swelling in arm pit -- am I right to be very concerned?

Jane · 11-14-2014, 01:10 PM

I had a bilateral mastectomy in 2005; cancer was in my right breast and 3 nodes. Left breast was removed prophylactically, no lymph nodes taken on that side. I've had no problems or issues at all -- until now.

I noticed this week that there is swelling in my left armpit. I also have a vague pain there from time to time, but do not feel a lump of any kind. Due to my history, I'm quite concerned but can't get in to see anyone (my oncologist's nurse practitioner) until Nov. 26. I called my surgeon's office to see if they had an appt. open earlier—but they do not. My surgeon's nurse practitioner consulted with a physician assistant -- and called me to say just keep the Nov. 26 appt. and see what the oncologist's nurse practitioner finds.

I felt slightly blown off, perhaps incorrectly, I'm not sure. Have any of you had armpit swelling that ended up being cancer?

Jane

History:
Diagnosed 2005 at age 45, stage III, large 6 cm tumor in right breast, 3/6 nodes positive, strongly HER2+, PR+, ER+
Had chemo, radiation and one year Herceptin
Mother had breast cancer at age 45 - died at 89 years old

ariana · 11-14-2014, 03:36 PM

Jane , I know how you feel. I don't know what kind of Health Insurance you have, or what your financial situation is. BUT if it's worrying you that much, I would go to the ER and tell them your in pain and this swelling is bothersome. YOUR own surgeon would have had it spot Xrayed or an ultrasound done and the ER will give you the same test and you will have the results in about 1 hr and 1/2 (at my hospital anyways). Ive been in your shoes with other issues and I would not take no for an answer and went to the ER. BUT do it during the week in the morning when the radiologist is there to read it. Otherwise its a Dr. who may not catch something that the other person is trained for.

tricia keegan · 11-14-2014, 04:35 PM

Jane I think Ariana has given you good advice, if you don't or can't do this then I think a couple of weeks won't make an awful lot of difference to be honest but really hope its something easily treated.

ariana · 11-14-2014, 04:50 PM

tricia keegan, and Jane, I should have added this. Where I live if a ct is asked for by your Dr. he or she may have to get it pre approved or you will have to wait maybe additional week or so to get the ct scheduled by the hospital. You could be looking at a week or two
total, which would put it about the middle of the second week of Dec. IF you are seeing a Dr. Nov. 26. Only you know from experience, how fast your Dr. can get things done and scheduled.

thinkpositive · 11-14-2014, 05:51 PM

Jane,

I know that you must be worried. I had a scare a few weeks ago with the same type of issue. However, I already had an appointment scheduled with my surgeon (routine follow up) a few days after I discovered the swelling and tenderness. It turned out to be nothing, just damage from radiation.

If you feel like you cant wait until the 26th then I would follow the advice others have given and go to the ER.

Take care