Hi Tegan'smum,

Welcome to our forum, although I'm sorry for the reason that brings you here.

There are a number of lymph nodes under your arm. Try not to keep feeling this area, as you may spread infected lymph about the body if there is any cancer present. I am not a doctor, but I believe that it can be difficult if not impossible to find the lymph nodes without using a scan to find hem and then a biopsy to determine whether or not there is any cancer present.

I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer and a few scares. On both occasions, I found a lump in my breast whilst I was in the shower. Don't worry about the speed in getting your breast clinic appointment. Your first appointment usually comes through within 2 weeks. Here the consultant will examine your breasts and take your medical history. You will then likely be given a mammogram and/or an ultrasound and a biopsy. It will take another 1-2 weeks before you get the results back.

Waiting for these results can be a scary time, so I'm glad to hear that you are managing to remain positive, despite being aware that it could be bad news.

I sincerely hope that you don't have to get bad news. There are several different reasons for swollen lymph nodes.

Do please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thanks for your reply jolamine 

i kept thinking it would turn into a boil or become painful but it hasn’t.

im being kept pretty busy as my father has terminal cancer of the osophegus & chemo is not an option for him so we are currently planning a rush wedding!

Trying to build him up and keep him strong for the big day on the 8th December so plenty to be keeping me busy.

Hi Tegan'smum,

I was informed by both of my surgeons that cancer doesn't usually manifest in pain. Many people find that they are picked up as the result of routine or other tests and, claim that they have no symptoms whatsoever.

You don't have your troubles to seek do you? I am so sorry to hear about your dad's diagnosis. I nursed my mum with breast cancer for 12 years before she developed metastases in her liver, lungs, brain and bones. That was 21 years ago and I still remember how hard it was to care for her.

We usually advise people waiting for a first appointment or the results of tests to keep themselves busy, in order to distract themselves from the wait - It doesn't sound as if I need to say this to you. You must be a very strong person to arrange a rush wedding whilst you are dealing with all this. I sincerely hope that your dad can make the big day and that you all have a perfectly wonderful day.

I hope that all goes well for you - Sounds as if you could do with some good news!

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Tegan,

Can I ask how you got on at your referral?

I have very similar symptoms to you. A month ago I had raised lymph nodes in my neck and found a small (bit larger than a pea, Dr said approx 2cm) lump under my arm, went to DR had an infection so she said under arm lump was most probably swollen lymph node too. I had antibiotics and the ones on my neck had gone right down but the one under my arm remained so I went back to the GP who said on reviewing the lump under my arm that she doesn't think it's a lymph node but a lump within the muscle and probably part of my anatomy that I've never noticed and that she didn't have any concerns (she said if it was her she would watch and wait) but as I am incredibly anxious she has referred me and I have an appointment at the breast clinic on the 15th May. I am utterly terrified. The lump isn't painful as such but it tender when you touch it, I can move it around and it's quite smooth. I am so frightened and my mind keeps going to the what ifs. I've spent the best part of 2 hours in tears this morning.

Like you I can't feel any lumps in my actual breasts neither could the GP, in face 2 GPs examined me and couldn't feel anything abnormal, the skin and my nipple all look normal too. I have had some pain in both breasts but that is something I've always had, I think hormone related.

I did have bloods taken a month ago and all came back ok. Would that have shown if something was not right?

I'm babbling now.....

I hope you're well and you had a lovely wedding. 

Hi Rachel

i just wondered how your appointment went on the 15th? I have similar symptoms but my appointment isn’t until next week

Hi Daffy,

I went today and ended up finding out it is a lymph node. It looks suspicious (thick in parts), whatever that means, they did a biopsy and I need to go back next Wednesday for results. My actual breat tissue all looks normal, thankfully.

I'm utterly terrified. 

Hey! 

Im sorry I only realised that today is the 15th so sorry I hounded you straight away. 

So what does all that mean? Is it an enlarged lymph node or a lump? 

I can imagine you are frightened but the breast being clear is positive. Thinking of you xx 

It's a lymph node that is enlarged, no other lumps.

The radiologist was not reassuring in the slightest and heightened my anxiety. I don't really know what it could be, she said there are 36 different diseases that cause dense nodes and wouldn't clarify more than that. I asked her if she thinks I have cancer and she said she couldn't say without doing the biopsy. I'm so petrified.

I appreciate that these people deal with this everyday but to not provide reassurance is diabolical. I know they can’t give you false hope but support is what is needed at this time. I am going to my appointment alone and dreading it! I hope you had someone with you?

dont google anything and look on the plus side... I appreciate as a long term sufferer of anxiety myself it is hard but they are now looking after you medically and whatever this is they will fix. Positivity is so hard but remember you aren’t alone. xxx 

My husband came with me, thank goodness as I was hysterical when she told the nurse to prepare for a biopsy - I'd read far too much before and knew they only do that if something looks suspicious.

I wish you all the luck in the world for your appointment. Thinking of you.

Please keep in touch xx