swollen lymph node under my arm pit for 16months

[Charlieboo]

Hello,
I have had a swollen lymph node under my arm pit  for a year and four months. When I first noticed it I was breastfeeding and  had mastitis 2 times so the surgeon said it was probably still inflamed from the infection and if it didn’t go away after I was done breastfeeding then we would look into it further. It has been 7 months and it is still inflamed. I have had my red  and white blood cells checked and all is great there, the doctor also look for inflammation in my body and that was also fine and I‘m not anemic. I had another ultrasound done and the lymph node has not grown so that was good news.  My doctor  wants me to get the lymph node removed but I would like to see what is causing the inflammation before I go straight into removal. If I had cancer wouldn’t it show up on my blood work?   The only other symptoms I have is  shortness of breath.  I run 2 miles along with other cardio work outs at least 3 to 4 times a week and I’m fine while running the weird thing is  when I walk up my stairs I feel like I can’t breath or when I just doing simple things such as talking I feel like I’m out of breath.  I also just noticed when I move my upper body (like your doing the twist)  I hear this funny noise in my throat and chest  sounds like air stuck in my chest and throat and feels weird . When my husband or daughters move the same way I hear nothing. Should I be concerned.  Ashamed to even admit it but I was a closet smoker for 14 years. For the last 5 years I have been a total health nut I eat great and get plenty of exercise. I really don’t know what to do are there any other test (mammogram, chest x-ray, different blood test) the doc can do before rushing into removal?

[japdip]

I agree with Chris .... the node could be biopsied via needle aspiration. Since this hasn't been suggested by your Surgeon there may be some reason that this isn't an option. If you have confidence in you Surgeon then the re-check in 4 months seems reasonable. If you are uncomfortable with the wait then get a second opinion. As far as breast cancer is concerned I suppose a Mammogram might ease your mind but blood tests are of no value to determine BC. Only a biopsy of a suspicious lesion can prove or disprove cancer. Regards .....

[Charlieboo]

Thank you! You are right the past is the past and we can't dwell on it.

I had an another apt. today with a breast cancer center and the doctor I saw said that the lymph node has grown a little (1.2 to 1.5cm) in the past year although the node fells rubbery so she want to leave it and have me come back in 4 months. She also said the ultrasound I just had done looks a little different from the last one. I'm so confused I thought that if there was any growth or change in how it looks that wasn't a good sign. I really don't want to have it removed because I run a daycare and have little ones of my own so lifting children all day could cause great problems yet I really don't know how safe it is to judge if it is caner or not by the feel of it, but on the other hand the doc is the expert and I'm not.

[healingwell62]

Hi!

First of all, I'd like to suggest you be kind and forgive yourself for any things you might have done in the past, including closet smoking, because it is in the past.  I've had to deal with my demons that I think may have contributed to my cancer diagnosis, and have learned to forgive myself and move forward from this moment.

Ok, having said that, I'm not a dr., but I'm wondering if the lymph node in question could have a needle aspiration biopsy?  Drs, chime in at any time!

Thanks for stopping by -- I hope we can help you put your fears to rest, or point you in the direction to get the answers you need.

Take care, and let us know how you are.

Warmly,

Chris
Healingwell62
Breast Cancer Community Leader