Hi,

I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Invasive Ductal Breast Cancer in June 2021.  I only had one round of EC and one round of Paclitaxel and Carboplatin. Neither of these helped, a mastectomy was performed in September 2021.  From diagnosis to surgery the tumour had grown from 34mm to 44mm.  The pathology report showed neither chemo had any effect. 

When having the Paclitaxel and Carboplatin I had a bit of a reaction - my temperature sored, and they called the reactions team.  They decided that I could have the rest of the dose, but slowly.  My canula had been in from 10am to 6pm in all.  I did mention how uncomfortable it was at the time.  My forearm was sore for a whole week, but no blistering or anything, just sore.  

I am now receiving adjuvant chemo in the form of Capecitebin tablets - due to start cycle 4 today.  I am expected to do 8 cycles.  

A few weeks ago, I felt a lump im my forearm - and as you can expect any lump for a cancer patient is worrying.  It is slightly smaller than a marble.  There is no sign of it on the surface of the skin, no bruisingin or redness - but it can clearly be felt.  I had monitored this.  I could feel two or three lumps further down the arm all in a line.  I mentioned this earlier this week at my chemo nurse appoinment.  She thought, that as this is the arm I had my chemo in, that it is as a result of that.  She thought that the lump is a valve in my vein that has been effected by the chemicals.     

Question 1 - Is this likely to be a vein that has been effected by chemo?  I had my last IV chemo 6 months ago.  

Since my appointment, I can feel other lumps in my arm, smaller - I'd say smaller than a pea.  These are not in line with the other lumps, they are are parellel to the others lumps.   

Question 2 - does this still mean it could be due to the chemo?  The first lumps were all in one line - so I can image that it is all along one vein.  But with the other lumps being away from that site, does that mean more than one vein has been damaged?  

I am intending on speaking again with the chemo nurse at the next appointment.  If they show more signs of growth or damage the surface skin I will mention it before then.

Any feedback would be appreciated. 

Ta X