymphedema specialist and/or physical therapy. Sometimes scar tissue can block drainage pathways and allow fluid build up. My reconstruction has resulted in area of fat necrosis which feels lumpy. There is also a condition called cording which might be good for you to look up (instead of recurrence and metastasis!)

Even with a worst case scenario, having plans for the future & maybe an early retirement is great. A good surgeon should be able to biopsy or remove the lump with minimal pectoral muscle damage. Consider a second opinion if you don't feel comfortable with whatever plan is suggested.

You've already been through a rough weekend of waiting so I hope there's something fun you can do today to distract yourself prior to tomorrow's appointment. Let us know what you find out.

alcb70

Thanks! I have seen a lymph edema specialist. I have an area that is lumpypffy in my arm, near my inner elbow, and unfortunately, this is nothing like that. This is a distinct mass, about the size of a grape. Could be something backed up....but is pretty solid. I am corded in that area, but this is softer than the corded tissue. Feels very similar to my original tumor/ lymph node (that was all cancer). It has been a rough weekend. Waiting is the worst. .

Thank you for your hep & support! . Gotta just wait it out. Uggghhh