Worried about recurrence

Jmktmob

I think I am in trouble, or overly paranoid. I had a lumpectomy left side July 2015, two lymph nodes removed but clear

I had a clear mammogram just this Aug 1 2016. I just want to add that in March 2016 I had a follow up partial mammogram of my left breast. It was scary as the tech kept coming in and taking more films and Repositioning me into the machine to get as much as the breast she could. I want to say it was 5 more films later, The tech said The Dr. Was concerned about an area but felt at that time it was not cause for alarm. Return in 6 months for follow up. Fast forward to Aug.

Two weeks ago I went to see my Breast Surgeon because of a small lump under my breast but was on the surface of the skin. I did not know what to expect, only wanted to hear the words don't worry about it. It was a sebaceous cyst and prescribed antibiotic cream. At least I could duck that arrow! I actually apologized to him because I felt like a ninny for taking up his time. Of course he said do not feel that way!

A few days ago I was scratching under my left armpit and felt a hard lump that was about size of the tip of my finger. Then proceeded down the chest was and felt two more smaller lumps ( still under arm). All of these are not at the surface of the skin they are embedded hard and not movable. I just found a fourth lump above the collar bone left side same characteristics as the others.

I am hoping for HOPE that these are nothing to be worried about, however after reading on the internet of course I learned the Breast tissue expands to under the arm and side of chest wall. Also I read the cancer can move up the breast above the collarbone (which prompted me in the first place) to look for a lump in that area.

I am scared, and afraid that it has spread like wildfire, I just don't understand how after a clear mammo in Aug I can suddenly have these lumps show up.?

If I make yet another appt I am going to feel like the little girl who cried wolf. I want my breast surgeon to take my concerns seriously.

Any advice please or words of comfort

doxie

I think many of us understand where you are coming from, not wanting to "bother" your doctors for something that turns out to be nothing. Feeling guilty for worrying about something that may be nothing. But remember, they are getting paid when you come to see them. They aren't offering their services for free. And you aren't the doctor, so how would you know whether or not something new in your body is serious or not.

Ok, deep breath. Please make another appointment to get this checked out. It may be something as simple as an infection causing your lymph nodes to swell, be even that should be checked out.

xxyzed

Lymph nodes are under your arm and above your collar bone. It is possible you have enlarged lymph nodes. I don't know if lymph nodes show in mammograms. I had an ultrasound to look at enlarged lymph nodes. There are a number of reasons for lymph nodes to enlarge. I was told the most common reasons for women were infection and breast cancer. In my case it was breast cancer. I hope yours is due to infection. Either way this is something to bother your doctor with right away. If you leave it and it goes away on its own you will continue to worry. If you have it seen immediately they will be able to see what you are concerned about, do the most appropriate testing and give you a complete answer

KBeee

You DO need to get these checked right away. You are not crying wolf. I have had lumps biopsied 3 times since my initial diagnosis, and had imaging another time. My body just likes to make lumps apparently, but my docs have been clear that they are not to be ignored. I did have one doc, my ex-MO, who told me that unless they went from a grape to a golfball, to ignore them. Notice he's my ex-MO. My other docs have all taken things very seriously. Of the 3 times I've had biopsies, I did have a recurrence once, as you can see from my signature, my my case is not the norm, and I do have a horrible family history, so I was not surprised. I will add that you should NOT let any doctor just feel them and tell you they're fine. With my recurrence, I had a doc assess my lump and he told me he was 99% sure it was scar tissue, and the reason he didn't say 100% was because he never says 100%. My gut told me otherwise, so I asked for a biopsy, and he agreed. I am thankful I did. Keep u sposted.

Jmktmob

Thank you so much for your comforting words. I am not going to let this go by me and set up an appointment. Also I have been going to a Womens Comprehensive Breast Center here in NJ hospital Monmouth Medical Center so I was assigned a Nurse Navigator whom I am going to call today and chat with her. She had breast cancer and then a returned in the form of lymphoma I believe.

Jmktmob

KBeee: Thank you for your reply. Wow you have been through a lot. It helped me to see just when I think my story is worse, (not that it matters here) I can reflect on those stories to help with my anxiety. That is my biggest fear of someone saying that just from the looks or feel of it you do not have cancer. Biopsies are not fun but I will have as many as it takes to rule out the worst. I will keep you updated

Jmktmob

xxyzed: Thank you for your reply All has been helpful here! I am hoping that simply that is what this may be. Swollen Lymph Nodes due to an infection. I have such a great breast surgeon who is excellent with a great bedside manner.

He gives me the info straight. When I was first diagnosed answered my all my questions patiently. I have an appointment to see my MD on 10/18 and I know I will not make it until then. I thank you again. Everyone here is so helpful and compassionate

Jmktmob

doxie: Thank you for replying so quickly. I am now in a slightly better place from reading these helpful posts.and feel it is my right to call sooner. I had an appt on 10/18 to see my MD and to let her tell me what I should do (stupid I know) She too is a breast cancer survivor as she had a bilateral mastectomy. But I am not going to wait until then.

Thank you so much.

P.S. I love your Doxie So Cute! I lost mine a month ago as he was 16 years old with heart failure. I have been wanting to get another one. My family thinks it will be good for me............I am just cautious about all of that for right now until I know more.

doxie

Thanks. She was only 6 months in the photo. Now she is 11 and totally blind, has Cushings, mild IVDD and an enlarged heart. Amazingly on no meds though. Still a sweetheart who adores her kitties and all people.

I get where you are coming from as to whether to get another dog. They are a commitment. Still, nothing beats the unconditional love they give. My doxie was glued to me during treatment, even when her IVDD was at its worse.

Mojo56

They work for you. Without us they don't have a job. Please try not to worry about being a bother. You are your own best advocate. Advocate away and best wishes!