1.5 post douple mastectomy, and weird neck lumps

myajames
myajames Member Posts: 80
edited June 2017 in LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)

Hey Guys,

Haven't posted in a while because I've been living blissfully cancer free, often times forgetting that it was ever a thing. I recently noticed a couple of underarm cysts. They were painful, so I went to the doctor and found out that all was fine. That was on a Tuesday. By that Thursday I noticed a cyst growing along my hairline near my temple, and a very palpable swollen throat lymph node. By the time Tuesday came around again, I was at the ER because my entire face was swollen. Was told the cyst was an abscess, and it was lanced and drained. I was put on two antibiotics. Things began to improve, however today (another Tuesday), I have noticed another lump on my neck near the swollen lymph node (behind my earish). This one is larger, and it appears to be making the area swollen. The are close enough together that I can feel them both with a single finger. I also have one remaining lump (new, I think) under my arm, that I think is a swollen lymph node as well. All of these issues are happening on my right side. Opposite side of where my DCIS was. I'm now concerned because the antibiotics I'm on should (i think) have prevented any more cysts/abscesses from forming... I'm worried that this is a sign of something more ominous... and ain't nobody got time for this! Seriously, I'm going to Africa in July for two weeks, and this would totally not fit into my schedule.

Has anyone experienced anything similar, and what was the outcome?

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Comments

  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited May 2017

    myajames, I'm confused by your diagnosis, because it only shows LCIS, not DCIS, but the "living blissfully cancer free" sounds like you did have DCIS..

    I think it all sounds abscess/infection related, and sometimes the first line antibiotic doesn't do it. I think you need to go back to the doctor.


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  • myajames
    myajames Member Posts: 80
    edited May 2017

    LCIS not DCIS. Funny, I went into the DCIS forum and posted because I forgot my diagnosis... It's been a while since I thought about it.

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  • MTwoman
    MTwoman Member Posts: 2,704
    edited May 2017

    mya, I agree with MelissaDallas, I'd bet it is all related to your initial abscess. I'd go back to the doctor. They might need to drain/culture your abscess. Good luck and have fun in Africa!

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  • leaf
    leaf Member Posts: 8,188
    edited May 2017

    I agree with MelissaDallas and MT woman: I don't know of any breast cancer that would grow quickly enough to grow in 2 days. I agree its almost certainly infection related. Most breast cancers take some 5-10 years to be detected by ANY means.

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  • myajames
    myajames Member Posts: 80
    edited May 2017

    I'm not concerned about breast cancer... concerned about Lymphoma after breast cancer.

    I went to the doctor today, and her and I are both confused.

    We found several other enlarged lymph nodes in the neck area. 6 total, on both sides, not just the right like I initially thought.

    Because I have been on two antibiotics for several days, the number of swollen lymph nodes should not be increasing.

    I also have had a low grade fever consistently.

    No teeth issues

    No ear, throat, nose issue

    I do have a bit of a rash

    Stomach trouble which could be from the antibiotics

    Doctor ordered blood tests and a chest x-ray which she is hoping will guide our next steps.

    I recently moved so I was also referred to a local oncologist.

    impatiently waiting blood and Xray results.

    My gut is telling me that whatever it is, Africa will get postponed. Asked the doc about vaccinations, and she said not yet. Asked if she thought I'd be well enough in a week to get them, she said probably not :


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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited May 2017

    But LCIS is not breast cancer. It is just a condition that elevates your chances of developing breast cancer. The preferred newer term for it is lobular neoplasia.

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  • myajames
    myajames Member Posts: 80
    edited May 2017

    I'm not concerned about any condition related to my non-cancer/ LCIS / lobular neoplasia or the double mastectomy I had. All that is fine. I'm concerned with these new symptoms, and am worried that maybe my increase risk for breast cancer (which is highly unlikely considering I had them removed) increased my chances of another cancer.

    Nevermind.

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  • Susug
    Susug Member Posts: 193
    edited May 2017

    Myajames - Thinking about you and praying all will be ok. So sorry you are going through this unknown condition.

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited May 2017

    I agree - it's not likely to be related to any breast cancer risk. Maybe check with an infectious disease specialist if your PCP can't come up with any ideas.

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  • wallycat
    wallycat Member Posts: 3,227
    edited May 2017

    There is a nasty virus going around...symptoms are ear ache, jaw/tooth pain, horrible neck pain that can last for quite a few weeks. From everything I've read, this is viral. No antibiotic will help since it is not bacterial. I hope you feel better soon. It should clear up in a few weeks. The longest I've heard is 3-4 weeks, so you should be fine to travel if this is the same thing you've got.

    YAY you on not having cancer and not worrying about it. Take it easy and let your body have time to heal.

    Post back to let us know how you're doing.

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  • MameMe
    MameMe Member Posts: 425
    edited May 2017

    Mya, Just checking in to see how you are doing. I am hoping you get some answers about the lymph nodes, as that can be very frustrating. I just went through, for about a month, some symptoms that brought up the same fears you described. It just isn't as simple as it was before cancer, and I do understand your worries .Do keep us posted, and I sure hope you can go to Africa!

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  • myajames
    myajames Member Posts: 80
    edited May 2017

    Hey Guys,

    We are still unsure what is going on. My WBC count is really low 1.1, normal is about 4. Biopsy on lymph node scheduled, and more blood tests to see how my WBC is trending.

    Could be autoimmune. Still is mystery diagnosis mode.

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  • leaf
    leaf Member Posts: 8,188
    edited June 2017

    I have several autoimmune conditions. There are many, many autoimmune diseases; some are quite difficult to diagnose, especially in the early stages. Some take years to be diagnosed. Just want you to be prepared if that is the case. Immunity is such a complex subject. I hope your docs can provide an answer soon so you can know what you are dealing with. Hope you can go on your Africa trip. Best wishes.

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