pain under armpit and swollen lymph node after mammogram

Hi, I posted before about being called to get a mammogram for a large lump on my left breast.

The radiologist told me afterwards that I will be called in the next weeks to go to the clinic (10 days now and no news).

This was my first time getting a mammogram, it was uncomfortable but the radiologist was nice and very patient with me being ok.

Later that night I was sore on my left pec. I was touching my armpit and felt it swollen, and maybe a lymp node there. I didn't feel this before. This pain and swelling is still there. I practice yoga and feel it the most when I'm extending my arm upwards and back. I was also bruised after the test (still some on my aureola).

Before I wasn't much worried but now I'm overthinking. I couldn't sleep last night, I keep remembering that the radiologist told me after the test: "the first step is done". Thinking I have a horrible diagnosis waiting for me.

I'm 35 and I've just finished my job contract and I'm about to start a new job in August, moving from Scotland to England, I don't know how to manage this situation. My family lives in another country and I'm not telling anyone yet because I don't want to worry anybody.

 

  • Hello Natalia22, 

    First of all congratulations on your new job - I hope it will be an exciting move for you and a new work challenge too! 

    I can imagine these are extremely worrying times for you but hopefully it won't be long now until you get your mammogram results and some clarity on all this. It might be worth mentioning the pain under your armpit and swollen lymph node to your doctor as it's a new occurrence. 

    I know it is really hard but try not to worry too much or anticipate what it might be. It's best not to even try and interpret the words of the radiologist. The best thing to do to avoid thinking too much about this is to keep busy and distracted if you can and avoid looking things up online. I can imagine it is hard for you to do this at the moment but it will help you feel a little less anxious. There are also helpful tips on this page to help you cope while waiting for important news. 

    I hope you will also hear from others here who have been through all this before and that they will be along soon to share their story with you. 

    Keeping everything crossed for you that everything turns out fine. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator