Really Need Some Opinions/Advice...worried

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chefmom
chefmom Member Posts: 21
edited August 2014 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

Hi, All!  It's been almost 3 years since my original bc diagnosis. I had a left mastectomy, axillary node dissection and removal (node positive), chemo, radiation and am now on Tamoxifen.  For the past couple of months, I've been hurting in my right armpit (non-cancer side) and it is swollen and tender to the touch. I've also started hurting in my right breast/chest; I have very dense, lumpy breasts but I believe that I've found a small lump that doesn't belong there. I'm trying not to be a panicker, which isn't easy, but I've just been monitoring my condition and waiting. In the past couple of weeks, I've had some pain under my left armpit, as well (had 15 nodes removed, 2 positive) and my mastectomy side is sore and tender to the touch. No obvious lumps or masses on that side. Yesterday I wasn't feeling good (just super tired and kind of achy) and took my temperature.  Now I'm running a low grade temp with no obvious reason. I guess my question is does this sound like it could be a recurrence or mets to my chest wall or something? Like I said, I don't want to panic and don't want to run to the doctor every time I have an ache, but as we all know, it is a scary feeling after what we have been through any time something hurts that's not supposed to. I haven't shared with my family or friends because I'm just not ready to go there. That's why I'm coming to my sisters on here. Any direction or insight would be appreciated. Thanks ladies!!

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited July 2014

    Hello Chefmom,

    We're glad you posted here, as we know you will find support from this Community. Of course we always suggest that you seek advice from a medical professional regarding your specific symptoms. We are keeping you in our thoughts, please do keep us posted.

    Gentle hugs,

    The Mods

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  • leggo
    leggo Member Posts: 3,293
    edited July 2014

    I had no odd symptoms with my mets diagnosis but pain. Since a fever usually indicates an infection, I'd go with that until you find out otherwise. I'd still get it checked out asap. I know you said you don't want to run to the doctor for every little thing....I'm the same way, but if it's tender and you've felt something out of the ordinary, I'd rather err on the side of caution.  Good luck to you.

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  • chefmom
    chefmom Member Posts: 21
    edited July 2014

    Thank you, leggo. I am going to call my doctor tomorrow if the fever is still sticking around. I really appreciate your advice and kind words.

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  • Luvmydobies
    Luvmydobies Member Posts: 766
    edited July 2014

    Of course check with your doc, but maybe it's a just flu or other virus since you said you felt achy and had a low grade fever. Keep us posted. HUGS

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  • april485
    april485 Member Posts: 3,257
    edited July 2014

    Lymph nodes swell with infection and this could be causing your underarm pain. I had a sinus infection a few years ago and the lymph nodes in the back of my head (the bottom, near my neck) were killing me and very swollen. One would think that the only nodes swollen would be the ones near my sinuses, but not so...have the doctor check you out as with a fever, there is likely something brewing. Hugs and best to you!

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  • Luvmydobies
    Luvmydobies Member Posts: 766
    edited July 2014

    Just wanted to see how you were doing? Also low grade fever probably just means a viral infection of some sort. My doctor has also told me that body temperature fluctuates throughout the day. She said it's not uncommon for you to have a body temp between 99-99.5 in the afternoon. Also being outside can raise it. I always worry even if I have a low grade temp but she eased my mind telling me this. Hope you're feeling better.

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  • kathleen1966
    kathleen1966 Member Posts: 793
    edited July 2014

    Sounds like Lymphedema to me....which could cause a fever if there is an infection brewing...

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  • chefmom
    chefmom Member Posts: 21
    edited August 2014

    Thank you, ladies, for all of your advice and kind words! I went and had some bloodwork done. So far no explanation for the painful lymph nodes or chest pain, but they did find out that my thyroid is messed up so I've started on medication for that. The fevers have subsided, thank goodness, but the pain hasn't yet. I have an appointment with an MO but it's not until August 27. I haven't established local care since we moved here, I've been driving back to my old MO every 3 months, but it's 3 hours away and that seems like a long way to go right now! I've taken a couple of days off work just because I am so exhausted and weak. I am hopeful that this rest and this new medication will help alleviate at least some of my symptoms so that I can feel functional again!! I still worry about recurrence or mets, but I know that worrying isn't going to make any difference at this point.  The doctor seemed pleased that I had a good mammo in May, but with my first diagnosis, only one tumor showed on the mammo and when they did the mastectomy, there were 5!! I know a good mammo is important, but I guess I don't totally trust it. And it certainly doesn't show recurrence anywhere else besides the breast! Anyway, thanks for all the prayers and positive thoughts.  I'm going to try to relax and get my thyroid straight!!  I'll keep you updated!

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  • leggo
    leggo Member Posts: 3,293
    edited August 2014

    A messed up thyroid can absolutely make you tired and weak. Keeping fingers crossed that's all it is and the medication gets everything back to normal. Hoping for good news on the 27th!

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