Lump in arm pit

[FluffyPJs]

My older sister (49) was diagnosed with breast cancer 2 weeks ago. I was with her the day she got the results, and she said her consultant had recommended that I get myself checked (I'm 46).

My sister said to check my arm pits too, which I did there and then, and I found a lump. I was convinced that I was imagining it, or feeling something that should be there, but I made a GP appointment for the following week anyway, just to get it checked.

I then (possibly stupidly) Googled lump in arm pit and it came up with lymphoma, or non-Hodgkins lymphoma. I have some of the symptoms, mainly tiredness, night sweats/ drenches, pain in my arm and itchy skin.

At the appointment I explained about my sister and the doc did a full breast exam. She said no lumps in my breast but definitely one in my arm pit, and she did an immediate referral to the 2 week wait clinic. I told her about my googling and the other symptoms I have, and she added them to the referral. At no point did she say it could just be a cyst. She just said definitely a lump.

The clinic rang me the next day and booked me in, for the 22nd, which is/ will be 1 week later. Obviously the care I've already received has been amazing, and I'm very impressed at the speed of it all.

However, being a natural pessimist, I have convinced myself that I do have cancer, partly so that I can't get 'bad' news, and partly so that I have prepared myself for the worst! I don't know if that makes sense but it does to me.

I've told my mum and sister, and then regretted it, as they are now worrying about me. My mum wants to come with me on Tuesday or wants my husband to come. I selfishly just want to go on my own and get it over with, without having to worry about how it is affecting someone else.

My instinct is to protect my mum (she's 78) and lie if it's bad news, but I know I can't do that. I just don't want people to worry about me and maybe pity me, or think differently of me.

Has anyone got experience of a lump in the arm pit? The closer I get to the appointment the more nervous I am getting!

I had a lump last week in my armpit you've just reminded me to check to see if it's still there, it's not it's gone so god knows what that was. I googled too (bad mistake) and got the same diagnosis as you, I made an appointment for this Wednesday but I have a list as long as my arm of other problems so I'll keep the appointment.

Good luck for Tuesday I hope all is well.

You might find this thread gives you some support while you wait to be seen

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/general_health/3697698-Cancer-support-thread-72-come-in-were-here-for-you?pg=5&messages=100

Hope you get good news

Yep! I have one. Totally and utterly nothing. Just breast tissue and as lumpy as you like. Had a very quick referral also and was checked out thoroughly by the breast clinic. Weirdly once I gave birth to my last child it REALLY swelled up to the point a midwife commented on it and asked if I’d always had a lump.
So yes. Nothing to worry about in my case (and my mum and grandma have breast cancer history too so I completely understand your concern) good luck. I’m sure it will be fine

Thank you for your lovey replies.

I think I've got stuck on lymphoma because googling lump in arm pit doesn't mention breast cancer at all, so I've decided it can't be that!

MidtoLon - I have looked at that thread but didn't know whether to post on it or not as I haven't even had my appointment yet, and it could all be nothing!

Yep I have a big lump - same as the lady above, it is breast tissue. Every pregnancy I have it swells so badly (four babies) and then reduces after about three weeks. It's nothing to worry about - I will keep my fingers crossed for you op

My pal had a big lump under her arm and it was just a swollen gland and nothing to worry about. She gets them at the top of her leg about once a year too. Same thing.

When you catch yourself worrying and spiralling just acknowledge your fear and give yourself permission to NOT to worry about until the appointment. Repeat as required, as though you are talking to another version of yourself as a child freaking out about something. Say out loud if required. No point in worrying or stressing. Achieves nothing but high blood pressure. Worry on the day of you like as you’ve given permission to yourself to do that - until you get the all clear of course

Eleiza - thank you for your kind words. I feel like I am coping quite well with all of this, at the moment! I am very fit and healthy (ironically) and feel like I can cope with whatever I need to, if it is bad news. I have a fab husband and son, and family, and some close friends, including my boss, so I know I can do this.

Good that’s the way to be. It will probably be a gland. You may find others too. My neck glands swell when I’ve got the cold etc. Oh the joys!

I had an under arm lump few years ago and had an mammogram and ultrasound. They took biopsies, a marker blood test and a chest X-ray, it was a terrifying wait for the results which took about a week or more. It was a swollen lymph node thank god and I was rechecked three months later and it was gone down.
Just want to let you know it could be the same for you so try not to stress. Positive vibes your way

FluffyPJs there is a very supportive thread for people with cancer OR those waiting for tests. Here.

