Mastitis...Lump in armpit 2 + mo. later?

[Steph626]

Hello - I'm hoping someone can tell me whether what I am experiencing is normal.  In early Nov. (after 5 previous thrush infections) I was diagnosed w/ a severe thrush infection unlike any that I had previously (blistering and ulcerations of the nipple, sorry if TMI), which my OB believes lead to mastitis. At that time I developed the classic red streaks on one breast and a very large, painful swollen lymph node in my armpit that would not go away, even after a course of Cephalix (sp?). I had an ultrasound done and that revealed several other swollen nodes, though none quite as big as the one I could feel externally.  Anyhow, It is now over 2 mo. later and while the lymph node is no longer usually painful, it is still slightly enlarged (not nearly as big as it was but still probably a 1/2 inch or so and pretty easy to feel). My doc. said that if the lymph node stayed enlarged for over a month to call her...I did set up a recheck for next week but I sort of feel like maybe I'm wasting her time.

I guess I'm just wondering if it is normal for a lymph node to stay enlarged this long after having mastitis, and should I just consider it better since it is much smaller now??   I don't want to be paranoid about this but my mother had breast cancer at the age of 35 so I get a little nervous about breast issues!  I just hate to bother my OB about something that is probably a non-issue, since I know she is very busy, as am I.

Any thoughts...Would you go get it checked out or just give it more time??

[spade22]

Since your Ob-gyn said to come back if the lump was still there after 1 month and its still there after 2 months I would certainly go back to get it checked out.  The fact your doctor is "busy" is irrevelant - her job is to see patients are you are one of her patients.  Also, based on your family history I think getting the lump re-examined (even if only for peace of mind) is essential.

[Steph626]

I weaned my daughter when I got the thrush/mastitis infection because my nipple was in such horrible shape...It is actually still scarred from the ordeal.  

I did make an appt. and am going in on Monday.  I've just been really run down and was also diagnosed w/ gastritis just before Christmas, after having nausea and vomiting for months on end.  I'm still underweight though and am having a tough time getting to where I want to be, not to mention that my daughters and I have also been passing around some sort of respiratory thing since Nov. (came down with it for the first time at the same time as the mastitis).

So obviously I've had a lot going on and am very run down right now...I'm hoping that the lymph node is still enlarged just because of everything else my poor immune system has been busy battling!

[anxiousmomtobe?]

When I had mastitis it cleared up very quickly with antibiotics.  ARe you still nursing?

I definitely think you need to be seen and should have a mammogram.

[cnad]

First of all, I hope that you will get well soon. As for seeing the doc, if she said that you should visit her if the node does not go away in a month's time, then I suggest that you should see her. Also as you mentioned about your family history of breast cancer, it is wise to see the doctor. And remember, the doctor's job is not only to treat patients, their job is also to reassure them if nothing is wrong. So dont worry about your doctor being busy. Its her job :)