Painless lump in armpit

Hello LisaCardiff, I’m sorry your anxiety is through the roof. I’m a patient myself and I know it can be worrying when you feel a lump. My lymph nodes that keep enlarging and shrinking are in my groin but I haven’t had them become sore after being examined I can’t think what she could have disrupted either. I’m wondering if anyone in the breast cancer group has experience that’s useful to you. 

There is also the ask an expert section if you want a nurses opinion, I’ll put the link in incase it helps.

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_experiences/ask_the_expert/ask_a_nurse/

it sounds like your Dr wasn’t to worried did she ask you to go back if things didn’t change? 

Hi,

Thank you for your reply and the link.

She did say if it hasn't gone down to go back but didn't give a timescale as I was like a scaled cat getting out of there, as I had a meltdown and panic attack.

Thank you for your kindness and take care

That’s very understandable LisaCardiff, the thought of a potential recurrence is not nice, I’ve been through that a few times with a node enlarging on and off treatment. For me I feel I can wait a week to see if it goes down again as mine have in the past even when it has been later shown to be cancer by doing a biopsy. I feel uncomfortable suggesting that to others as I’m not a medic, and I have access direct to the oncology team and specialist nurses rather than waiting to go through a GP to get any investigation moving. The important thing to consider is if you feel comfortable that you have done everything,

The fact that she didn’t give a time scale could be a reason to call back and mention how you are feeling now. Anything to relieve that anxiety is good, I also wouldn’t want you looking back in hindsight wishing you had done more. I suppose that’s why your here for peer support, but you could try the ask an expert or the Macmillan support line 0808 808 0000 as an alternative if your not happy approaching your GP again. 

Keep us updated how you get on.

Hi KTatHome

Thank you for your kind reply and you are going through the mill.

I have spoke to my GP and she is referring me to the breast clinic as urgent because of where it it's and how worried I am. I can't stop crying. She said I should have an appointment in 2 weeks. I am very scared.

Lisa

Hi LisaCardiff, I’m really glad to hear that she’s made a referral, because if it’s nothing you will know and if it is something you will be moving forward for treatment. It’s horrible when you’re in the uncertainty phase, I was first diagnosed when my cancer had spread to lymph nodes 5 years ago, my treatment has been amazing, although with a few blips. I find having a good cry gets those emotions out and resets me to plough on, so I hope it does the same for you. The NHS site and the Macmillan Information and support section has some ideas for coping with anxiety and uncertainty. You may already have a good way that you cope though.

sending virtual gentle hug though as it sounds like you need it.

Hi KTatHome

Thank you for lovely reply, it means a lot.

I am a bit calmer today, not much but a bit.

The doctor said I should have an appointment in 2 weeks.

I get what you mean about having a cry. I have done that many times when I was going through treatment for cervical cancer 6 years ago. 

I also look up everything on the internet which isn't a smart move. When I was going through treatment before I didn't and that was probably what made me better.

Thank you for your hug and sending one back to you, brave lady.

Take care and stay safe,

Lisa x