Underarm lymphnode

Hello everyone 

 

I'm a 25 year old female. For the last 6 weeks I have had a swollen lymph node under my right arm. It felt like a huge bruised golf ball. 

My doctor prescribed me strong antibiotics, which didn't do anything, and I've had repeated blood tests which have shown anaemia and elevated esr. 

I went to A&E as the chest pain associated with the lymph node became too uncomfortable but they sent me home saying I was wasting hospital time. The next day I was sent a letter to see a haemotologist under an urgent referall. There was a cancer leaflet enclosed. 

Understandbly, I was angry at the A&E doctor and to recieve this letter really gave me the frighteners.

Since then I've had a chest x Ray which needs to be repeated in 6 weeks, my doctor is giving me more antibiotics as she said the x Ray showed what she thinks is infection, however, I need to keep my appointment for the specialist. 

 

Its only a few days away now, and I'm quite scared about going. I don't know what to expect when I get there. 

The bruising sensation has calmed down however the swelling still remains and I still have trouble wearing a bra due to it. 

Has anyone else had this same problem? What was your outcome?

 

Thank you 

  • Hello PrettyFlamingo

     

    It sounds like you've had a tough time of it recently! In particular the part where you were sent a cancer leaflet via the post with no previous warning! I can only imagine how that made you feel.

    Now, I'm a 26 year old female and had similar symptoms to you, large lymph nodes as well as abnormalities that were picked up on my spleen. For a long time I was given antibiotics but the lumps just didn't shift. Specialists said there are a whole host of reasons why these lumps occur, including STD's and autoimmune disorders. Cancer wasn't even on their mind for a long time because I was showing no B symptoms (itching, sweating, weight loss) but this went on for 5 months before they decided to do a biopsy and see what was going on. By this stage I kinda had it in my head that it could be lymphoma as I'd seen a Lymphoma specialist twice, and looked up things online (which I do not recommend!!). Unfortunately after the biopsy I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's stage 3 but the outlook is very positive . I don't say this to scare you but to say that there are so many other things that can cause these symptoms you're having, and if it does turn out to be lymphoma try and see it as you finally being set on your path to recovery after all this messing about!

    If you ever need to chat just drop me a line and if I can offer one bit of advice it is keep pushing until you get a diagnosis-one way or another. Mentally it's going to drain you not knowing, and the sooner you know the sooner you can recover!  

    Best wishes

     

    Rose

    :)

     

  • Hello Rose, 

    Thank you for your reply. Sorry to hear your diagnosis was a little late. Were you treated for anything other than cancer to begin with?

    Like yourself, I've had no real b symptoms. I do sweat during the night and wake up soaked but I have done for years, I always put that down to hormones as I have endometriosis. 

    I'm in my 7th or 8th week now. The initial "pain" of the lump has lessened but the swelling will is still there. Kind of getting used to it now I don't notice it much anymore! I've had a cold also which hasn't been fun. My appetite hasn't been great either in recent weeks, it's slowly returning but not to a great amount. 

    My appointment is on Wednesday, feeling a nervous but ready to face whatever music lays ahead.

  • Hello!  

    I think keeping an open mind wil really help :)

    Originally they treated me for pelvic inflammation, UTIs and kidney infection before a GP I hadn't seen before said he wanted to refer me to the cancer clinic.

    Sending you lots of luck.

    Rose 

    :)

  • Hi Rose, 

     

    Just recieved my chest x Ray results. Patchy air space and shadowing has shown, which may represent infection, but they are not certain. 

    Let's hope haemotology can shed some light on Wednesday.