Hi Cath,

You have been referred for surgery because this is getting bigger and is causing you pain. I know that it is frustrating to have had your surgery rescheduled twice. There is no way that anyone can detect cancer straightaway. We usually need scans and a biopsy to be certain. Your consultant will send the tissue he removes from  you to pathology to be examined. If there is anything untoward, this would show up.

I expect that this delay is because your consultant has had some definite cancer cases which have come up  and which he has to give priority to. In some ways, it is reassuring to know that he doesn't expect you to need priority care. The chances are that this is still a lipoma. Lymph nodes can swell up with even a minor infection. They usually settle down with time, although some can remain swollen, but show nothing untoward.

I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer and had 6 lymph nodes removed, but founately, they were all clear. There are many others on this site that have had a similar experience. A lump can show up on ultrasound, but it can be difficult to be sure if it is serious untl the result a biopsy is known. Try to keep telling yourself that "it's not cancer until you're told that it's cancer." Have you got a date for your re-scheduled operation yet? I hope that it's soon.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you for responding. I hope that you are doing well.

I have a potential new date of 15.2. 
 

I think you read a few stories of people leaving it too late or misdiagnosis that I worry but then also have to think that I have to trust the professionals, trust the ultrasound scan and trust that it I has been examined by a consultant.

Cath

Hi Cath,

I'm glad to see that you have another date and to see that it's not too far away. You do read some scary stories, but these are mostly due to the patient leaving it too late to get diagnosed. Occasionaly cancers have been missed by the medical experts, but on the whole, they are pretty good at diagnosis. 

If your ultrasound or examination had shown up anything untoward you would have had surgery urgently. The fact that you haven't is reassuring. I'm sure that your surgeon won't leave you too long before he eventually removes the lymph node.

I sincerely hope that your next appointment goes well and that there are no further postponements.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you, take care yourself xx

I had a lymph node removed 4 yrs ago the node had been there for ages, It had become sore l waited ages for the surgery it was during the normal period before Covid and it's surgical restrictions on non urgent operations. They have literally closed the wards to this type of surgery at the moment.

You could ring the admissions department to ask for an estimate of when they may get to you. 
 

l know how frustrating it is to be waiting and hopefully you will be able to have your surgery soon.

take care 

Susie 

Thank you for your response. Can I ask how the surgery was? Did you need a general anaesthetic? What was your recovery like? I've had very little chat about this and I'm interested to know how yours went. 
 

Mine was just 'annoying' for years but as with yours became painful this year especially when I'm hormonal. 
 

Cath 

My lymph node was found by my surgeon years before I had it removed when it became uncomfortable, l had a general anaesthetic and the surgery was as a day case. The scar is well under my arm,  I unfortunately had one of the possible side effects  a leaking node that took a while to stop leaking post op and needed frequent padding by me, not too painful compared with actual breast surgery. I didn't drive for a couple of weeks and without the leaking would have been back at work in about three weeks. I had to wait for it to dry due to my job. My operation was about six years ago and once dry no further problems l am pleased to have had it done. If you need any further help do contact me. 

Thank you so much for the feedback. You have put my mind at ease about the operation. 
 

I hope l have reassured you that you will be ok. They breast surgeons are great. I hope you have your surgery soon 

susie

Hi, with my surgery only days away, I thought I'd contact you for a little reassurance if possible.

Did you have a biopsy on your lump? I think I'm just winding myself up that I've missed something or that it could be something more worrying. I feel really anxious about the whole procedure and outcome. 
 

Thaks in advance.

Cath