Forum Discussion

kel016's avatar
kel016
Member
13 years ago

Remaining lymph nodes

Hi:) I have a question for those of you who have had a sampling of nodes removed from surgery. Are you able to feel the remaining nodes in your armpit? I can feel them on my normal arm so I'm guessing there's no reason if their not enlarged that it would a problem on the operated arm! Hope someone can enlighten me . Thanks xx

5 Replies

  • Chris's avatar
    Chris
    Member
    13 years ago
    Hi Kel, I have had a sentinel node biopsy, followed by a level one clearance, with a total of 10 nodes removed. Like you, I worry about lumps in this area that I can feel. Between the sentinel node biopsy scar, and the mastectomy scar, there is a 4 cm x 8cm area that I can feel lumps along. This area has been checked twice by my general surgeon, twice by the oncologist and twice by my plastic surgeon over the last year and a half. They all think it is scar tissue due to the 4 surgeries in that area. I have also had 2 ultra sounds, one last July, and one last week. Nothing suspicious has been found, but I can still feel these lumps. My paranoia is still there. I can't feel any lumps in either armpit though. My advice is to get it checked out, as it will help prevent unnecessary worry. Good luck with it all. Love Chris xx
  • Chris's avatar
    Chris
    Member
    13 years ago
    Hi Kel, I have had a sentinel node biopsy, followed by a level one clearance, with a total of 10 nodes removed. Like you, I worry about lumps in this area that I can feel. Between the sentinel node biopsy scar, and the mastectomy scar, there is a 4 cm x 8cm area that I can feel lumps along. This area has been checked twice by my general surgeon, twice by the oncologist and twice by my plastic surgeon over the last year and a half. They all think it is scar tissue due to the 4 surgeries in that area. I have also had 2 ultra sounds, one last July, and one last week. Nothing suspicious has been found, but I can still feel these lumps. My paranoia is still there. I can't feel any lumps in either armpit though. My advice is to get it checked out, as it will help prevent unnecessary worry. Good luck with it all. Love Chris xx
  • kel016's avatar
    kel016
    Member
    13 years ago
    Hi :) we don't have a breast care nurse where I live but I can still call her.The lymph under your arm are usually easily felt , well I can feel them on my unaffected arm.its hard because they are so vital but any lump normal as it may be can unnerve me! Lol I'm due to fly to Adelaide in a month so they can feel for themselves. I really was trying to find out if anyone like me who only had 6 lymph nodes out could feel the others that are left. Thanks for answering my post xxxx
  • NaturalBel's avatar
    NaturalBel
    Member
    13 years ago

    I am a bit unsure about the answer to this one, but I assumed you couldnt feel lymph nodes are they were very small.  Do you have a breast care nurse?  With medical questions I advise you to save the guess work and ring some one who would know.  I had a great bc nurse to hound.  I also rang everyone from the hospital I had my Chemo with, to the nurses, doctors, and cancer council.  I dont feel constantly, I just apply moisturiser and have a general feel of my breasts, funny I never think about my underarm as the lump was in my breast.  oops

  • NaturalBel's avatar
    NaturalBel
    Member
    13 years ago

    I am a bit unsure about the answer to this one, but I assumed you couldnt feel lymph nodes are they were very small.  Do you have a breast care nurse?  With medical questions I advise you to save the guess work and ring some one who would know.  I had a great bc nurse to hound.  I also rang everyone from the hospital I had my Chemo with, to the nurses, doctors, and cancer council.  I dont feel constantly, I just apply moisturiser and have a general feel of my breasts, funny I never think about my underarm as the lump was in my breast.  oops