I have breast cancer which was diagnosed in July so have experience of the 2ww breast clinic. First of all I would say do not go alone.
They are very efficient clinics and if they think you may have breast cancer they may well tell you there and then. I made the mistake of going alone, didn't even tell DH about it as I fully expected it to be a false alarm. In fact they told me they thought it was breast cancer and I then had to drive home an hour on my own.
I had a mammogram which was looked at by a radiologist there and then, I then saw a consultant who examined me and then an ultrasound conducted by a radiologist. who also did a biopsy. I then had to see the consultant again who told me that, subject to the biopsy, she was pretty sure it was cancer. All this took 3/4 hours. I then had to go back 10 days later for the biopsy results.

If they think it's something harmless they will also probably tell you on the day. I had that happen 5 years ago and was sent home reassured.

Sorry meant to add that lump in armpit can be lymph node and can be insignificant or can be a sign of BC. It's much less likely to be lymphoma.
Come and join the thread. You will get support and advice and we will all cheer if it's a false alarm.

Hiya, I'm so sorry to hear you're going through this. I too have a lump in my armpit and have had it thoroughly checked out a few times over the years by my gp, ultrasound and breast clinics - each time to be reassured it's a fatty lump with some breast tissue. I'm pregnant and most recently got it checked because it virtually doubled in size. It's reassuring to hear from others that it will shrink again once baby is here!
I hope your appointment brings you reassurance and good news, thinking of you ❤

I've had two, both have been cysts/spots/boils

I have a lump in my neck OP. I was fobbed off months a go with it being a knot in the muscle and my other symptoms being a lack of vitamin D 🤔

I'm now at the point of spending most of days dizzy, I have a swollen spleen, sharp shoulder pain, feel full after a few bites, I'm itching all over, keep coming out in all over body rashes/reactions, constant sore head and so tired I'm sleeping 13 hours a night and still tired. I have an appointment on the 6th of November and dreading it. The symptoms suggest mastocytosis or lymphoma. There's no denying the enormity of the symptoms now as I've fainted 3 times (was also told this was 'normal' by the doctor). This time though I won't be fobbed off. Please let us know how you get on. In all my googling, I have found out that lymphoma is quite reactive to treatment and most people get a good prognosis. I wish you the best of luck ♥️

I had one turn blackish and purplish and went to the doctor's and then a few days later it disappeared... probably just an infection in the gland. You may be fine, stay positive xxx

I had a lump.
Also night sweats. Hormonal
Pain. Fibromyalgia
Itchy skin. Allergies and eczema.
There are different possibilities. You’re doing absolutely the right thing in getting it checked and I understand you’re worried but it doesn’t have to be anything scary.
Good luck.

A relative of mine had a lump in her armpit. It was breast cancer. Take someone with you @FluffyPJs when you go for your appointment. I didn’t and I was told I had a tumour. I have no idea how I got home.

You are all being so lovely and supportive, thank you. My appointment is first thing tomorrow, and I know that whatever the results I will be fine. As my mum said, I'm always been very stubborn and determined to be independent, and that includes all medical stuff, and over the years I've had quite a few operations/ conditions. My worries have all been about my sister, as she has been seriously ill for the past 17 years so the treatment she needs is too much for her body to take.

I'm almost looking forward to tomorrow now, as the waiting will be over, and at least I will know what is what. I've always been very impatient and hate not knowing things, so the speed of all this has helped keep me from getting too worked up!

We are all here for you. You can let us know tomorrow what the doc says.

I've had my appointment and all is good! The lump is an infected lymph node that has gone hard. The staff were all lovely and very fast, I was in and out in less than 2 hours. I had a mammogram and an ultrasound, and she checked both arm pits. She said lots of my lymph nodes are swollen at the moment, but I've had a very croaky voice and bad cough since Sunday evening, so that's why. I've just got to keep an eye on the lump and go back to my gp if it gets bigger.

Thank you all so much for your support and for sharing your experiences, it all helped so much whilst I was waiting to be seen

Good news 🎉🎉🎉

Fantastic news! Thanks for the update

Great news! Hope you feel better soon.

Great news. Glad all ok. You did the right thing getting it checked though.

Brilliant news! ❤