Ultrasound tomorrow, swollen lymph nodes and lump

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KatieLea
KatieLea Member Posts: 5
edited July 2018 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

I guess I just need to vent.. I've actually had swollen lymph nodes in my neck since mid April. I never suspected BC as my gyno has done exams, and I actually had an ultrasound in Sept. last year for my left breast. I check myself (not as diligently as I should apparently). After breastfeeding my daughter, my breasts changed a lot too. I had to try and get used to the new normal lumpy lol. Also, no swollen lymph nodes in my armpit which is where I thought it almost always heads to first. I've begged for a biopsy also and had to see a third doctor to finally have that referral which is also tomorrow!

After months of tests that I pushed for thinking it was my neck, I felt the lump in my right breast... I also got lovely c diff that was diagnosed as IBS until I pushed for that test too. Ended up losing about 14 lbs because of it!

So far I've had CT scans from my head to my pelvis and it only showed swollen lymph nodes in my right neck and right groin. Had an exploratory lap for the abdominal pains and all came back clear except for some bowel irritation. Also had hip X rays which only showed mild degeneration in my pubis symphasis.

I have had sharp searing pains in my sternum, neck, ribs and hand only on my right side. The only pains that have stuck around are my neck and hand. I wake up with a severe stuff neck every morning and can't lay a certain way. I also can't bend my hand under the pinky back and forth without extreme pain. Went to the walk in clinic and they said arthritis (no imaging as it's not swollen or bruised).

Keep in mind, I am only 28 years old. Every single doctors answer is that I'm too young to have a serious illness. It's so frustrating! I know my body very well. I even knew I would go into labor early with my daughter because I felt it. I'm hardly ever sick besides sinus issues, I work out, I eat healthy except for the occasional junk meal like pizza or ice cream. I just know I am not myself and I'm so deflated at this point because of the newly found lump and bone pain that I can't attribute to any injuries.. I have a little girl turning 3 next month and I'm just about to finish up my degree for teaching that I put off for years as I traveled with my husband during his military enlistment. We just bought a house 11 hours from our families so I'm also all alone.

I've been praying and trying to convince myself it's all in my head. Then I kick myself for not noticing the lump sooner given my last scare and my grandmother having had it years ago (caught very early and went into remission with only a lumpectomy and radiation). I know the "what ifs" are pointless, especially since I haven't been diagnosed with anything.

The lump: slightly above the areola, seems very small like a BB, but fixed and not moveable. Nothing like it on the left one.

Just hoping tomorrow yields good results and I'm going crazy for nothing 😔 I'm usually very upbeat and energetic, never sitting still and always outside doing something like hiking or at the beach or lake. So to say I hate being in this anxiety funk is an understatement!!

Shew! Glad to get that all out finally! Prayers to all you ladies struggling, fighting, or just looking for answers too!

Comments

  • CBnimh
    CBnimh Member Posts: 32
    edited July 2018

    I hope you get good, definitive news. Just jumping in to say I can relate. It's been since last November with me and the right side of the neck lymph nodes. Do people get irritated about your questions regarding the lymph nodes? That seems to be a running theme for me, but no one offers an explanation. Maybe I'm genuinely clueless, but I don't get why they're so unwilling to answer in some clear way, at the very least, as to why they feel the way they do.

    I've also just recently had some breast symptoms crop up, too, although mine is more of a dent plus pain than anything. I'm about 10 years older than you with four kids (all breastfed a year each, but my youngest is 8 now). For me, could legitimately be aging, but it would be nice if I didn't feel like I have to armwrestle the doctor for answers.

    Hang in there. As someone else waiting for meaningful input, I really get where you're coming from. The ladies here have been very kind, patient and helpful. You've certainly come to a good place for support, whatever the outcome.

  • KatieLea
    KatieLea Member Posts: 5
    edited July 2018

    Yes!!! My first GP actually got really annoyed when I would question the lymph nodes. He said "they're just there." I switched doctors when he pulled the anxiety card and made me feel like it's all in my head. They're clearly stated on my CT report and you can see the right side of of my neck is swollen.

    The worst part is, I've seen an ENT and the only thing he is worried about is I have a calcified right styloid ligament (eagle's syndrome - never heard of it until now ha). But I have this weird bumpy rash in my throat too, which is now spreading under my tongue. It's so strange! The ENT keeps saying "it's normal" but it's not for me. I just feel like no one is listening and it's so aggravating. It's like if you don't have a huge tumor or coughing up blood, no one takes you seriously. I've never had anxiety up until this either, so I'm all over the place lol.


    I'm also sorry you're going through this all with no answers! I really hope you can find some out yourself too! Nothing worse than not feeling like yourself and no one believing you have true problems.

    I'm really glad I found this site! I hate that you're sharing the same issues, but glad I'm not alone.


  • KatieLea
    KatieLea Member Posts: 5
    edited July 2018

    Well the ultrasound tech and the doctor both looked around today. I wasn't concerned as they both did this for my last one just to be safe and accurate. The doctor felt the lump I showed him, and also another one I had noticed. He said the ultrasound didn't show anything concerning to him, but as tests are never 100% accurate, it's at my doctor's discretion for more testing. Now I'm curious where I will go from here. We shall see!

    Now off to my appointment for my lymph nodes! Praying he'll biopsy them ASAP so I can finally get some answers.

  • MumtoFour
    MumtoFour Member Posts: 2
    edited July 2018

    hey KatieLea.

    I am having a FNA today in my right side of neck.

    Supraclavicular lymph node above collar bone.

    BC in family in my maternal Grandmother and maternal Great Grandmother.

    Freaking out. Can see lump it’s obvious

  • KatieLea
    KatieLea Member Posts: 5
    edited July 2018

    Hey MumtoFour,

    I'm sorry you're going through this! But I'm glad they're being thorough. I went to the surgeon today for a consult for my lymph nodes. He did an ultrasound and said they didn't look suspicious and didn't went to scar me for no reason. Relieved on one hand, but still not getting answers for my symptoms.

    I'll be thinking of you and praying for only good news! Please let me know how you make out.

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