hi Just need someone to help ease my mind a bit, for eighteen months I have had a enlarged lympe node ,when I first went to the breast clinic about a small lump I found in my masectomy scar,it was scaned and the doctor said it was an infection in my lympe node,this satisfied me,untill I began to get pain around the lump which has grown to about the size of large pea I have been to see about it three times the doctors are more or less ignoring me when the scanner scans me they always stop at the swollen lympe node and im screaming inside because they seem to think that is all there is to see when im sitting down you can feel the lump right away all they do on the scanner is stop at the lympe node and biopsy it and say everything is ok while I feel like a mad woman wanting to shout look round a bit more but don,t like to tell them what to do I had my breast removed nine years ago and had no problems untill eighteen months ago when the doctor feels around she justs prods a bit and says everything ok standing up or sitting you find the lump at once when she has me lying down it hides a bit so the doc,says nothing to worry about but I am very worried anyone who can help me please will be a load of my mind
Hi if they have biopsied the lump they will know if its ok. Ive had several lumps removed from original site and all were ok. If your not happy tell them you want the lump taking away, mine were done with local and I was on my way home faster than the friend who had taken me for the surgery had a cup of coffee so it is a quick and easy thing to have done.
Hope the fact they have biopsied the lump and not bothered with it gives you some reassurance.
Take care Ann B x
Anne they have not even reconised the lump they have the inpression the lump I am talking about is the swollen lympe node the last lump they biopsied was cancerous I can,t get them to realiase I am not talking about the lympe node when I mention the lump they put the scanner on and stop at the swollen lympe node and stick a needle into it I don,t seem to be able to get through to them I think they see the breast off and thats the end of story I just wish someone would listen to me.I don.t know what else I can do I have to go back in twelve months for my yearly mamagram. thanks for replying.
Hi zelah52,
It sounds like you’re having a really difficult time at the moment. You might find it helpful to call BCC’s helpline on 0808 800 6000 where you can speak to one of our team in confidence for further support, information and a ‘listening ear’, the line is open weekdays 9-5 and Sat 9-2.
Best wishes,
Kate, BCC Facilitator
Have you spoken with your breast care nurse about this? Sometimes its worth talking to them on the phone and not just at the clinic follow up appointments as this makes them address the direct worries you have rather than the overhaul present condition. You shouldnt have to be worrying about this, they are there to put our minds at rest and investigate fully any probs we have.
Its your body and you know it better than anyone else, let them know your getting worn down by what seems to be a failure of communication between your care providers.
best of luck Ann B x
I think you should get an appointment with your bc surgeon put a mark on the lump with a ballpoint pen so they know exactly where it is, if they scan you and stop at the lymph node then you have to tell them they are not at the right bit. I have a lump on my recon too but it is noticable so you can get them, don’t stop till you get the right answers so you can put your mind to rest.
Reneexx
sorry I have been away to caravan and could,t use my comp.I last posted about lump around my ribcage,as I said before I have had no help from breastcancer doc.I have been thinking it over and I know it is not the fault of the doctor it is the man who scanned me,he is the type who never looks at you or listens I said to him where the pain is and he just said tell the doctor,she just goes by the scan result and says the lympe node is just a tiny thing and dismissed it as a wonky lympe node whatever that is…Anyway I am still feeling a lump I gave it a good feel it feels like a ruff edged lump about the size of a malteaser this is the only way I can describe it i am going to my own doctor in two weeks so I will tell yous what is happening as soon as I know anything I forgot to mention there is a large swelling on my neck very noticeable its been there couple months its prob,fluid.thanks for answering. zelah.
has anyone ever had a masectomy and eight years later the axilla swells, underarm is all swollen and left side of neck swollen and i have a small lump under my scar,it can get painfull at night im ok during the day when i sit down at night the pain starts,I feel a big lump under my arm and I think its the swollen axilla,when I lie down and feel the lump the swollen axilla sticks out like you can feel your insides pushg out,I don,t think this is normal and the doctor at the breast clinic says its a wonky lympe node .would I be able to see the doctor who did my masectomy as a private patient,he has moved to a different hospital.
Hi Zelah
So sorry to hear you’re having trouble getting good care, support & appropriate treatment –
More than 10 years after my lumpectomy & axillary clearance (19 nodes taken, 4 with cancer in them), I suddenly developed lymphoedema in my affected arm. I have secondaries in my bones & liver – my onc was very suspicious that this might be a sign of a new tumour, and referred me for a CT scan and an MRI, which both proved to be clear.
If you’re not satisfied with the verdict at your breast clinic, you might think about seeing someone elsewhere for a second opinion (ask your GP to refer you), but I don’t think you should pay to see your previous surgeon, unless you find that all other options fail to give you info/advice that you find useful.
Hope you get better care soon, and also hope it’s something with an easy treatment.
Marilyn x