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

I know my suggestion may be difficult to do but I would call my insurance company to see if I can see another oncology practice for a second opinion.

Perhaps your breast surgeon can weigh in? ♥️

She said it hasn’t been proven to increase survival. It’s the hospital’s protocol. They also fight me on doing ultrasound saying they don’t use those for screening.

Can I ask what the reasons are that your oncologist won’t order a breast MRI? Especially given that you have dense breasts. ♥️

I was diligent about doing my PT for cording and lucky to have found 2 therapists whose specialty it was. They told me that most of their patients didn’t work as hard as I did (meaning I did the exercises at home also) and took the time to print out a booklet of the exercises that seemed to help me most. ( some centers also have video that can be downloaded.) I continued to do that when I discovered yoga and so many stretches and twists were similar. I have switched to that for 2 years now. My lymph nodes do bother me but in my day to day I realize it’s worse after being with my granddaughter who is only 23 lbs at 2yo! So I pick my battles. I will not give that up! She still says “I hold you Nettsie,” when SHE wants to be held! Then I do some yoga. Lots of good apps and YouTube. I landed on Sara Beth Yoga (good instruction for newcomers) and choose the body part that needs attention. My cancer center also has virtual yoga which was in person before Covid but I haven’t done that because it’s easier to workout when I feel up to it.

Great explanation Trixie1313!

MaryK65, I got a lump in my armpit a day or two after my first covid shot. I freaked out thinking it could be cancer again. I called my doctor’s office, her nurse said that it’s common for lymph nodes to swell with flu/virus shots. It took about 2 weeks for the tenderness and swelling to go away.

Your armpit pain could be something very simple too. Keep in touch with your doctor for your individual situation, and keep us posted about your progress. We all care about one another!

@lcr217
You are spot on. Besides lymphatic cording, it is also called axial webbing. I could barely lift my arm at one point and you could actually see the lymph cords from my armpit down to my wrist. Luckily, our PT department are highly skilled in treating breast cancer patients. It took about 6 appts to get mine under control. I learned how to put pressure on the pressure points from my wrist upward through the armpit and then breast. Part of the problem @maryk65 also may be from radiation which can cause the area in your breast to become scarred and harden. Mine felt like blocks of cement which caused a lot of pain and I still have a bit to this day but not as bad. The PT specialist has me using a "swell spot" for a week or two under my bra which helps break up the lymphedema and it also helps to soften the area. In addition, I do the exercise program which they teach breast cancer patients (at Kaiser) that include stretching, weight lifting, and core strength training. One bit of advice is if you drink caffeinated drinks or eat chocolate, caffeine can cause inflammation of lymph nodes which can also cause pain. My best advice -- see if PT in your area are educated in helping breast cancer patients. It really makes a difference.

Thank you for your message. I’m doing ok. I did contact the surgeon who did lumpectomy but she was busy so I had to see PA. They did mammogram and ultrasound where the pain was and didn’t see anything. The radiologist told me MRI is better than mammogram which didn’t help my anxiety. My oncologist left and now I am waiting to see new oncologist in September. I’ve just been trying not to think about it.

Hi @maryk65,
I can understand the wish for increased surveillance and your requesting an MRI every 6 months. Keep in mind that more is not always better. Frequent MRIs may not be beneficial and may do more harm than good, not to mention scanxiety.

Have you talked to your cancer care team about the pain in your armpit and what may be the cause? I also encourage you to tell them about your fears about recurrence? That is real! And they may be able to explain in more detail how they are watching with you, what to report and what is normal. Open communication really helps. How are you doing today?

I’ll have to ask my doctor about this. I had sentinel nodes removed. I didn’t know there would be pain afterwards.

I would say that a referral to a PT with breast cancer specialty, like the others have mentioned is probably a good idea. Sometimes the people who deal with our bodies in the aftermath can tell us more. The doctors are focused on saving our lives (admittedly important), but the different types of therapists are really good at identifying and helping us with the issues we now live with. Do you live in area where you are likely to find this type of PT?