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Wednesday, February 09, 2011 Lx2bloom asks

Q: Oct08=invasive ductal carcinoma 2b in rg breast.1lymph node involved.Chemo/radiation/lumpectomy.Jan 11= many little infections in left armpit that went away. Now a lump 1"x1/2"deeper and not leaving.?

In Jan. 10 I developed pain in my left arm. an xray showed an "unusual sclerotic lesion" in the upper bone but the drs. said it didn't look like cancer so they've been watching it. I had 3 bone scans that showed no cancer. The most receint was in dec 10. In Jan. I started getting those little lumps that were red and sore in my left armpit. They went away so no problem. Now there is a larger mass/lump under the skin of the same armpit but it's different than the skin type infections. It's been there for 2 wks. Do those little skin infections sometimes turn into a deeper mass? It doesn't hurt and isn't red. Cancer was on the right, lump is on the left. I don't want to be jumping to the conclusion that everything is a sign of the cancer coming back. I really appreciate any thoughts you can share. The answers on this website are always so helpful. Thank you.
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Answers (1)
PJ Hamel, Health Guide
2/ 9/11 9:56pm

Hi - This could indeed be an infected lymph node, especially considering you've already had what appeared to be minor infections in the same area. However, once you're had breast cancer, you should always, ALWAYS report any new lumps in your breast or armpit to your oncologist. It's just a rule of thumb: all lumps lasting longer than a couple of weeks get reported. So call your doctor, and see if s/he wants you to come in and get checked. It's likely this is somehting else, not cancer; but why not be proactive and find out what it is, so you won't have to worry? Good luck - PJH

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2/ 9/11 10:24pm

Thank you so much, I will get it checked out.  This forum is the best I found.  Your time and expertise are appreciated.  LL

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PJ Hamel, Health Guide
2/10/11 6:06am

Good, glad you'll get this checked out. And pleased you've found this site helpful - that's what we're here for, your fellow survivors reaching out to give you a hand! Smile PJH

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By Lx2bloom— Last Modified: 02/10/11, First Published: 02/09/11