Swollen lymph node on my non cancer side.

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stef324
stef324 Member Posts: 24
edited July 2016 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

Hello Everyone!

I am a 2 year survivor of stage 1 IDC BC and had a unilateral mastectomy on my left breast. Yesterday I felt what I would call a swollen lymph node in my armpit on my non cancer side. When I palpate it, it is tender and uncomfortable. I have been on Tamoxifen and Fareston treatment since my surgery. I took a short break on my meds (6weeks) this past spring. My head is now spinning that I may have a reoccurrence or metastasized BC. Called my oncologist yesterday, he can't see me for at least 2 weeks and the office said I should see my breast surgeon. Made an appointment, but they can't see me till Thursday. How concerned should I be? Truthfully? I feel like no one wants to give me a straight answer yet on how concerned I should be, but I'm the type that wants to know the facts and risks right away. Are there other possibilites for what I am feeling, or are the percentages indeed high that I have the big C again in some form.

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  • bevin
    bevin Member Posts: 1,902
    edited June 2016

    Hi there, Just a thought but could you call your primary doctor. Chances are you can get into them same day for a sick appointment. They could check it out and order any sonogram etc they think might be warranted or prescribed antibiotic to see if it responds. good luck

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  • stef324
    stef324 Member Posts: 24
    edited June 2016

    kayb - I can't see a nick....although my eyes aren't the best. Hoping it's something as simple as that. Yes! A week is definitely like a year in cancer land...most people just don't get it :-(

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  • stef324
    stef324 Member Posts: 24
    edited June 2016

    bevin- I didn't think about that. Thought my primary would just send me to my surgeon....thanks for the tip :-)

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  • TwoHobbies
    TwoHobbies Member Posts: 2,118
    edited June 2016

    Stef, I'm going through the same thing. I can't say what the percentages are but try not to drive yourself crazy as it can be other things. They will send you for an ultrasound to take a look. I had the ultrasound and have one node that is concerning but not large which is less concerning. I'm waiting for my records to go to breast surgeon who wants to do a biopsy. In the mean time I convinced myself it's nothing And keeping busy with healthy activities.

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  • stef324
    stef324 Member Posts: 24
    edited June 2016

    Two Hobbies- This is the first thing in 2 years that has alarmed me. Thought I would be over that sense of panic, but it came back pretty quickly. Two days later I have calmed myself and realize that I can't help what it may or may not be. I wish you good results :-)

    It is very weird this morning I still felt it...then I took a shower and low and behold...can't feel it?!?!?! Not sure what to think now.

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  • KayaRose
    KayaRose Member Posts: 183
    edited June 2016

    Just a thought but your lymph nodes can swell when fighting off any kind of infection. Not long ago, I had swollen nodes on my non-cancer side, too. Turned out I was about to break out in shingles. Your nodes were probably just doing what they are supposed to do, protecting you. I know your fear. Been there, done that. No matter what anyone says, you won't feel better till a doctor checks you out. Best of luck.

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited June 2016

    Lymph nodes can swell for tons of reasons, but until you know definitively, it is of course, hard to worry. Hoping you can get answers soon.

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  • FUBC
    FUBC Member Posts: 137
    edited July 2016

    I had a swollen lymph node on my left armpit. My tumor was on the right. They did a sono-guided biopsy and it was nothing. I hope you get good news soon.

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