Background - Nov 22 I was diagnosed with triple positive primary BC, had 4x docetaxol and phesgo followed by 3x EC, lumpectomy, radio, then Kadcyla. I finished my last chemo almost 3 months ago.
About a week ago I started getting a sensitive area on the skin on the side of my neck (opposite side to where I had my BC), since then it has become sore to move my neck and touch and today I believe I’ve felt a small hard lump. I have had a cold the last 3 weeks with some residual stringy phlegm so unsure if it’s due to an infection or if there’s cause to worry. Does it sound like something potentially worrying? How long should I leave it before flagging to a doctor? And would I flag to my GP or hospital team?
I really wish I could trust my body again!
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Sounds like it could easily be related to your cold - I used to get lots of colds and have a swollen lymph gland in my neck that has been there for about 30 years . It’s always there to some extent but becomes softer or harder depending on my state of health - it’s quite a good barometer actually . I spoke to my GP who was concerned initially and referred me to a surgeon - I had it scanned and it was deemed to be harmless . This was before I had cancer but I was still worried .
I would speak to your hospital team on Monday as they do usually want to know of any changes - lumps / bumps / pain etc. xx
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Hi Shellibeans
Thank you for posting. It is natural to worry about any new lumps after a diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer. Nearly everyone who has been treated for cancer worries about it coming back (recurrence) and you’re not alone in being anxious about this. The uncertainty and fear of breast cancer returning is very real and as you say, it can be difficult to trust your body. At first, every ache or pain may frighten you, but most people find the anxiety lessens as the time goes on.
The sensitive lump in your neck that you describe could well be a reactive lymph node that has become swollen due to your recent cold. However, if it doesn’t resolve when you start to feel better it is important to let your treatment team know so that they can review you. As @JoanneN says your treatment team will want to know if you experience any persistent new changes like lumps or pain.
We offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events and you may be interested in our resources that are particularly for those who have come to the end of their main hospital treatment. These are known as our Moving Forward services and include our Moving Forward book and Moving Forward courses
For more details about all of these services, please see the information on the links, 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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