I finished chemo 4 weeks ago and start radiotherapy tomorrow. On Saturday I noticed a swelling under my right arm. Its not a lump, feels more like muscle or fat and the cancer was in my left breast anyway. As everyone, I’m terrified at the thought of recurrence or secondaries but would have thought this is unusual so soon after chemo but also to my right axilla. Has anyone got any advice please-I’m not unduly worried but then I wasn’t when I found the breast lump and it was cancer!!! Thanks all x
First of all, it is very rare (although not unknown) to get a recurrence or secondaries so soon after chemo. If there was a lump on the other side, it would more likely be a new primary (if it was anything at all).
I had this worry after I finished chemo and my oncologist advised me to ask my BCN to make me an appointment for another ultra sound in that breast. Even if it only to put my mind at rest. I was reassured after my scan that there was nothing sinister. I had pain when I pressed my breast to examine myself. The nurse asked me to lie on my left side (pain was on right) and she pressed very hard - I almost jumped off the bed, then burst out laughing. It was my ribs that were hurting. A condition called Costo Chondritis!!
Maybe you should have a word with your BCN or failing that, the radiographer.
Thanks for taking the time to reply. While I was having chemo, I felt kind of reassured if that makes sense. Now its finished, my anxiety has increased slightly. I might ask the Radiographer tomorrow for their advice. Take care x