? lymph node 11 months after mastectomy and treatment

Primary early stage BC diagnosed end of last year. This year I had a mastectomy followed by chemo and radiotherapy. Now on daily Letrozole tablet, monthly injection of Zoledax  and 6 monthly bisphosphonate infusion to prevent recurrence.

A couple of weeks ago I noticed a pea sized nodule just above top edge of where radiotherapy was delivered. It is not in my armpit but just at border of chest / armpit.

I get the odd shooting niggle at the same place too. Not really painful just a bit ouch.

Called breast care nurse and was seen by breast surgeon this week. He examined me, marked my skin but in the area below pea nodule. This area , I think, is normal but has been a bit more lumpy bumpy than rest of mastectomy site from surgery and more so after radiotherapy.

Surgeon ordered an ultrasound. Radiologist was so rude. I was in and out in 5 seconds. All he said was " normal".

I really wish I had spoken up - don't know why I didn't. I am so worried this pea is a lymph node that has been overlooked!  Trying to navigate my new normal and not be paranoid that every new ache or pain is a recurrence but I can't get this out if my mind.

How do I ask for another opinion without seeming paranoid? 

Thanks

 

  • Hello Elsie.Clal

    I'm sorry to hear that you've recently needed to have some investigations of a new lump following your treatment for breast cancer. 

    It can be really difficult learning to live with a "new normal" following a cancer diagnosis and I know lots of our members here will understand when you say that it's difficult to not be paranoid about every new ache or pain. 

    I'd suggest giving your breast care nurse a call in the first instance. Explain to her that you're still concerned. She should have access to the ultrasound report and I'm sure she will be able to give you some reassurance. You might also want to consider asking her if any counselling support is available. 

    I'm also going to recommend you have a look at the Breast Cancer Now website and in particular at their Moving Forward course. The course is currently being run online rather than face to face but it can be helpful in aiding you to find ways to move forwards after all you've been through this year. 

    I hope this helps. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator

  • Hiya,

    i had a single Mastectomy March this year and I too went to my surgeon a couple of months ago with exactly the same as you are describing.  My surgeon said that he thought it was fatty tissue from the mastectomy but to be sure he would send me upstairs for a scan.  The scan was very quick 5 minutes if that.  He said no o can't find anything so I went home and my surgeon rang me as arranged 2 wks later hist to confirm it was all ok.  It has actually disappeared now but my breast care nurse said that there will be lots of changes in the next couple of years.  It does sound the same as mine but I admit I went back and asked my surgeon to feel again but he said it was gone and it had been checked anyway and was fine.  I can feel like of what he said are blood vessels too which are like lines or tracks formats of the armpit and up towards the shoulder.  Lower down under my arm I can feel all little bits under the skin which he said are fat pockets.  He said I Cld feel these things as there is no longer any breast tissue there.  Hope this has helped you a little.  Merry Christmas Gail x