Under armpit swelling during chemotherapy

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Wondering if anyone has been in the same situation. I was diagnosed in May 2021 with TNBC of the left breast, small lump with no lymph node spread. I’m currently on my 3/7 cycle of Chemotherapy and actually managing well. I can even feel a big difference in my lump in my breast, it used to stick out the side and now I can barely find it. But this morning I woke up and my left arm pit felt tender.. kinda like a spot maybe deep in my pit but really worried me. I’ve been to the hospital and a young Dr examined me and said she felt it was nothing to worry about. She doesn’t think it’s the lymph nodes and doesn’t need an ultrasound but to let them know if it gets worse. I know we have to put our trust in them but she also couldn’t give me a reason why it was like this. Of course my mind wanders and I’m thinking the worst .. but curious to know if anyone has been in a similar situation

Rebecca x

Carolyn28 over 3 years ago

hi Rebecca32

I'd have thought she could have at least got an ultrasound arranged to put your mind at rest, they don't think of our need for reassurance, do they.

I have had twinges in the arm pit and yes, I do freak out a bit when it happens. I was diagnosed in 2015 and I'm guessing that panic feeling won't ever actually go away for good.

I was told I needed an ultrasound on the reconstructed side but have had to insist every year. It seems they are reluctant due to staff shortages. The ultrasound really helps because you go for the mammogram and the radiologist looks at that and then comes in to do the ultrasound and talks you through it, so you know straight away that everything is okay.

I just had my annual mammogram and ultrasound and everything is fine, so I know there's nothing there. Like you, I thought spot or hair follicle, sorry I can't help, I've no idea what causes it but I'm thinking get them to check it next chemo cycle? Talk to the doc or Onco about it and tell them you're worried, different docs will be more sympathetic some less so.

Did you go to A&E or back to your breast unit?

Carolyn

xxx

real life success stories to remind you that people do survive breast cancer

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/breast-cancer/f/38/t/115457

Dr Peter Harvey

https://www.workingwithcancer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/After-the-treatment-finishes-then-what.pdf

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Under armpit swelling during chemotherapy