Underarm area for concern?

Back in '09 felt a lump near the left armpit, had mammo, diag mammo, u/s, finally determined to be an enlarged lymph node.  It is still there, and hasn't changed much.  Now for the past 3 or 4 weeks I have what feels like a "rope" or "cord" running from the edge of the breast towardsthe armpit, with an enlarged area where it ends, not really a lump. It really doesn't "hurt" just a soreness when pushed on.  I have gained about 20 lbs in the last 7 months, so I'm just wondering if it's fat?  Or should I be concerned, seems like when you go to the doctor concerned, they treat you like you're a hypochondriac!   Does this sound like hormonal changes?  I have been waiting to see if it changes or goes away but so far no change.  Any ideas?  I'm 47 yrs. old.
Thanks

[japdip]

No, it doesn't sound like a hormonal problem .... what you desceibe sounds like "cording"; a condition involving a length of the lymphatic system. It will resolve itself in time and you might get some additional information by putting the term "Cording" in search. You could also mention it to your Dr. but I'll tell you that some Dr.s don't even believe this exists; my Surgeon being one of them. .. :).

[japdip]

By the way, I remember you from before .... good to hear from you.

[islandgurl]

Thanks for your quick response! I searched "cording" and it seems it usually has to do with surgery or lymphnode removal, I've had neither, and it doesn't go down my arm, it's from the breast into the armpit.  I'm going to try to see my gp next week, but this is a busy month...taking my mom to chemo for colon cancer and my baby girl graduating from college :) thanks for your help.  One more question, is there a link between breast cancer and colon cancer?  My mom hasn't had breast cancer, but just diagnosed with colon cancer and stong family history of breast cancer (her mother & aunts & grandmother) Her oncologist wants to talk about genetic testing next month, wonder if he means the brca genes?  Any thoughts?   Thanks

[SueYoung55]

There is with a BRCA mutation, yes.

[japdip]

It doesn't need to go down the arm ... it can follow the path of the lymphatic system where ever that goes and it doesn't need to be related to surgery .... it can be due to any interference with the lymphatic system. It will resolve itself in time but there may be some things you can do to hasten the process.
As Sue said above there is a connection with the mutation. Most likely your Mother may well be positive for the BC gene and if so, you will be also as the relatives you mentioned.
Congratulations on that "baby's" graduation too !!!!  Take care ..

[islandgurl]

Thanks for the responses.  Will still try to get it checked just to be sure.  I thought I had read that somewhere about the BRCA gene. I wish they would hurry up and do that genectic testing!  I come to this site daily and read all the posts and think & pray for all of you :)

[islandgurl]

Going for an ultrasound on thursday.  We'll see what that shows.  Hopefully nothing.

[japdip]

Hi .... let us know when you get your results ... Hopefully Nothing Too !!!   Take care ....

[islandgurl]

My doctor won't be back in the office 'til Tuesday, so have to wait 'til then to find out!

[islandgurl]

Good News, all clear!  Thanks! :)

[japdip]

CONGRATULATION !!!  We enjoy hearing good news ...   Take care

[bluebutterfly2222]

Hi,

I've been following your thread and just wanted to thank you for sharing your good news with us--we care!

Best wishes,
bluebutterfly