Lump in bicep - abnormal bloods - no further action???

Hi Everyone, 

this may be a long one but I'll try to keep it short. 
 

for 6 months I've been dealing with extreme fatigue, hot flushes, nausea, weight loss and just generally feeling unwell, I've also only been emptying my bowels once every 3 weeks or so. I've been backwards and forwards to the doctors and finally had some blood tests. Last week I noticed a small hard lump in my left bicep, it doesn't move or hurt although I have been getting occasional pains in that arm. A couple of days ago I started getting pain in my right armpit area and the side of the breast. It feels swollen. 
This morning I visited the GP who said my bloods showed borderline hypothyroidism so she put me on levothyroxine. An FSH test was also positive (I'm 35) 

she examined the lump in my bicep and said she thought it was a gland. She then briefly examined my underarm and said she felt nothing. 
 

I've been given a FIT test to do because of the infrequency of my bowel movements and the levothyroxine but I can't shake the feeling that something more is happening to me. I have very large, very dense breasts which are difficult to check and I told her this but she didn't seem interested. 
 

is there anything more I should/could be doing or do I just accept what she said? 
 

I should explain that my father was ignored by them for a year despite having a huge carcinoma growing on his head and eventually lost his life due to the cancer which they ignored.

Posting to add I just got a print out of my latest blood tests which show high RBC and high lymphocytes yet this was not mentioned at my GP appointment. 

Could anyone please advise? I feel like I'm driving myself 

  • Hi LW22356 and thanks for posting.

    It sounds like you're having a difficult time at the moment.  I'm sorry to hear about your father.  It is understandable to be worried about whether something is being missed with your own health after the experience with your father.

    It is positive that you have had contact with your GP and had an examination, blood tests and a fit test. You mentioned the result of your blood test, a high lymphocyte and red blood cell count can be caused by a number of conditions.  It may be worth speaking to your GP to ask about these results and what they mean. 

    If you are still concerned perhaps try speaking with your GP again and explaining how worried you are.  You could also ask for a second opinion. There is some more information about this here

    You said you have been having difficulty emptying your bowels.  Sometimes changing your diet and taking more exercise can help with this.  You could try increasing your oral fluids to at least 2 to 3 litres a day, and increasing your fibre intake with fresh fruit and vegetables.  If this does not help perhaps talk to your GP about a laxative medication, which could help you open your bowels more regularly.

    I hope this is helpful and you get some answers soon.

    You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care

    Rachel