Just noticed lump - Cancer: Breast Message Board

hrtofluv · 04-06-2008, 08:57 AM

Hi all! Last night, I was scratching my armpit and felt a lump. I tried hard not to think about it, but checked again this morning and it is definately there. I have looked up armpit lump and saw the diagram of the armpit and lymph nodes. This feels like a swollen lymph node (like when your nodes in your neck get swollen with tonsilitis) and it's the bottom node. I am planning on calling the doctor tomorrow morning since there is not much I can do today (Sunday) except pray.
Wondering if your lymph nodes in your armpit could be something besides breast cancer? I am 40 and have 2 kids (11 and 8) and had a abdominal hysterectomy for massive fibroids two years ago Jan, but he left my ovaries. My maternal aunt had to get a double mastectomy for breast cancer about 10 years ago - she's fine now. I have been getting mammograms since I turned 35 - the last one in September and there was nothing. So, should I just call the ***** place tomorrow morning or who? Reg. doc? My gyn retired last year and I haven't seen anyone else cause I'm not due for my pap until June.
I know I have to get it checked out asap - I'm just REALLY scared and not wanting to tell anyone (family or friends) until I know something more - so I came here to my healthboard friends for advice.
Thanks!

jjfrazzz · 04-06-2008, 10:40 AM

There are many, many things that could cause a lump in your arm pit. Most of them totally benign. Please try not to worry. You should still have it checked right away, but my teenage daughter gets lumps there all the time. Most likely a clogged lymph node. They come and go. If you lost your gyno, call your regular doctor and have them check it out, but start asking for recommendations to find a new gyn.
Best Wishes.
Also, try and tell at least one friend or family member, it will make you feel better.

hrtofluv · 04-06-2008, 02:14 PM

Thanks for responding and pushing me to tell someone. I called my best friend (whose mom is a BC survivor) and told her. Amazingly her mom was visiting her right then (she lives 1.5 hr away) and she told me not to freak, but that I needed to get in first thing in the morning for a check.
She said she would even go with me, if I wanted. It sure does make thing easier to deal with knowing someone you love is beside you. I'm sure my hubby would too, if he knew to be worried. Like I said - I haven't told anyone except my friend and you here.