Armpit itching/new cancer?

Ask our Nurses your questions
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I had an smx and node clearance in my left side (Nov 23), chemotherapy (Jan- May), radiotherapy (June-July) and am on letrozole for 5 yrs and should be starting zoletronic acid infusions soon (I couldn’t tolerate the ibandronic acid tablets). I developed lymphodema in my left arm (not too bad, with daily self-massage and wearing a sleeve)

I know it’s common to be overanxious about cancer recurring or masticising, and I don’t want to be a hypochrondiac.

But I have recently been finding it very itchy in my right arm pit. I can’t decide if there is a lump there or if I’m being paranoid. I’m itching it raw, so putting aloe vera on it.

The night sweats have also recently got worse, not every night, but sometimes I can be drenched when they happen.

Dr Google, doesn’t help, although I do try to stick to reputable sites (eg NHS) and of course I now see I hve some of the symptoms of lymphoma…(ongoing fatigue, persistent cough)!!!

I know you can’t diagnose, but should I speak to my GP/BCN? Or am I being silly?
Thank you

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Dear Rosey-posey,

I’m so sorry to read you post, also you are so uncomfortable and worried at the moment, please contact your breast cancer team tomorrow, you need to be seen and checked for reassurance.

Please don’t think your overreacting, hopefully this is something small and can be sorted very quickly.

Fingers crossed for a good outcome, most of all don’t think you are being a nuisance.

Please let us know how you are getting on, wishing you well.

Hugs Tili :pray::rainbow::pray::rainbow:

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My first thought was that your underarm hairs may be growing back from both the chemotherapy and rads. Also, your nerve connections could also be healing. Definitely bring it up to document, but it could be good rather than bad.

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I had lumpectomy and SNLB plus five radiotherapy treatments to the whole breast and I had some issues with intense itching mainly between my breasts which did not make sense to me as although part of my breast was very red and swollen after radio the place where it was itching was not normal was it near my lumpectomy wound. I also had some quite persistent itching in the middle of my armpit which started up months after radio and again this didn’t make sense to me as it was not near the SNB wound or the area that had been zapped . It has gone now though it occasionally starts up between my breasts even now . I washed off my deodorant at night and put Aveeno under my armpit a few times . There’s still one place where it’s incredibly sensitive - I think @rockym might be right about nerve endings .

I think it’s always wise to get in touch with your BCN and ask them for help - they want to know if changes. Hopefully it’s nothing and they can help you to manage your symptoms and feel better . Xx

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Hi Rosey-posey

Thank you for posting. It is natural to worry about new symptoms like itching in your armpit, worsening night sweats and ongoing fatigue. You are not being silly or paranoid. Nearly everyone who has been treated for cancer worries about it coming back (recurrence) and you’re not alone in being anxious about this.

Breast itching can happen for many reasons. It may be due to hormonal changes or due to benign conditions (not cancer). As the itching is in the right armpit and your treatment was for cancer on the left side it will not be due to nerve recovery following surgery or radiotherapy, however hair regrowth after chemotherapy can cause altered sensations as @rockym mentions. It is important to discuss your symptoms and worries including your persistant cough with your breast care nurse or treatment team as @Tili so that they can examine and assess you if needed.

You also mention that your night sweats have worsened recently. Hot flushes and night sweats are the most commonly reported menopausal symptoms due to breast cancer treatment such as letrozole, and many women contact us describing the difficulties they are experiencing with them.

We know that there are different things that help with hot flushes and night sweats. You can also speak with your breast care nurse or treatment team about these and discuss possible options for managing your symptoms. Your GP may also be able to help. You may want to ask about a referral to specialist menopause clinic where you can get further advice and information about coping with menopausal symptoms.

Experiencing fatigue (extreme tiredness) after receiving treatment for breast cancer is also very common. It doesn’t always go away with rest or sleep and may affect you physically and emotionally. Many people find that they start to get their energy levels back as time passes after treatment, but for some fatigue can continue for months or sometimes years. Other factors may also contribute to fatigue, such as: the emotional impact of a breast cancer diagnosis; altered sleep patterns; reduced activity and poor diet.

You may be interested in our free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer. They include face to face and online courses and events.

For more details about all of these services, please see the information on the link, or call our free helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.

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Best wishes

Katy

Breast Care Nurse

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