Concerning axillary lymph node on the cancer side.

WC3 · December 2019

When I was first diagnosed, one of my axillary lymph nodes was suggestive of malignancy on the US. I was supposed to have it biopsied before starting chemotherapy but I was unable to get to the appointment in time and the node was deep in my armpit, close to an artery. An MRI, PET/CT and second US failed to substantiate any malignancy in the lymph node and because my sentinel node biopsy during surgery came back clear, my axillary lymph nodes were left intact.

My axillary nodes have always been non palpable, and trust me, after my initial diagnosis, I gave my armpit and side a good probing.

I'm 19 months post diagnosis, and a few nights ago, while scratching an itch (again), my fingers stumbled upon what I am pretty sure is a lymph node and I think it's THE lymph node.

It's gummy rather than hard which I guess is a good sign but palpable when it previously wasn't, which is concerning given the context. I already have an appointment set up and I've resolved to leave it alone until then, but for those of you who had lymph node involvement with palpable nodes, how did they feel?

LaCombattante · December 2019

Hi WC!

Good that you already have an appointment!Nodes can become swollen for many benign reasons, and it is a good sign that the lump doesn't feel hard, but it is better to stay alert and rule out any concerns.

To answer your question: My affected node felt rather hard when I found it back in 2012, less than a year after the surgery, and I sure wish I insisted on having it biopsied:)

Good luck with your appointment and please keep us posted.

SimoneRC · December 2019

Hi WC3!

About 15 months after my mastectomy, my MO found a suspicious node in my axilla on the cancer side. I went for an ultrasound not really thinking too much of it. Came back BIRADS 4. That was a bummer! Was scheduled for biopsy and convinced it was cancer. To my delight, it came back benign! That reinforced to me the old statement “Don't go there until you get there."

Doc and radiologist both stressed to me that lymph nodes can become reactive for many different reasons, including breast reconstruction, and it is always better to check.

Good luck to you! I shall be crossing fingers!!

santabarbarian · December 2019

I had a definitely-malignant node. It felt abut like a large red grape... about that level of firmness and size (mine was 3 cm). It was in the lower part of my armpit/ towards my side boob, so that if I put my arm against my side, I could feel it sandwiched between the two.... but I could also 'tuck' it up higher.

I hope it's a lymph node simply doing its job, and that it will resolve. (Several years before BC my supra-clavical node on the other side got swollen and resolved on its own.)

blah333 · December 2019

I have had swollen nodes since my surgery (1 or 2) in my armpit of the affected side. It was depressing to have to need a biopsy so soon after my surgery. I waited and got the biopsy a few months later. It was benign, though the paranoia never goes away. Now I have a worrisome nodule on my chest wall, seems much more alarming that I have to get checked out soon. Swollen nodes in an area that has been damaged by surgery seems like something I wish I hadn't worked myself up into such doom over. It really is hard to not worry until you get information that confirms the something you thing is SOMETHING - is. My nodes in question weren't really palpable but I do feel pain occasionally, as well as had some occasional swelling in the area. They always list these as BIRADS 3 or more often, BIRADS 4a.

Abbidoodle · December 2019

Ever since my lumpectomy on my right breast in April, 2019, I have had a lump (the size of a golf ball) under my right arm. An ultra sound was done and it was reported as fluid filled. I've been through chemo and radiation and have had the lump diagnosed as lymphedema. I am now having occupational therapy to try and disperse the fluid, but the therapist (the first person to really exam the lump thoroughly) believes it is a cyst. It doesn't feel spongy but firm, has stayed the same size now since April and is only painful if pressed firmly. I'm not scheduled to see my radiologist (the one who ordered the therapy) until March. I feel confident it's not cancer, but I hate that there is no improvement or change since April. Any suggestions or experiences? Thank you.

santabarbarian · January 2020

Could it be a seroma? Can you see your BS for a check up?

Abbidoodle · January 2020

I will get out checked out again by one of my docs. Thank you for responding. Happy New Year!

KBeee · January 2020

WC3, when is your appointment? Do ask for some type of imaging. Hoping all is benign and that it is reactive.

WC3 · January 2020

Thanks everyone for responding.

KBeee:

My appointment is in a few days. I'll see what my MO wants to do. Probably an US. It could just be reactive, as you and others have said. I had reactive fluid around the implant on that side at my last MRI.

Abbidoodle · January 2020

WC3

Thank you for responding. The earliest appointment I have is with the surgeon on January 9th, but he's been the one who has said all along it's lymphedema and has barely touched it. I'm seeing my primary care tomorrow for another matter, but I have a lot of respect for her and she's going to give me her opinion after she's examined me. I'm really not concerned it's anything cancer-wise, but it's very uncomfortable and I guess the thing is no one seems to care. When you're dealing with a surgeon, medical oncologist and radiation oncologist, it's pretty much if it's not their deal, they don't do anything. I did have an US before radiation started in November and it showed up as fluid filled, however it's not spongy or moveable. I'll keep pursuing it. Thank you for your concern.

WC3 · January 2020

Abbidoodle:

I think you meant that for Santabarbarian.

Abbidoodle · January 2020

My bad. It was someone posting to you!

Concerning axillary lymph node on the cancer side.

Comments

Categories