Panic-Symptom of lymph node met?

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I have a swollen area in my arm pit on the same side as my triple negative cancer was.  I cannot feel any lymph nodes, but the thickening and swelling is very apparent.  I also have tingling in my arm and hand.  Could this be a recurrence or met to the lymph nodes?

Comments

  • diana50
    diana50 Member Posts: 2,134
    edited September 2009

    i had 10 positive lymph nodes with NO swelling..NO pain...but the nodes were fully encased with cancer. some people have swelling...and tenderness in lymph nodes with cancer. 

    i would call Onc and follow up; we can never really know without  scans...biopsy..etc. 

    did you get rads in the area? could it be some kind of infection? how far are you out from treatment? 

    call your doc and have them evaluate it.  could be from lots of things...like infection, inflamation from something..  very scarey...

    good luck. sending you positive vibes...

    diana50

  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited September 2009

    Maybe Lymphedema. Is your arm swelled also?

  • MsBliss
    MsBliss Member Posts: 536
    edited October 2009

    Thank you for your insights....I am going to have it looked at tomorrow.  I am hoping the tingling and nerve sensations are from over exertion or something else....

  • MsBliss
    MsBliss Member Posts: 536
    edited October 2009

    No swelling....I only had 2 nodes removed.  I am going to have an exam tomorrow.  Many thanks.

  • leggo
    leggo Member Posts: 3,293
    edited October 2009

    Cancer in the lymph nodes is often accompanied by itching and the need to scratch (which doesn't relieve the itching).

  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 3,225
    edited October 2009

    I had cancer in the lymph nodes and there was not itching or need to scratch. There were absolutely no symptoms until the doctor felt the lump under my arm. While some people might experience the sense of needing to scratch, clearly that doesn't happen to everyone.

  • leighannmarie
    leighannmarie Member Posts: 100
    edited October 2009

    I have the same thing MsBliss.  I have some residual swelling, numbness and tingeling from the SNB.  Just had Mammo and ultrasound and they look clear.

  • Beth
    Beth Member Posts: 21
    edited October 2009

    I am experiencing something similar to this.  My hematologist found two very large swollen lymph nodes, on my right side, today; they are very painful.  She said the size is significantly larger than her thumb nail and stuck to the skin.  She also made me an appt with a surgeon for this Thursday.  Thinking I may not be sleeping very well for the next few days.  Anyone else expereince anything like this and it was only an infection.  My doc said she has no idea of what it could be except extremely swollen lymph nodes caused by breast cancer.

  • GrinAndBearIt
    GrinAndBearIt Member Posts: 33
    edited October 2009

    This sounds like a text book case of lymphadema. Did you have a mastectomy on that side? Do you have a fever and a possible infection? Have you been overusing that arm? Good luck with this and hang tight.

  • Beth
    Beth Member Posts: 21
    edited October 2009

    I did have a prophylactic mastectomy 2 1/2 yrs. ago on the right side.  Got my implants for both sides at that time.  No fever, that's why the doc was so concerned and no recent illness nor carrying anything. 

    There are two painful, tender spots axillary lymph nodes (each one about 1 inch across); that are red, raised, matted areas under the skin, feeling like clumps of pebbles

  • TenderIsOurMight
    TenderIsOurMight Member Posts: 4,493
    edited October 2009

     Beth, I'm sorry your going through this. Of course these nodes will need to be further evaluated. One thing I noted in your post is you say they are tender and painful, so an infectious process at least has to be considered I'd think.Do you have a cat that may have scratched you? Or a cut or sore on your arm? 

    I just know I hate being left out on the line to dry and I hope you get in soon to your surgeon for their diagnosis. Not every axillary swelling is cancer even when you have had cancer. I've had left over sutures, swollen cut nerve endings and scar tissue. All felt and biopsied. 

    Best to you during these trying times. 

    Tender

  • Beth
    Beth Member Posts: 21
    edited October 2009

    saw breast surgeon on Thursday, he excised 3 cysts and removed them; what a relief!!!!!

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