Swollen neck nodes/change in Breast size

ShaneOak

I had this posted in the wrong post I think. So, trying this.

Hello all!

I am having several concerning symptoms that I'd like to share for some insight from the greatest group of people I know.

My 5 year anniversary is in December. I have to start with that

In September last year a small, pea size lump appeared above my right clavicle. It disappeared about 2 weeks later. In October, a swollen node appeared on the back of my neck a few inches down from my hairline. It was bigger than a pea and moveable. 2.5 weeks later it was gone. December comes and you guessed it, a new swollen node on the left side of my neck. It disappears after 3 weeks. About 10 days ago, this same node came back and this time was large. It was large enough that it could be seen bulging out of my neck. I'm not great with measurements but I would estimate it to be about 2-2.5 centimeters. When I pulled my hair back and I turned my neck a to my husband, he immediately saw it. At the same time another swollen node appeared just below the bigger one. I have never had two swollen at the same time before. As of today, they have both reduced but still able to be felt. During these times I was not sick, no fever, flu, or other infections. More concern.

The other concerning issue is that my left breast (the affected one), seems slightly swollen under my armpit. It is not up in my armpit though. The swelling is almost next to the implant and has created a larger bulge under my arm. A few days ago I noticed my bra felt a little tighter on that side and leaves more of a mark om that side under my breast when I take my bra off.

I have an appointment with my BS on 4/4.

Does this sound familiar to anyone? Any insight (I am hard to scare) is appreciated.

Much love to all of you.

Falconer

Hi Shane,


I read your post both times because I too have noticed hard pea sized lumps in my neck, and I also haven't been sick, that I am aware of! My BS said lots of things can cause lymph node changes, but I'm getting a second opinion from my RO on Monday. Can you wait til the 4th to talk it over w your BS?

ShaneOak

Hi Falconer, thank you for your response. Please keep me updated on how your appointment goes. I will hope for all good news for you.

Unfortunately, I have to wait til the 4th. But I'm trying to not Google and that helps. But, I know something is going on. I now have cording under my left breast and the scar is pulling in. Hoping just scar tissue. But the nodes worry me. Especially the two swollen at once.

KBeee

Can you call and bump your appointment up? Call both your MO and your BS and see them both. If you call , explain how concerned you are, and they should be able to work you in.

I'm in Ankeny, by the way, and we have a local Facebook group. PM me and I can add you if you'd like, or I can meet you for coffee sometime

Mostly..... hoping that these lumps are benign, and that you get answers.

SummerAngel

I have similar problems with my lymph nodes, especially in my neck. I have one on the right side that's now permanently large enough to see if I turn my head a certain way. Mine are caused by my connective tissue disease, not cancer. The fact that yours come and go is definitely a good sign, try not to worry.

Falconer

My RO confirmed what my MO suggested: the hard lump is my cervical spine. Duh! It's my bone?! It seems hard to believe because I have no memory of ever noticing it before. But they both are on the same page so I'm going to leave it as is and not worry.

Shane, hoping that the coming and going is your immune system doing its job. The cording does seem strange. Did you have cording after surgery years ago? Any signs of lymphedema?

ShaneOak

So glad for the good news, Falconer! Take a deep breath. No, I did not have any cording or lymphedema at all after my BMX or reconstruction. I thought my breast felt tighter and when I did some stretching the cording was there, almost to the end of my ribcage. I've red some that it's nothing to worry about...BUT the sudden appearance is weird. Can lymphedema show up randomly after 4.5 years??

I know that nodes can swell off and on, but again my concern is that I was not ill sick at all when they were there.

I plan to call in the morning and see if there have been any cancellations.

Kbeee, I have seen some of your posts and had no idea we were so close. I will PM you. Thank you for the invite.

Thank you all for the support.

Falconer

Shane,
Here's an excerpt from an article from lymphaticnetwork.org:
"Do I have to worry about this for my whole life?
The proper term to use is ‘vigilance.' Stated positively, the primary risk for lymphedema development is in the first year following surgery and radiation therapy, when 90% of the cases occur. By the end of 3 years, 95% of the cases will have appeared. If you don’t have lymphedema after 3 years of vigilance, the risk remains, but it is quite small. If you take the proper precautions and use the proper surveillance, the risk can be maintained as small as possible."

