Hi, I am looking for help. I am not usually a drama queen but I am worried I may be being one!
I had a clear mammogram in February this year so wasn’t to worried when I found a lump in my armpit. Google said it was probably a swollen lymph node and it should go down in a couple of weeks and if it didn’t to see a doctor. It was a few weeks before I did see my doctor who agreed it was probably a lymph node but said she wanted me seen by the breast clinic to ‘dot the i’s and cross the t’s’. When I had my appointment they did not do a mammogram as they said it was a wast of time because I only had 1 in February. I had an ultrasound and they took biopsies of the lymph node and we were all surprised when the results came back as breast cance. I have developed a lump now behind my nipple so I am having MRI, mammogram and ultrasound on the new lump before surgery. I had my MRI today. I woke with stomach ach which has got worse throughout the day and I have no appetite and cannot eat. Could this be the dye from the mammogram causing this or could it be lymph nodes in my tummy? Who do I tell about this? Do I call the breast nurses or see my GP? I am really worried, sorry if I sound a bit mad, I am not usually like this but I am really worried
you are not a drama queen or sounding mad you are concerned and you should always ask and push your team for everything and never be fobbed off never think you are being a pain or drama queen or anything you get everything checked out do not get fobbed off don’t look back and think I wish I’d pushed more or I shouldn’t have dismissed my concerns hope this helps a bit 
Shi xx
You had an MRI with contrast by the sounds of it. Contrast can cause mild stomach issues such as nausea and stomach upset but it usually wears off in 24-48 hours. My advice is to report back anything unexpected to your BC nurse as you go through the process. You have been plunged in to a scary world unexpectedly and you are not meant to know instinctively what is normal and what isn’t in cancer detection and treatment. So ask and make sure they know what your reaction is to the various things they give you. We all have to advocate for ourselves sometimes although it gets easier as you go through the process. You aren’t a drama queen at all. You sound sensible and brave to me.
Hopefully a reaction to the contrast. If it doesn’t get better, definitely get it checked out. You are going through such a lot, what is happening is a drama again, so your reaction is totally reasonable and understandable. Anyone would react similar. The stress when waiting for results is enormous, that can play havoc with your guts also.
Thank you all for your replies. I have just phoned the breast cancer nurses and I am waiting for a call back. I couldn’t eat yesterday and I had some nuts at 11.30 today which has triggered increased pain and nausea so I will see what they say
Hi dogmom54,
Thanks for your post.
It’s understandable that you are feeling worried about the stomach ache and loss of appetite you are experiencing since having the MRI with contrast. As @Tigress and @entropy say, the contrast can cause stomach symptoms which usually pass within a day or two. As @Shi says, if the symptoms do not settle, you can contact your breast care nurse.
It can be difficult to know what symptoms to be concerned about, and many people find they are more anxious following a diagnosis of breast cancer. This can also contribute to symptoms such as a loss of appetite and stomach ache. You could speak to your breast care nurse about the anxiety you are experiencing, so that they can support you. Some people may benefit from talking therapy, such as counselling, to explore ways of managing these worries and concerns. You can speak to your treatment team or GP about this.
Talking to someone who has had a similar experience can often be helpful. Our Someone Like Me service can match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. You can be in touch with your volunteer by phone or email and they can share their personal experiences to answer your questions, offer support or simply listen to how you are feeling.
You can ring the Someone Like Me team on 0800 138 6551 or email them at someone.likeme@breastcancernow.org, so they can then match you to your volunteer.
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Best wishes
Katie
Breast Care Nurse
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