Lymph Node Armpit Advice: Hello... - SHARE Metastatic ...

SHARE Metastatic Breast Cancer

6,811 members8,427 posts

Lymph Node Armpit Advice

janeths466 profile image
13 Replies

Hello everyone!

I have not posted in a while since life has been crazy these past few months. Mom is on year 3 of clear breast scans and hoping to get in the kidney transplant list soon. I needed some advice since I am a bit paranoid these days. I have had arm pain for a few years now which extends to my leg, and sometimes even my left breast feels more sensitive. A while ago (2021) I had a small rash in my nipple, but it went away. I was sure I had something, but it was gone after a few months it was a from ingrown hair . Now, my arm pain on that side continues. My left nipple is often more sensitive than the other. Last Sunday, I felt a little bump in my armpit and I am assuming it is a lymph node. I touched it a lot so I assume it is why it is swelled up. I am so scared. This with the arm pain is freaking me out. I am 24, and although some say it is rare, I am scared I have something, especially because of my mom's BC diagnosis 2 years ago.

I came to the doctor today, and he felt around my armpit but said there was nothing concerning there. I even showed him where but he said he didn't feel it. I know there is a bump :( He said he was going to refer me to get an appointment with my primary sooner if that would help me, and maybe I could get an ultrasound and start from there. I am so anxious and scared :(

Written by
janeths466 profile image
janeths466
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
13 Replies
janeths466 profile image
janeths466

Another update! I went to the ER since the urgent care doctor did not help much. My blood tests were fine, and my chest xrays were clear as well. They told me to keep an eye on the lymph node and do warm compress on it. I am still following up with my GP, I am scared regardless.

Nocillo profile image
Nocillo

Our bodies often have bumps and lumps that are benign. You are taking the right steps by going to the doctor. That’s all you can currently do. Please try not to worry. Stress is not good either.

Lavern2 profile image
Lavern2

Have you had a mammogram? If not I would try getting one. I thought I felt something had a mammogram and it showed I had a cancerous lump. I had a Lumpectomey in June. I'm still recovering from it . Get it checked on. Prayers you get better

penpen18 profile image
penpen18

Get it checked. Get the ultrasound. It’s worth the peace of mind. It’s probably nothing, but you just never know. Will be thinking of you.

LDR1 profile image
LDR1

Hi Janet, it’s good that you’re being vigilant and aware. But try to calm your mind by vowing not to freak out until you have concrete evidence or diagnosis. For now everything is unknown and there are some very different things this could be: nerve pain extending to leg? Mild skin irritation on nipple? Virus or other immune reaction causing lymph swelling? (Lymph’s can swell temporarily then subside in response to various events). Seems important to see a good GP who can consider all the symptoms and prescribe tests or specialists to rule things out. An ultrasound of both breast & armpit sounds like a good idea. Hopefully it’s just a collection of minor issues, which may even resolve themselves.

Godbeforme profile image
Godbeforme

that's when I got checked out, when it started hurting and I had a tumor in my breast. thing is I'm almost 100% sure I had felt that lump 20 years before in the shower when I did a self-exam. it didn't hurt then, but I went and had a mammogram and they decided it was just a lump as I have lumpy breasts, then 20 years later it got tender and feverish ... keep pursuing because early diagnosis is a life saver. prayers for you Janet, that you are healed in Jesus name, amen! nothing missing, nothing broken, thank You Lord that You always hear my feeble prayers! God bless you and heal us all in Jesus name, amen! <3 xoxo

mariootsi profile image
mariootsi

I am praying for you. Sounds like you are ok!

Aquamoron profile image
Aquamoron

Just want to add my voice here that you are doing the right things and seeking answers. Your lymphatic system sounds like it’s processing something out and it’s a good idea to be vigilant. As for the arm pain it may be related to the same, or maybe not. Knock on all the doors, bring your concerns to your GP and stress that you have a family history. In the meantime take care of yourself, hydrate and if you have seasonal allergies make sure you are taking something to help.

ba5083 profile image
ba5083

You know your body better than anyone. If you think there might be something going on by all means push until you get the mammogram/ultrasound or other tests you need to satisfy yourself. I had a good friend who was a nurse in an Oncologist office. In most cases lymph nodes that are painful or very tender are from some type of infections. The lymph nodes that swell that are not painful when touching are squeezing are typically malignant. That is not true 100% of the time but a large majority. The best option is to get it checked out with the proper scans.

Eliactida1955 profile image
Eliactida1955

I hope it’s nothing but at least you are checking it out. Anxiety and worry is the worse. I know I had something when my bra felt tighter and after a few days the nipple turned it and it started developing orange peel skin little dimples like and orange. I wish you the best. 🙏✝️

fancydog profile image
fancydog

When I was in my 20's I would have lymph node swelling before every Menstrual Period then it would subside after I had my period, especially bad if I had been consuming very much caffeine and would actually have cysts form in my breasts that would be a sign I needed to cut back on the caffeine. I was addicted to the soft drink Mountain Dew! I was giving my lymph system quite a work out, didn't understand but I do now ! But get checked out and make sure you plead your case well with the family history. Has your Mom had the basic genetic testing for the 47 known genetic mutations that can cause Breast Ca? Its a simple blood draw.

Adamskd1 profile image
Adamskd1

Hi there, keep doing what you are doing. Don't take no for an answer. Get an ultrasound, and a mammogram if you haven't already. I have lumps under my arm from time to time and I always get it checked. I take a couple of days to see if it goes away, and if it doesn't, I go get them checked. None of them were cancerous. But it gave me a peace of mind to find out. I am sensitive to different soaps, and deodorants. I can only use Lady Mitchum deodorant - gel. I also don't use soaps with dye or fragrance. I normally use Yardley Oatmeal & Almond bar or She Buttermilk.

mitchum.com/

yardleylondon.com/

Likes profile image
Likes

I would get a scan. I found my lump in my breast myself without a mammogram and it was too late . .. I am Praying for you.. Hugs, Susie

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Lymph node progression

Im not sure if Im more angry, upset, worried or scared. I saw Onc on 18th July which is when I had...
Mindysooty profile image

biology drugs not helping

I'm a year into the metastatic disease to the armpit. The initial disease was stage 2 5 years ago...
Rona777 profile image

Newly diagnosed MBC

I am a cancer survivor of 25 years but a recent ER trip, (I was sent there by my PCP because my...

First line of treatment

Well, I finally got to see my oncologist at Fred Hutchinson cancer center today. And finally a...

Feeling alone.

Also the lymph nodes have been infected in left side. Shoulder blade and under arm and left arm...

Moderation team

See all
Jslanovich profile image
JslanovichAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.