I am looking for anyone who might have had something similar. Good or bad outcome can be posted, please don’t feel you have to spare me any anxiety.
I prefer to know the full facts, even if brutal.
I am new to the site and this is my first post so please bear with me.
This is my history to date:
Diagnosed Aug 2007, age 45, with Invasive Lobular Cancer of the right breast.
Tumour size 3.5cm, no node involvement, no mets, Oestrogen +ve, HER 2 neg.
This cancer was missed on imaging in 2005 (typical of LC I’m told)
Had WLE but cancer cells close to skin and chest wall.
Had subcutaneous nipple sparing mastectomy, Chemo (FEC), no rads.
Taking Anastrazole.
Had risk reducing mastectomy of the left breast in July 2009
Had bilateral reconstruction (implants only) in April this year. Delighted with results thus far – still a work in progress though.
Well that’s my history I expect it’s much like yours too.
All going swimmingly until 1 week ago when I discovered an enlarged lymph gland in the left side of my neck (just below the jaw and opposite side to BC). Definitely a cervical node and not supraclavicular.
After recovering from the “white hot panic” decided to wait a few days to see if it changed. No signs of infection i.e sore throat, cough or cold. No local infection which might explain this sudden swelling. Swelling seemed to abate after a couple of days and more or less forgot about it. Today however, it has grown and measures about 6cm, Feels rubbery/spongy it’s not solid and is a little tender today (initially it wasn’t). This could possibly due to the constant prodding and poking.
Cant get to see GP until next week!
Been Googling this evening and found a clinical paper about BC mets in cervical lymph nodes – so now back to the panic station.
Can anyone help? has anyone experienced the same? Any advice or suggestions warmly welcomed.
So sorry you’re going through this, I do know what a panic it is.
I’m a secondaries girl dx this March with bone mets after 10 1/2 years from primary dx.
I did have an enlarged lymphnode in my neck, not as large as yours, it did go down but is still with me. I had a couple of ultrasound scans and biopsies But was told no signs of cancer.
I don’t want to give you false hope but I do want to let you know that an enlarged node doesn’t have to mean cancer. Obviously you’ll only know once you’ve been seen, can’t your GP see you sooner? What about contacting your BC clinic/nurse and seeing if they can see you sooner, I known how awful waiting is so hope you can get seen soon.
My thoughts are with you, do let us know how you get on, sending big hugs Julie x
Hi monkey girl
I found an enlarged cervical node about 12 weeks ago before my clearance. If was rubbery , non tender, moveable but quite small about 1 cm. I told everyone, gp, surgeon, bcn. Non of them were very bothered. I did have an ultrasound on it and the radiographer could feel it but nothing really showed on the screen. It would not go away and seemed to get firmer. Finally the oncologist examined me and said yes there was a node but it was not significant in terms of breast cancer. One of the advisers on the helpline told me that nodes are like spots the more you prod them the firmer they get. So I didn’t touch it for a week and after being there for over two months it had gone. Am not sure if this helps that was my experience. Dx
Many thanks for your speedy responses. It’s good to hear similar experiences that turned out in a positive way. It’s reassuring but I understand the possible implications.
My GP has been very good to me throughout., it’s getting passed the receptionist that’s the problem. Earliest appointment is next Tues!. Will get in touch with BCN tomorrow.
Midge, I promise to stop prodding and poking and see if the damn thing recedes. When you say “before my clearance” do you mean you’ve been given the all clear? If so that’s great news.
Julie, so truly sorry about your recent secs Dx. That’s my worst fear as you will no doubt know. I send my love to you and wish you well.
When I was first diagnosed I used this site endlessly, although never actually registered ( a bit shy). I found other girls experiences invaluable and actually felt (in a strange way) comforted. I recall reading many posts from women with bone mets who were leading healthy, enjoyable lives. I wish the same for you too.
You’re both probably tucked up in bed now - well I hope so anyway. Me - not such a good sleeper, particularly when worried.
I’ll keep you posted
Thanks again and much love Monkey G xxx
PS: My name is Vanessa (Ness to friends) and Monkey Girl to my partner ( I have a uncanny resemblance to a chimp!!! … allegedly). I respond to any of these names.
Welcome to the Breast Cancer Care discussion forums, I hope you will find them to be a good source of information and support.
As well as the helpful replies you have recieved you can also ring the BCC helpline and talk through your concerns with one of our trained members of staff. Everyone on our helpline either has experience of breast cancer or is a breast care nurse.