So, there is a small risk forever, I guess. One thing more to be "vigilant" about. Hopefully you'll have answers soon. Thinking of you. Try not to worry during the waiting is easier said than done.

ShaneOak

Hi all, so my appt is tomorrow morning and as much as I am trying to be positive, I feel a bit doom and gloom. The two nodes are still swollen on my neck, at least two in my armpit and a lovely crackle in my chest, yet I am not sick. Really awesome! Grrr.... I'll update tomorrow.

KBeee

Keep us posted. Hoping for all good news for you. Hoping the nodes are swollen from an ingrown hair or something benign and annoying like that. I'll be thinking good thoughts for you!

ShaneOak

I will Kbeee, thank you!

edwards750

I had a lump that appeared on my neck that I didn't even notice would you believe? My neighbor did. It was years ago so I don't remember how large it was but make no mistake I freaked out because my brother had just been DX with melanoma. He is fine now.

My GP squeezed it and it moved around. He said it was probably fatty tissue and it was. I spent several agonizing weeks waiting though so I truly feel your pain literally.

Good luck. We are all praying for you.

Diane

Falconer

ShaneOak, Holding you in the light all day tomorrow. Hope you can sleep tonight.
Big hugs.

ShaneOak

I wanted to share my experience at the doctor today and I would appreciate some other opinions and feedback. First of all, nothing was found.

I have always liked my BS. He's been patient and takes time to explain things. Today left a really bad taste in my mouth. When he came in I explained that I was having two issues I was concerned about (nodes and breast changes) and had no idea if they were related. Before I could even explain, he said I should see my normal medical doctor for that. Okay.....he's check out other lumps of mine before that were not on my breast but alright. He said "nodes swell often, they are just reactive". This was before I even told him where they were swelling (above collarbone, back on neck, side of neck). He then started to examine my breasts and I started to explain that my bra was much tighter on the left side (cancer side) and that it was noticeably swollen. I said that I've been having weird pains in that breast and in my armpit that is new. He did a quick check and said that all that is just scar tissue and he feels nothing. Don't get me wrong, this is good news.

I was still feeling very rushed and felt he was very dismissive towards me and my complaints. At one point he said, "Well, there's zero chance that DCIS can spread so there's no real concern". Honestly, that pissed me off. Big time. Now I understand that there are many arguments that are scientifically supported about whether or not DCIS can ever be invasive. I don't really want to hear those arguments here (no offense). Here is my issue and what did not sit well with me at ALL.

I felt as if before I could even explain what I was experiencing, he already made his mind up that nothing was wrong because I had pure DCIS. I understand that he's the doctor, not me.....BUT I don't think I am okay with any doctor that isn't even open to exploring the idea that something could ever be wrong. Then why was I referred for an Oncology appointment??

I would also like to say that I did not expect him to just send me for all sorts of tests or anything like that. But, the appointment was so rushed and I was dismissed so quickly that honestly I just shut down. I didn't even get to ask about what other reasons my breast would be swelling or about the new cording under that breast,

I would love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks for listening.

Falconer

Well, I can definitely understand your frustration. It is horrible to feel dismissed and not taken seriously. Is there somewhere to go for a second opinion? This is why in my post I said that my RO confirmed what my MO said- because I went to both of them. Peace of mind matters. Ughhh! I'm sorry you don't feel like you got what you needed, Shane. If you don't feel better soon, go see your primary care doctor

ShaneOak

I appreciate your kind words and perspective. Sometimes I need a few days to work through my emotional response , then I think I'll come up with a plan. I am leaning towards seeing my normal practioner and start there.

Beatmon

So I guess he did a 100% perfect surgery and removed every tiny tiny microscopic piece of breast tissue....so there is absolutely no chance of another breast cancer! I say BS to the BS. I cannot believe that he didn't examine your nodes and cording.

I think he was in jerk mode...sometimes referred to as Surgeon God.

I'm very sorry that you weren't treated respectfully. Please continue to be assertive for your health care