Ugh! So I found something under my arm. I can’t say for certain if it’s a lump/small ball/pimple but it’s something! I discovered it while taking a shower this morning and of course I’m thinking horrible thoughts!
I’m so scared. Called my oncologist’s office and hopefully someone will get In contact with me.
I had a mastectomy last year, was stage 1b. Had 4 rounds of chemo. Wasn’t all that suffering enough!! All I do everyday is pray to god that he’ll let me see my daughter until she reaches adulthood. I have a long way to go. I’m hoping and praying that this turns out to be nothing. Has this happened to any of you? This feeling of paranoia? But of course maybe it’s not paranoia. I’m so scared.
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Mmnyc
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Hi Mmnyc try not to panic. I found a lump under my armpit & also in my boob a few weeks ago. Unlike you, I had a lumpectomy Dec 2018, chemo January to end of May 2019 & radiology treatment until July 2019. Like you I was worried but I got an emergency appointment back at the Marsden Cancer Hospital. I was re-assured on the phone that it was unlikely to be cancer again. I waited a week for the emergency appointment because of covid but I was thoroughly checked over, followed by a mammogram & ultrasound and thankfully as they suggested on the initial phone call, it was scar tissue that had shifted around, as is normal after any cancer treatment. Do you have someone you can talk to at the hospital you are under? The Marsden have a 24 hour phone service or try Macmillan Cancer have online & phone service & I'm sure cancer research also do something similar. They will give you support & re-assurance. I do think it will probably be the same as me and scar tissue that has moved around, however do try not to worry too much. You will be supported fully by the hospital & will be in excellent hands. Please keep us posted & big virtual hugs to you xx
Thank you Mena😘your kind words are very reassuring. I called my oncology team and left them a message and hopefully they’ll call me today. I also spoke with my oncology nurse that was assigned to me by my insurance. She told me not to worry that it can be different things: ingrown hair, scar tissue, inflamed lymph node. That 9/10 times it turns out to be nothing.
I’ve been having shoulder pain of and on for years, even before Breast cancer, and since working remotely it has returned. My posture isn’t good. So she said this may be related to that a well. She said for my peace of mind to ask them for an ultra sound and an mri.
I pray and hope things will turn out positively for my daughter. You know I hear and read about women not having any reaccurance for years, my friends mom has been cancer free for more than 15 years. I wish I can say that one day👏🏼👏🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼
Thank you for your reply Mmnyc I'm sure your oncologist will be in touch very soon. Try not to worry although I know it's hard not to but your daughter & family members will pick up on your worrying & will think the worst. Keep us updated. I am praying for you to have good news xx
There are lots of reasons to have concern, and the good news is that most of them do not turn out to be a recurrence of breast cancer! I had bc in the right breast in 2004 and another primary in the left breast in 2009. All told, I am the odd duck who has had 5 primary cancers. Last month I was concerned about a rather large lump and it turned out to be a cyst, so please do not worry until there is a reason to do so.
A great resource is the SHARE Cancer Support breast cancer helpline. All of the volunteers are breast cancer survivors and can offer emotional support because they have been where you are now. In addition to the Helpline, if you want specific information on your type of cancer, we have a peer matching service which allows us to match you with someone who has a very similar diagnosis and/ or treatment. You can reach out 7 days a week from 9:30 am to 9:00 pm. The number is" 844 ASK-SHARE or 844-275-7427. Our website has accurate and updated information, support group contact information and educational resources.
sharecancersupport.org. You are not alone with SHARE.
Someone from my oncology team called me yesterday and basically said that the breast surgery team or my plastic surgeon team (my reconstruction was earlier this year) has to take a look at it not the oncology team. So the breast surgery team called and said that the earliest they can see me is September 14. They said if something opens up sooner they will fill me in so I took it. Now I just have to wait. They said not to worry that it’s probably nothing. I’ll try and do that.
Hang in there Mmnyc and know positive thoughts and prayers are going your way. Chances are it is nothing to worry about, but I know that is easier said than done, having to wait is just awful. Stay strong and keep us posted,
I'm checking in to see how your appointment went with your surgical team yesterday. If you need to speak with someone about your results please call the SHARE helpline 844 ASK-SHARE (844-275-7427)
Hi, thanks for checking in on me. My breast surgeon examined me. I’m sure she felt what I felt because she wants me to get a sonogram tomorrow. She will be present she says.
They already booked it.
She said not to worry. I did ask her, so what do you think it is? Is it related to my shoulder pain that I’ve had for years (even before the breast cancer). She said she didn’t want to speculate and that she’ll know more once the sonogram is conducted.
I do wonder what it is?
I’m glad you shared the helpline number. I’m trying to be strong. I really am but I want to cry. I wouldn’t care if I didn’t have my daughter. She’s so little. I go from ‘this is Nothing’ to ‘omg, what if the chemo didn’t work??!!’
My mom started crying when I told her yesterday. I told her ‘mom it’s nothing’ but of course I don’t know that yet.
I’ll update as I know more. Thank you for caring ❤️❤️
I wanted to update this post. I Saw my breast surgeon on Monday and had a sonogram on Wednesday. The scary part was that when I saw my breast surgeon the spot that I thought was something turned out not to be anything. Then she felt something ‘unusual’ and she suggested the sonogram. She said she suggested the sonogram to be on the safe side but she felt it was nothing.
Well the sonogram didn’t show anything but apparently one of my lymph nodes looks a bit strange. Can’t think of the medical term the doctor who specializes in interpreting the sonogram used but basically they want to monitor it. Have another sonogram in 3 months. That Doctor said that I shouldn’t be alarmed and if we wanted to be super cautious I could always opt for a needle core biopsy after the sonogram but she didn’t feel it was necessary, it was my choice. I should add that my breast surgeon was also present during this as she wanted to guide the person who conducts the sonogram.
So I’m happy that for now I can breathe a little easier but of course I’m not completely cleared. In the back of my head I think that fear is still there.
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Can anyone help ease my mind?
Unilateral Mastectomy Regret
My Mastectomy Tattoos
Newly diagnosed breast cancer, estrogen positive, stage II BC with 1 lympnode 
Pay attention to your nipples! They might be trying to tell you something.
