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Constant pain in armpit/boob: referred to breast clinic

Worried30something
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Hello,

I know you should never go looking for answers on the internet but was wondering if I could get some advice while I wait to be seen in the clinic. So at the start of May I started feeling unwell, I called up my docs and they gave me co-amoxiclav, after finishing the antibiotics I called the docs up again to say that I was still feeling unwell, that my lymph nodes were up and painful (in my right armpit and neck), I was tired, nauseated and loss of appetite (which is not like me at all). They did a video chat and said to me I'm fine and just needed a few more days to let my body recover from whatever virus/bug I had. Skip forward a week and the pain in my armpit has become constant and unable to wear a proper bra and resorting to sports bras though they can hurt during particular bad flare-ups (thank god for lockdown in a way!). By this point, I am worrying a bit as 3 weeks felt like long enough if I have a virus to least get better or lessen but just felt worse as the constant pain grinds me down.

Then on Saturday/Sunday last week the pain moves into my right breast and felt so painful I couldn't have anything touch it so now I have it in my armpit and breast. While the excruciating pain left my breast the dull constant pain replaced it and  I resolved to talk to the doc again on Monday. Anyway they call me and go through questions about the pain, how my boobs look and feel and I admit while I check every so often I am not the best and for some reason never looked at my nipple (it seems I never noticed if one side of it was more of a straight edge/line then a circle if that makes sense) if I had a temperature and while I said I had monitored it throughout my symptoms (due to living with 2 people who are at risk of Covid (so I am the one doing groceries etc) always make sure if I feel hot to take my temp so if I do have one I isolate away from them) I had not had a temp though I had woek up a few times in the night with sweats. Also told him that I knew of 2 family members who have had breast cancer.

He got me in to see someone who checked my breasts and said it could be from shaving though I pointed out that the pain started before any recent shaves and that. She's booked me to have a range of blood tests as well as into the breast clinic and due to be seen next week however the pain is getting me down and it feels like it's now radiating not only into my boob but also through to my back. I'm not sleeping because of it as takes ages to get to sleep with the pain and paracetamol/ibuprofen don't even dent the pain.

I'm hoping that it's not cancer since i'm 32 but that worry is still there. Has anyone experienced something similar and was it something just completely normal in the end?

 

Thank you and sorry for the long post!

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    Hello Worried30something, 

     

    It's normal to be worried as you are waiting to be seen at the breast clinic and to have your blood tests. You did the right thing to go back to the doctor and it's good that your GP has been thorough and referred you to the breast clinic where they will be able to tell you more. Make sure you mention when you see them that the pain is now radiating to your back. Hopefully it won't be long now until you are seen at the breast clinic. I know it's difficult and easier said than one but try and keep busy and focused on others things while you are waiting to be seen and avoid looking anything up on Google as this will inevitably make you even more worried. 

    I hope that you will hear from others who have been through this before and that they will be along shortly to share their experience with you. 

    Keeping everything crossed that your appointment at the breast clinic goes well. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Lucie

    Thank you Lucie,

    I've resisted the temptation to stay away from google, which is hard in this day and age. I'm trying not to worry too much and not think but the pain is just always there :( Feel a bit like my body is just falling apart at the moment after a bout of ear infections this year and now this. I've also woken up to some form of eczema on my knuckles which is not the usual place for me and on my arms as well. I've had to give up on wearing normal bras and even sports bras hurt as they touch the side of the breast and my armpit so luckily I managed to get a string bikini which helps a wee bit.

    Has anyone any advice on what to expect at the breast clinic? I'm lucky that the hospital is one that apparently is the 'one-stop' kind of place. Just wondering so I can try and give my work a time frame and also stop my family from worrying as they are all insisting that someone go with me but I kind of just want to go it alone as I'm sure it will be nothing and if it is I want to process it before I tell them anymore if that makes sense.

     

    Thanks!

  • Offline in reply to Worried30something

    Hi, how did you get on at the breast clinic?

    I've had armpit pain on the right side on a monthly basis now for around 18 months, was first told it was because of shaving and irritated lymph nodes, then sent to the breast clinic in January this year, had an ultrasound and all was normal but was told I have extra breast tissue in my armpit. I stopped worrying about it after that but the last month the pain has been worse so I'm seeing my GP again on Tuesday as spoke to her on the phone and she wants to do a review. I generally get the tenderness for around 7-12 days a month and then it goes away so seems cyclical and is usually accompanied by slight tender breasts but I have the Mirena coil and no longer have periods so cannot track a cycle.

     

    Hope.you got on ok? 

  • Offline in reply to DPJC

    I'm in the same boat myself, waiting for a appointment for the clinic... Please let me know how you get on 

  • Offline in reply to DPJC

    Hi did anyone have a conclusion to their armpit pain? I'm pretty sure mine is either my bra or my periods. Or just my fibroadenoma playing up. I have had that checked about 5/6 years ago. And I had my other breast checked not long ago plus both nipples. I do suffer anxiety so I think whenever I get aches and pains it just flares up. Xx

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