swollen underarm lymph node

javagirl39
javagirl39 Member Posts: 67
edited June 2014 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

On Thursday my family doctor found a swollen lymph node in my underarm area on my surgery side. I had a lumpectomy in February 2009. Her office is arranging an ultrasound.

I spoke to the oncology nurse on Thursday afternoon and she told me that it may be a reactive node and not to worry. After speaking to her, my oncologist called me and left a message that he wanted more information. I had no idea that he was going to call after I spoke to the oncology nurse. The next day she called me again and told me that my oncologist would like to see me on Wednesday to do an examination and possibly take a sample. I was told that my oncologist isn't worried and I was told not to worry but how can I not worry? I've been on a rollercoaster ride since December 22, 2008 -- the day that I found a lump in my breast. I want off of this ride and to be healthy and happy and not to worry anymore but it'll always be there won't it? The worrying? It won't ever go away :(

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  • Karen3
    Karen3 Member Posts: 307
    edited October 2010

    Hi javagirl - I am not going to tell you not to worry - because I know that you will. But, just to say that I know exactly how you feel. I have a hospital appointment on Tuesday to check out an inflamed lymph node in my groin. Whenever these things happen, we now automatically think of BC. However, the chances are that, in both our cases, there is a perfectly innocent explanation for the swollen nodes. We have both got to hold on to that thought and only think of the other alternative when we are presented with the evidence. I wish you well next Wednesday and I will be thinking of you. Let us all know how you get on XX

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  • 3katz
    3katz Member Posts: 1,264
    edited October 2010

    I can't tell you not to worry either - it is just human nature to do so. It could just be fluid buildup. But it is a good idea to get it checked out - don't blow it off. It's good that your onc is being proactive. I hope this is nothing. Best of luck. Keep us posted.

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  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 3,225
    edited October 2010

    I also can't tell you not to worry. I had my first bc 6 years ago. Then 2 years ago I had a swollen lymph node in my underarm area - on the other side. Unfortunately, in my case it turned out to be a new bc. However, there can be many reasons to have a swollen lymph node and most of them are not bc. Important for you to check it out carefully. Wishing  you b9 results.

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  • dew
    dew Member Posts: 2
    edited October 2010

    Whenever there is a swollen lymph node you cannot help but be worried - I had a lumpectomy in Sep 09, rads (33), my 6 months checkup on MRI showed swollen underarm lymph node on same side, did biopsy and it was benign.  Six months after that (2nd check up after lumpectomy) lymph node still swollen, so my BS decided to remove it.  She did that yesterday, so I am presently recovering from that.  I now await for the results in 7 days.  Hopefully it is nothing, but I can't help worrying.  I will let you know when I get the results.  My doctor said not to worry because it could be a reaction to infection due to radiation or surgery, (swollen lymph node is your body fighting off infection).  Wishing you all the best and hoping for the best for me. 

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