Swollen armpit lymph node during chemo??

[bejuce]

Hi everyone,

The first evidence I had BC was a 2.5 cm benign-looking (under ultrasound), swollen lymph node I found under my arm.

Fast-track to today, when I'm in the middle of neoadjuvant chemo before going in for surgery. My swollen lymph node has reduced in size considerably but I can still feel it.

So my question is - knowing that this lymph node was found to be positive (FNA biopsy before treatment), does the fact that I can still feel it implies that it is still positive? What are the chances that it may still be felt but have no more cancer by the time I go into surgery? Has anyone experienced this?

Thanks!!!

Marcia

[Becky]

Don't keep rubbing it - promise me. You can make it irritated or infected and it won't go down. Of course it is human nature to keep touching. Promise yourself you will check it only once a week. It is almost like going on a diet - you are better off weighing yourself once a week where at least you will show a small drop in weight.

It will work. It is working. It may not go down to nothing since there are dead cancer cells in there (as you will see when it is removed during your surgery). You'll feel the difference if you give it a week or two because your fingers won't be able to tell a minute difference so you need it to add up to something you can tell (like weighing yourself - the scale can't see the ounces but when you reach a pound it can).

Keep the faith. Your scans have already seen the results and that will continue.

Hugs,