Armpit pain / tender lymph nodes / long term

[HystericalDinosaur]

I'm getting worked up about this and any help would be appreciated.
I have tender pain and swollen lymph nodes in my armpits permanently it seems. I went to the doctor last year when I was aware it had been going on for 4 months or so and they weren't worried, said to keep an eye on. It's now been more like 8 months.
I only noticed when they get touched (my kids constantly ram their heads into my armpits).
In the background I've been referred to rheumatology for various pains and raised infection markers.
I'm just spiraling about sinister things. Does anyone else have this? Any reassurance?
Tia

Is this on both sides or on one? If on one, I would ask for a referral to a breast clinic. While it is super super unlikely, breast cancer can present like this.

By any change have you had surgery? Mine were incredibly sore for months after surgery.

No surgery. It's on both sides but significantly worse on the right.

I also would request to breast surgery. This was my symptom long before a diagnosis and lump. Unlikely to be breast cancer but id get it ruled out urgently

Breast clinic i meant to write not surgery

Eek, ok, freaking out a bit now. I called the GP and have an appt for Monday.
I think I did have this after my first child. I'm breastfeeding (baby is almost 1). They seemed to blame a lot of that last time.
Thanks everyone, best to get the referral I think.

This is an autoimmune thing for me. Both armpits but one much worse