For those with recurrence in armpit,how did it present itself?

I don't want to scare those with lumps in their arm-pits but I when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I had one node that had a slightly thickened cortex that was biopsied and was found to be benign, no real nodes showing up with ultrasound, one node that lit up slightly on a PET scan that then looked benign in a CAT scan and one node that was slightly enlarged but looked benign in an MRI.  At surgery roughly three weeks later, I had four positive nodes.  My nodes were never sore, and the radiologist who did the biopsy on the node, who also said she was CERTAIN I had breast cancer, said that she was almost certain there was no cancer in any of my nodes.  I asked her if she saw nodes at times that obviously had cancer through ultrasound and she said yes...all the time.  Nodes could be inflamed due to your treatment and they could be B9, but if it were me, I would either ask to have them removed or request a PET scan.  That way, they can see if the nodes light up. You may have to fight to get a PET scan as they are expensive, but if you have NEVER had one, perhaps you can get one. This sounds very, very frustrating.  I never felt any of my nodes. I had one palpable, movable node at diagnosis that could be felt by the surgeon but this was after all the biopsies so they attributed it to this...stage I here until surgery....I would not be happy if I had any swollen node in my arm-pit after having had cancer and I would insist that it be removed unless it was clearly, clearly fatty tissue. If it is tender, I would say that it is likely NOT fatty tissue.  I hope you get this resolved soon!

That is soo very sweet that your daughter is going to get a tatoo in your honor and why should you miss it!  It sounds like they are really, really looking into this for you.  As I was initially stage I, my insurance company fought hard against my initial PET scan. As you had an infection and also a DVT in that armpit, it seems there are numerous valid reason for the lump to be scar tissue. I hope that your next appointment gives you some answers!  Enjoy your 50th birthday!

Dee, my lump is tender only during certain times of the month. I feel like it is when I am supposed to ovulate (im on zoladex so no periods). I am still having the mild throbbing pain but then a few days later it does away. I can feel the mass and I am freaked out. My onco is one of my best friends so she would def tell me if there was a prob. US didnt show anything suspicious. I might have her look at it again.

Julie

I just found a lump/bump in my armpit-same side as original bc which i had twice.  1st time - lump/radiation in 2000,then bilat 2006 - neither time lymph node involvement.  Had core biopsy the other day - positive.  PET scan yesterday - showed only that lymph node - hopefully.  Seeing breast surgeon monday to discuss options.  Onc. checking for HER2 - which has been neg.  Cannot believe it's 3rd time but praying for good prognosis.