Hello.
I was diagnosed with high grade DCIS back in September 2021. Lymph nodes were clear. I've had 2 surgeries, the second involved a central wedge excision including nipple and areola complex. I had 5 sessions of RT and then started taking tamoxifen.
I struggled with the side effects of tamoxifen & decided to come off after my follow up with the oncologist as the benefits were so minimal.
I had my 6 month follow up with the surgeon back in May this year and there was no sign of recurrence. Another 12 month follow up appointment was agreed as I reported still being sore and to also consider reconstruction of my right breast.
After coming back from a week's holiday I started feeling that fatigue again just like when I was having RT, literally falling asleep in the evenings when watching TV. It then got worse, feeling utterly drained and nodding off at work. Then I found a lump in my right armpit as well as a bruise. Then I found a lump in my left arm pit. Both armpits are incredibly sore all the time and now I'm also nauseous and have a permanent headache.
I contacted my breast care nurse & they have made me an appointment to see a consultant at the end of this month.
I am beside myself with worry. It could be an infection. There were no signs of recurrence back in May but I definitely didn't have these new lumps and soreness back then. Could it be ongoing effects of surgery and RT or am I right to be worried?
Sorry for the long ramble but I'm so scared and the wait seems endless.
Thank you for listening.
