glands up

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1

I was diagnosed with stage 1 invasive ductal bc in my left breast on 7 Nov and am scheduled for lumpectomy, rads and tamoxifen.

For over a year I’ve had a swelling above my left collarbone, tingling and pain under my armpit and up my left arm, both glands in my throat swollen (left more than right).

I’ve recently found diagrams of the lymphatic system and realise the swollen glands are around the affected breast. I’ve been told the cancer prob hasn’t reched my lymph nodes yet.

What I’m wondering is: are they likely to find the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes when they check them during my op or has my body just been fending off the cancer for a while now? (I’m told it’s v small and prob only been there for a few months)

Sorry if this is a bit off topic - my mind is all over the place at the mo

Thanks

C x

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Hi Chicci
Not sure at all, I’m afraid. I think bodies can react when they know something’s not quite right, so it may be nothing to do with the cancer spreading but something to do with your body being grumpy about it.
Might be worth having a word with your BC nurse about it and see if she can find out a bit more?
Ann x