Mammogram: Prominent lymph nodes in axilla

LaurenInPHX

I had Stage 3 breast cancer 6 years ago. I just had a mammogram that detected prominent lymph nodes and because they don't have prior film to compare it to (I recently moved out of state) they can't give me a final analysis. Same with a chest CT I had the same day to get a baseline on a 6mm node they've been watching. My tumor markers were normal in October. The lung nodule has been there for at least a year, so I'm guessing that's fine or the tumor markers would have shown something. (although I understand they're not always accurate) They didn't mention any other areas of concern in the mammogram report so I don't think there is cancer in the breast. I won't know anything until they compare both tests to the last exam - which probably means Wednesday or later. I had the tests done over 10 days ago, so I'm also assuming that if there was something suspicious, they wouldn't care too much about the comparison and would have taken action already although that could be wishful thinking. I do have pain under my arm, but I don't know if it's been there or if I'm just noticing it now because I'm aware or if it's psychological. Ugh. I'm freaking out. I guess I'm looking for reassurance that the "prominent axilla" could be anything else but a cancer somewhere else in the body. 

I am anticipating an ultrasound and biopsy in my future. I figure I have a 50/50 reason to be worried.

Anyone ever have this experience? 

Thanks.

djmammo

LaurenInPHX

Can you get your prior breast imaging reports from the patient portal where you lived previously? Did the current mammogram report mention a size of the node or was it just mentioned that they "looked" prominent? Larger than on the other side?

Did the CT show enlarged nodes there, and/or in the other axilla, and/or anywhere else in the chest?

LaurenInPHX

They are in the process of getting the imaging reports from the last center. The current mammogram report said this: "DIGITAL LEFT SCREENING MAMMOGRAM: Digital images of the left breast were obtained. There are scattered areas of fibroglandular density. (ACR BI-RADS DENSITY CATEGORY . There is a well-circumscribed mass with associated biopsy marker in the upper central left breast. There are prominent lymph nodes in the left axilla." They need the last one to make a final report. 

As for the CT, I don't have those results. I called the doctor's office, and they won't tell me anything until they have something to compare it to. They do however have the last CT report, but they're not telling me anything until the imaging center here does a comparison. There are no nodes in the other axilla as they were removed in 2012. I have not had a CT in over a year, so I'm hoping that if there were anything, the tumor markers would have showed it in October.

Thanks for any feedback you can give. I'm flipping out. 

KBeee

Hopefully they can get those prior images quickly and compare them. Hoping all is benign. Keep us posted.

LaurenInPHX

So I had the imaging center send me the CT scan - no mention of lymph nodes and/or anything suspicious. There are nodules, but I think those have been there for a while. I'm feeling about 80% better about my situation and am just waiting on the second mammogram report and official word to be sure. So things are looking okay (at least from my amateur perspective). 

Thanks for letting me freak out.

LaurenInPHX

So still no official word. I told the nurse today that I am having discomfort under my left arm and I am hoping the doctor will order an ultrasound tomorrow. This is crazy that it's taking so long. I'm already at 12 days with no action taken. I was encouraged by CT scan, but the discomfort is concerning me now.

KBeee

Keep pressing them every day. It should not take this long. The squeaky wheel gets the grease, so squeak often.

LaurenInPHX

all is clear on the sonogram. Thanks for the support. So grateful for this community.