Now what!??!?! Arm pit lumps....

GreenEyes81

Forgive me if this is not the right place to post.....I feel like an odd ball again and none of the threads I searched seemed like a match.

As you can see in my profile signature, I have had cancer twice on my right side. I kept my left natural breast. A few months ago I started having a very itchy armpit on my LEFT side---non cancer side. I did some research and decided it was a good chance it was some sort of bacterial thing. I tried keeping it dry, shaved more often (to keep dry) and made sure it was "dry" after showering. Seemed to come and go and when it came....like an orgasimic itch. ANNOYING!

I finally went to the doctor thinking I needed a perscription at that point-Mayish. Just before I saw her, I felt a small painless lump. She gave me a cream, same stuff you use for athletes feet. She also ordered a ultrasound....but due to a LONG mixed up stupid story they only looked at my "cancer" side. By that time, the lump was gone, I forgot about it and didn't say anything.

Now it's July, itchiness is WAY better! But now I have several lumps. Feels like deep pimples maybe? Had them for a week or so...seems like it was one now we are to 3-4 in a row along the lower part of my armpit. They are sore when I move my arm...not so much if I push on them as much as if I am moving my arm. An anoyance really more than anything.

I KNOW the answer is to call my doctor....but long story short I no longer have insurance. I am not "low income" so I am still trying to figure out my options from now till January when I can get coverage again. I am sure you all understand...you do not have to be low income to be "broke" from cancer.

Soooo.....my question---if it is cancer in a lymph node can the lumps "come and go". I know in the breast no.....but not sure on a lymph node. All of mine had been clear both times. If you had CONFIRM malignancy in a lymph node...could you feel it? What did it feel like?

I'm also wondering if they are cysts. Never had one to compare too.

Any thoughts---OTHER THAN CALL MY DOCTOR---

AliceBastable

It could be irritated hair follicles, especially if you're shaving more frequently.

Wised

Alice, that was exactly my thought. I've had a terrible staph infection from shaving that sounds a lot like what you're describing, Green eyes. While you are waiting for an appointment, try warm compresses and quit shaving for a time. You could also try urgent care if it doesn't clear up. You may need antibiotics. Let us know!

GreenEyes81

Oh I didn't think of that. lol My "shaving" more often is....instead of 3 months like every 3 weeks. I HATE shaving.....no problems letting up on it!! lol I will do that for sure! TY

edj3

My dad's a retired MD (so his advice isn't folklore, but always based on science)--he suggested periodically wiping my clean smooth pit with a cotton ball moistened with vinegar. I'd had problems with one side being smellier than the other and he said this would help restore the normal ph balance. It's worked, I do it maybe twice a year now (and most definitely NOT AT ALL recovering from the sentinel node surgery or radiation). Previously if I'd just shaved (used a razor then) it might very briefly sting. I mention that so if you try this and it stings, you won't worry.

Sjacobs146

I have had lumps like that in my armpit several times. The first time I was in a panic thinking that I had a recurrence. My doc took a look, and the lumps are in my skin, not the lymph nodes. She told me that it was from shaving. I try to remember to use new razors from time to time.

Spookiesmom

My original bc was on the left side. Had bmx. 7 years later, my right pit started itching like a million insect bites. Deep down. And then hurting. Mentioned this to MO, who poked around there. He ordered a PET/ct.

yep, a bunch of nodes lit up. Surgery in April,11 removed, 7 positive.

I'm now considered stage 4.

Get in to see your MO. Get checked out.