TNBC: Pain in armpit, how do I ensure it's not cancer coming back?

I was scheduled for a routine mammogram until I mentioned a small lump in armpit. My PCP automatically changed the prescription to diagnostic mammogram plus ultrasound. The underarm lump was nothing but the two tests confirmed a small tumor in left breast. I had lumpectomy and clear sentinel node biopsies. My follow-up instructions from oncologist for the next five years include physical exam and blood work, including tumor markers, every six months and yearly mammogram plus ultrasound.

Maybe you can lobby for the ultrasound or get a second opinion. Maybe change doctors. I'd want every reasonable test that can be done especially if it's non-invasive and pretty risk-free.

Talking about COVID vaccine and lymph inflammation , my surgeon have confirmed the possibilities.
But what about possible early breast cancer stage after Covid vaccination??
One month after first vaccine I have discover small lump in my right breast . The mammogram have shown the cancer in SITU.
When I have double checked, ithe mammogram has shown also incapsulated cancerous cells in the left breast.
Was it coincident at age 81, or one of the vaccine potential side effects.??
Have bilateral lumpectomy done.
Refused any chemo, or radiation.
Neither Oncotype DX, nor any
tumour markers tests have been recommended and/or refused by surgeon and by 2 oncologist.
Now on Tamoxifen hormone therapy ( better for the post- menopause cancer reoccurrence )
So far, year after, the mammogram tests are negative!
Is anybody have experienced similar consequences after vaccination ??
Interesting to know. Thank you 😊

I had that...scar tissue from surgery! This is reply to woman worried about armpit pain

I had a lumpectomy with sentinel node removal, radiation & chemo and have had major armpit pain/ burning/hypersensitivity for years - 6 years later the armpit is still sensitive. It’s not a lymph node issue - nerves get cut and/or stretched during surgery and doctors don’t like to talk about nerve pain, which for me was very frustrating. I tried physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, meds (gabapentin), desensitization, meditation and topicals. PT is helpful but does not fix nerve pain. Gabapentin did nothing for it. Found a topical with CBD and one with arnica that provided some temporary relief. Started wearing looser tops to keep friction out of armpit. Keep telling your doctors about it. I didn’t expect the armpit pain either and hope it will keep slowly getting duller until it’s gone. Good luck.

Hi, sounds like you experienced my story. Now I’m facing treatment after lumpectomy. Radiation, or AI? What treatment did you choose? Any or none?
Tnx, Elliej

I was lucky in that the cancer was caught early as a stage 1A, 8 mm tumor (including clean margins)qp. I had a lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy that was negative for cancer cells.

The OncotypeDX yielded a very low risk of recurrence so no chemo was recommended by my oncologists. I declined site-only radiation. Tried aromatase inhibitors but had side effects and other concerns about them so discontinued them. I'm older so that made quality of life more important than my 5.5% risk of recurrence within 9 years.

It was a judgment call that the OncotypeDX helped me make. Absent the clean sentinel lymph node and OncotypeDX low-recurrence risk result, I wouldn't have had the data to help me decide. Knowledge is power, good data is one source of it.

@maryk65 I was remembering you on this discussion and wanted to pop in and see if you had gotten a new oncologist? How are you doing with the pain in your arm pit?

I had breast MRI and it was normal. I did see new oncologist. Thank you for thinking of me!

Yippee❣️

I have the same thing. Went to my Dr and he could not feel anything. Booked my mammogram for December. I do notice when I stretch it is sore for a few days, (yoga). Will have to wait a month I guess. I do notice I feel ALL the feels and sensations now. Hoping that is all it is.