Discovered Lump on collar bone

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lemonjello
lemonjello Member Posts: 75
edited June 2014 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

I am waiting to see the radiologist tomorrow.  I have a lump on the collarbone.  It can't be good news.  I am out of "positive thinking."  I haven't even finished my radiation therapy, have 9 more sessions to go.  What do I need to know at this point?  What tests should I ask for?  What questions should I ask?  I think if it is malignant, it would fall under the term "regional recurrence" however, it is on the opposite side of the cancerous breast. 

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  • Leah_S
    Leah_S Member Posts: 8,458
    edited October 2009

    lemonjello, I have no answers to your questions but I'm sending you (((((((((hugs)))))))))))).

    I'm praying for b9 for you.

    Leah

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  • j414
    j414 Member Posts: 321
    edited October 2009

    A lump on the collarbone sounds like it is a lymph node. Don't freak out yet, it may be connected to the radiation, especially if you are getting a high dose and your skin is not reacting well.  A couple of years ago I used a heating pad for menstrual cramps, ended up with a small (like the size of a pea) blister on the right side of my hip. A couple of weeks later all of the lymphnodes on the left side of my groin were swollen - I didn't need to feel it, I could see it.  I ran to the doctor and he said it was from the heating pad blister. They were swollen for about a year after and then went back to normal. 

    Try to stay positive, sending you a lot of prayers for tomorrow, please let us know what the doctor says.

    Best,
    J

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  • Sukiann
    Sukiann Member Posts: 310
    edited October 2009

    lemonjello,

    I'm praying for you that it's nothing.  This fear we live in is horrible.  I don't know what you should ask for.  See what the doc says.  Ask what test would put your mind at ease. Good luck and let us know. We all care.

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

    I'm with the others here, Lemonjello. Odds are this is not breast cancer: recurrence if local is usually on the same side. You say a lump ON the collarbone. Perhaps it is bone itself, asymmetric from the opposite breast cancer side collarbone. Sometimes our bones are not exactly symmetric. If there's a lump on the inner side of the collar bone, i.e., in the supra (above) clavicular space, it could be a benign lymph node. Any sign of infection on that side of your body, including the chest wall?

    Glad you get to see your doctor tomorrow.Maybe tonight some help for sleep.

    Will be thinking of you,

    Tender

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  • Gitane
    Gitane Member Posts: 1,885
    edited October 2009

    I'm with the others in thinking it's on the wrong side so it's probably more likely to be unrelated to BC.  Tender seems to have the facts here, thankfully.  I don't know what the next steps should be; the radiologist tomorrow will help you find out, hopefully.  Please come back to us and let us know what you find out.  We will be hanging on here, waiting for news.  Giant hug going out to you tonight, Lemonjello. I really hate that this is happening to you!  This is so hard, the fear and worry that goes with BC.  We understand.   G.

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  • lemonjello
    lemonjello Member Posts: 75
    edited October 2009

    Thank you all for your replies.  My PET scan is being authorized and arranged.  The radiologist examined me and said he wasn't concerned.  Although the collar bone is a common sight for a regional recurrence, it could be other stuff.  However, my breast surgeon wasn't too concerned and it turned out to be cancer, so this positive thinking stuff is just not working well for me at this point.  I was just getting ready to celebrate the end to my rads, next week is the last week.  Tomorrow I turn 66.  It will be a nervous celebration.  This is just killing my peace of mind.  What would I be thinking now if I hadn't opted for chemo?  I would be a basket case thinking the very worst.  I probably should have had a PET can by now anyways.  Diagnosed in January, I think the PET scan is probably overdue.  There is no sign of infection.  No sense in guessing, I will just wait for the PET to take place in ten days. 

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

    Well, Happy Birthday then. Maybe you might take in a funny movie to get your mind off. I'll wait with you 'cause I'm having some tests done too. I've never had a PET scan. When I was diagnosed seven years ago they didn't do them. But I'm thinking my time is coming too. Definitely some anti-anxiety pills for me, dont' know if they would help you.

    Best to you,

    Tender

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  • Gitane
    Gitane Member Posts: 1,885
    edited October 2009

    A very happy 66th birthday, Lemonjello.  I hope you celebrated and enjoyed your day today.  Of course, your brain works overtime when worried, but I hope you were able to shut down the worry machine for a while, anyway.  I had a PET when diagnosed, but not since.  Interesting that you are reflecting back on your feelings about chemo.  There is so much we can't control, so much faith and hope is required.  Holding your hand through cyber space!  HUGS.

    Tender,  I don't know what you are facing, but if it requires anti-anxiety pills it's probably scary.  Hoping for the best for you, too.

    G. 

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  • Leah_S
    Leah_S Member Posts: 8,458
    edited October 2009

    Happy Birthday Lemonjello.

    Only good news on tests for you and Tender!

    Leah

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  • Gitane
    Gitane Member Posts: 1,885
    edited October 2009

    Haven't heard an update from you Lemmonjello, nor from you, Tender, so I'm just checking.  Hope you are both getting good news. G.

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  • Sukiann
    Sukiann Member Posts: 310
    edited October 2009

    I was thinking the same thing, Gitane.  Haven't heard update.  Are you ladies doing ok??

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