The number to call is 0808 8006 000 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9 to 5pm and Saturday 9 to 2pm.
Hope you did sleep. Sorry if I confused you. No I do have bc. I meant my auxiliary clearance. Am currently in the middle of chemo. I hope you get some answers soon. Debx
Sorry got a bit confused about the clearance - lack of sleep probably. How are you finding the chemo? Do hope it’s not too bad for you. I recall mine with crystal clarity - it started Nov 2007 through until March 2008. First two treatments were relatively OK , last few I was very sick and lost almost two stone in weight. However it is totally doable and not nearly as bad as I imagined. I did think that I was going to be bed bound for most of it. I actually managed to go to work on my good days.
I was on FEC regime along with all the other ladies being treated at the same time. We would often joke about getting team T-shirts printed with “I’ve been FEC’ed” on the back. Never did of course but it made us giggle a lot.
Went to GP’s this morning and asked to be seen sooner. Said I was prepared to wait until the end of the day if it meant I could be seen before next week. That did the trick. GP very nice, not too concerned but agrees a very enlarged gland. Said to wait two weeks and go back for review - if it gets bigger in the meantime to go back sooner.
Called BCN - who said reassuring things and has booked me in for ultrasound scan on Monday. So I will feel better knowing that it has been assessed more thoroughly than palpation alone.
Will keep you posted.
Please let me know how you are getting along. This site is a wonderful means of support and a great arena for getting things of your chest.
Hi Vanessa
Am really glad things have moved along a bit more quickly. My gp gave me a course of anti biotics to see if the node responded to those, it didn’t but I’m surprised yours didn’t suggest it rather than a wait and see. She also told me that where my node drained from was the skin and scalp and asked me if I could remember any spots or intruding hairs etc. But I couldn’t. Anyway I hope the ultrasound gives you a clear result . The problem with looking on the Internet is there is always something to back up your worst fears. We are even more aware because once our worst fears turned out to be true and now all bad things seem possible. Chemo is yuck thanks for asking. But 2 down 4 to go. Take care debx.
Wishing you all good things
Yes I too was surprised that he didn’t suggest antiB;s. However I do have some left from my recent reconstruction (they gave me twice the prescribed number which has come in useful). I started taking them today because they are broad spectrum and will cover a range of infection processes.
Will no more after scan on Weds.
Really hope you continue to do well with the Cillit Bang, Mr Muscle and Toilet Duck (My OH’s thoughts on the toxic nature of the chemo)!!! Yep it definitely is Yuck. I remember going to the Hospital for my very last treatment - i almost peed myself at the excitement of having completed the course. Are you having the standard 6 treatments? If so you’re almost at the halfway point so keep gong and keep yer chin up.
Sorry for the delay in keeping my situation up to date - have been away staying with family.
Well I went to the Hospital last week expecting ultrasound scan. My breast surgeon is away so I saw a GP who happens to have a special interest in breast cancer. She examined me and agreed a significant size lymph node (5cm x 3cm) - nothing else untoward. Said it’s a reactive lymph node but exactly what it’s reacting to is not clear as no evidence of infection. It’s on the opposite side to my breast cancer - she said that was good.
She (GP) said it could be scanned but to be sure it needs to be biopsied. Unfortunately no scan slots were available where they could do biopsy at the same time. So am going back to the hospital for this tomorrow. Then have to wait another week for results. So still none the wiser.
Said lymph node remains unchanged - no bigger - no smaller. Yesterday I had a mild sore throat (when swallowing) and also mild intermittent ear ache. I felt a little reassured about this as it could indicate an underlying infection however, today, I have no symptoms other than a slightly tender lymph gland. So now beginning to think that I imagined those symptoms yesterday. How the mind can play tricks when you’re worried about something. Little else that I can do other than wait it out.
I’m new to the site and came across Monekeygirl’s posting. I know it’s been a while but I haven’t seen anything further since summer 2010…I hope it’s because you’re not concerned anymore and just enjoying life.
I have six tumer in both breast 3 each from last 9 years. Now I get pain in my left side breast and back side. I do ultra sound. well defined hypoechoice numerous echogenic foci found in my ultra sound report. What is it its cancer?? or … Plz reply me
I am sorry read you’re having such a difficult time at the moment, can I suggest you give the BCC helpline a call and talk things through with one of our trained members of staff. Here you can share your concerns and feelings with someone who can offer you emotional support as well as practical information. The oversees number is (+44) 2076 200 077.