Sore pimple-looking bump on clavicle

Hi Maria:

I have not had something like that. Not sure what it could be. But after surgery, I asked my breast surgeon what to look for as possible signs of local recurrence. She said to call her office if I get a nodule like a mosquito bite that doesn't go away like normal. As I recall, (other than an urgent situation like an infection), if you see a change and it doesn't go away in 2 weeks, take action. Don't hesitate to at least call the office of your breast care team. I don't think a reasoned inquiry is over-playing the panic card. Perhaps they will want to see you sooner than 8/25, and hopefully it is something benign.

BarredOwl

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Dx Right: ER+PR+ DCIS (5+ cm) with IDC (1.5 mm) and micro-invasion < 1 mm; Stage 1a; Grade 2 (IDC); 0/4 nodes;

Dx Left: ER+PR+ DCIS (5+ cm); Stage 0; Grade 2 (majority) and grade 3; isolated tumor cells in 1/1 nodes (pN0i+(sn));

Bilateral mastectomy and SNB without reconstruction 9/2013.

mariasnow,

Gosh, I know this is tough for you, but hang on it may well be nothing of consequence ,but I do agree that it needs to be checked. It sounds like you may have lymphedema or even worse cellulitis * sp? That may need checking out very soon - I got it once and got ill quite quickly.

Please know that you are not alone! - but I so understand that freaked out feeling. I have it too, when I notice something new/odd.

It would be great to hear that someone is going to look after you, so please check it out!

WS xx

Maria:

I am so sorry you are going through this uncertainty and worry now, with so many other worries. I don't want to freak you out, but also don't want you to hesitate to seek appropriate care

Even if it turns out to be nothing, it makes sense to check it out

You asked if the symptoms could be connected. Is it possible there is some local infection or cellulitis (as asked above)? I don't know very much about lymphedema complications, but such a situation would be very urgent according to step-up lymphedema web site. Please check out this discussion if you have never dealt with cellulitis before:

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Emergencies_and_Med...

They give also good tips about not hesitating to seek timely help.

BarredOwl

Hi Mariasnow: Glad you're seeing the lymphedema therapist and can get her input as a professional (versus us!). Hope it goes away soon--your two-week plan makes sense in the interest of not worrying all summer. If they think it's dermatological, then you'll have that appointment set up already.

BarredOwl

Mariasnow. I am so sorry to hear that. I have been wondering where you were, and how you were doing. Sending a long and gentle hug your way

Mariasnow, I am so sorry for your loss. I don't come here often but noticed your post. When I was in the Herceptin and then Neratinib trial phase of my own treatment, I developed small, irritable, pimple like bumps in strange places from time to time. I had one show up under my arm on the no-nodes side, for example, and nearly fell out of the shower in fear. It was a Saturday morning of course.

I had a standing scrip for Keflex, started it right away, and that kind of knocked it out. After a few similar bouts, I went to my dermatologist, who had me culture the next one, and it turned out to be an infection like staph or something.

These continued for a while and then stopped--I haven't refilled the Keflex since 2013, and I think the last scrip is expired.

Because it was usually on the side that I worry about--I have mild lymphedema--I never wanted such an infection to proliferate or strengthen so the strategy was to get on it fast.

At the time, my oncologist said that if one of these ever failed to cooperate to get in there and get it examined more closely.

I hope this helps, and that your path becomes more peaceful.

Warmly,

Cathy

Hi Mariasnow:

I was thinking about you the other day too. I am so sorry to hear about your mother.

Glad you will be seen next week. Hoping for something benign.

BarredOwl