Cancer in 1 Lymph node

Hi Anna

That is really reassuring thank you. Fingers crossed you continue to progress well. I will do the exercises as I am an expert at doing what I am told! X

Hi Birdy.

I had my lymph nodes removed at the end of January after having a mastectomy in December.  They found. It was in 3 of 5 lymph nodes they took at that time hence the decision to remove all.  Odd question, do you sweat from your armpit? I am pleased to hear yours is ok after such a long period.  Xx

Sorry to hear that. I was diagnosed after routine mammogram (May 2021) found an 8mm lump (which specialist really had to hunt for) and called back for results then Ultrasound and biopsy in June last year.  - lump in breast then 15mm and lymph nodes negative so they opted to remove lump and one lymph node to test in August. Idiot here, then thought result would be ‘all out and done with’ when given results! Came out reeling in shock when was told lump they’d removed grown to 42mm plus margins removed and was grade 3 cancer and lymph gland also positive so another op required to remove them. As it was growing so fast they wanted to do chemo first. Started chemo within a few weeks and finished it in Jan - luckily I sailed through that! Then had lymph glands removed. In meantime, my heart function has deteriorated, so I’ve been referred to heart specialist. Due to get lymph gland results this Tuesday, then presume it’ll be radiotherapy, but everything’s happened so quickly that I’m taking one step at a time at the mo. Under my arm, where lymph glands were removed is really numb and top of my arm is also very sensitive - hurt like hell when they took my blood pressure a week or two ago. Have been given exercises to do and told to run hand along arm upwards regularly to clear any fluid and get blood flowing back up the arm. Am really nervous about these results as really don’t know what to expect or how radiotherapy etc all works - have read lots of information on it, but once results given, will then be referred back to local cancer centre to discuss treatment in detail. It’s been a long process and, due to heart function dropping I’m feeling tired nearly all the time, but trying to remain positive. Am lucky I’m still off work - recommended by my union not to return until all sorted… don’t think I can do my job - which includes interviewing sick people - until I’m well enough!

Hi Cookie

i was like you - just thought it would be out and done. Good luck on your results on Tuesday - I still have another week to wait for mine. I also as assuming radiotherapy although as I haven’t had chemo yet know that may also be an option. My arm feels very like yours numb in the armpit and swollen and I am religiously doing my exercises. I was concerned about what you said about your blood pressure though. I have been told not to let anyone take your bp from that arm. They tried to a couple of times in hopsital when they were doing my ins and I had to stop them.

Hi Roo

No I must say I don't sweat under that arm that I had them taken from. The hair doesn't grow that well either. But I wasn't sure if that was due to the radiotherapy or the lymph extraction. 

Ah thank you.  I’ll wait to see what it’s like after my radiotherapy too then :) x

It’s so hard. My hospital has a policy of full lymph node clearance if 1+ lymph node has cancer so I had one positive and woke up after lumpectomy with a drain and nodes gone. I have chemo and radiation coming followed by tamoxifen. I do feel am being hit hard as 49, called young. No clue if I would have chosen to have nodes out, I have no sensation in my armpit at all. I guess I feel like I’m all in now but am VERY fearful of the long term side effects. I do know that you will be given the right treatment as we are all different even if look similar as age, type, stage etc are all factors. Sending hugs xxx

Hi Kate

can I ask when you had your node clearance? Mine was just under a week ago and my armpit is completely numb - wondering if the sensation will return. I started on Anastrazole the same day of the diagnosis - no side effects yet but I am only 5 weeks in. Chemo is still a possibility and def radiation and like you I am very worried about the side effects long term. I guess my brain hasn’t engaged with the reality that I have a disease that could kill me so end up more worried about the treatment implications than the disease ones. 
sending hugs back xx

Hi you, I had lumpectomy and auxiliary node clearance on 25.2 this year, 22 nodes out. It was upsetting as I had a large scar and fluid retention in elbow, big lump scar tissue and drain for 12 days, was much more painful that the breast op. Now, some sensation is back but is really numb, like when have injection for teeth out. But… arm ok, all fluid gone, scar looks neat, lump gone completely. I did keep up the arm exercises for ages as had some cording that has gone. I think the nerves get damaged so I use an electric razor now. I think the hospital mimimised this part as rightly it’s about the cancer cure but it is quite big surgery and does take a long time to heal. I was bit misleading in last post, sorry, I should have said am currently having chemo which although horrible isn’t as bad as expected… hope that helps… it’s all crap for us, feel for you but your DEFINITELY not alone xxxxxx