IDC and Lymph Node Question

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mel147
mel147 Member Posts: 479
edited September 2014 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)

I was diagnosed with DCIS in June and then the biopsy from my bi-lateral mastectomy in July revealed DCIS and IDC since they found 4 small invasive tumors.  He did sentinel node biopsies on both breasts and the nodes were all clear.  2 sentinel nodes plus 4 others were removed from the cancer side.  My question is if remaining lymph nodes swell after surgery, how long should I wait before having them checked?  I had excess fluid for a few weeks on the left side and had a lymph node swell, but then the fluid reabsorbed after another 2 weeks and now that lymph node is not swollen anymore.  My concern is that I feel one on the cancer side just above the scar close to my underarm.  I noticed it a few weeks ago and it doesn't seem to be going away.  My surgery was July 16th so I am 6 1/2 weeks out and wasn't sure if this could be a normal reaction to the surgery or if I should be having it checked.  Any thoughts?  I do have my yearly gyn appt on Sept 25th so I will definitely ask her about it then.  I'm trying not to be overly paranoid, but, that's difficult sometimes!  Thanks!

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  • MerrellGirl
    MerrellGirl Member Posts: 67
    edited September 2014

    I see noone posted a reply, and I don't know what you've done in between time, but I would visit with my breast surgeon again.  I know the paranoia is so hard to control, so if you can alleviate it with a check up, then why not?  Hopefully an unplanned follow up won't be too inconvenient for you or the surgeon, but that's what I would do.  I wouldn't wait to see the gyn on the 25th.  She will likely tell you to see the surgeon!  LOL 

    It's probably nothing serious mel147.  Merrellgirl

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  • Bren58
    Bren58 Member Posts: 1,048
    edited September 2014

    I second what Merrell said. If you haven't already called your BS office, it would be a good idea to call and at least speak to the nurse. Since it is so close to the scar line, it might just be a small pocket of fluid that needs to be drained.

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  • mel147
    mel147 Member Posts: 479
    edited September 2014

    Thanks for the advice Merrellgirl and Bren58.  I've been second guessing myself and had not called yet but I did go ahead and call the surgeon today and have an appt on Wednesday afternoon.  I like the idea of alleviating any paranoia with an appointment...I suspect it will be fine but it would nag at me until I got it checked.  I appreciate the support!

    Lisa

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  • mel147
    mel147 Member Posts: 479
    edited September 2014

    Unfortunately I ended up sick today and had to cancel my appointment.  I spent the afternoon in bed.  Am doing better this evening and hope this will be short-lived.  The weather here is crazy...90 one day and in the 70's the next and that always seems to mess me up!

    Lisa

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  • mel147
    mel147 Member Posts: 479
    edited September 2014

    Update - I went to my regular doctor today for my cold and she checked the lymph node for me.  She said it is soft and moveable so she is not concerned about it at this point but to come back if it gets larger or hard.  So, I'm happy that she is not concerned, but still bummed that it is there.  At least someone was able to check it for me.  I also will be starting an antibiotic for my throat so hopefully that will be on the mend soon!

    Lis

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