Forum Discussion

66model's avatar
66model
Member
14 years ago

What is this?

Hello all, a week yesterday I got the call from the radiologist to say that my biopsy came back with "some bad news". Stage 2 Ductal carcinoma. Well, I don't recall much else of the conversation after I heard those words. On Wednesday, I had my appointment with the surgeon who advised me of what to expect on the day of surgery as far as dye injection into the breast, the surgery itself, checking the margins and radiation treatment 4 weeks after surgery.  My surgery is scheduled for the 20th April.  Besides all the usual negative thoughts and fears, I noticed a couple of days ago that the shape of my right breast (the affected breast) has changed. There is now a very distinct line going from the lump (which is at 8.00 o'clock) to my underarm. Very much looks and feels like a string which is most noticeable when I lift my right arm. Does anybody knows what this could be? Is this unusual?  Should I let my GP or surgeon know about this on Tuesday? I hope someone can enlighten me.

9 Replies

  • 66model's avatar
    66model
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi Chris, the line that I have isn't red so don't think its an inflamation but looks a lot like what Georgie posted. Thanks for the well wishes about surgery. Sharron xx

  • 66model's avatar
    66model
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi Georgie, I think what it is that I have is the same or similiar to you. That is exactly how I would describe it - a cord. I looked at something on line which looks like it called mondors cord. Sounds like gentle massage is the way to go...

    Take care,

    Sharron

  • 66model's avatar
    66model
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi Georgie, I think what it is that I have is the same or similiar to you. That is exactly how I would describe it - a cord. I looked at something on line which looks like it called mondors cord. Sounds like gentle massage is the way to go...

    Take care,

    Sharron

  • georgiebz's avatar
    georgiebz
    Member
    14 years ago

    Thanks Chris for the advice I have put cording though the searrch engine and I think that is whatt it is, I'll mention it to my surgeon on the 16th but in the mean time will just gently massage it .

    Thanks again for you help

    Georgie

  • Chris's avatar
    Chris
    Member
    14 years ago
    Hi Georgie, the stringy thing you described might well be cording. This can occur after removal of some lymph nodes, and is a tightness that happens along the empty lymph channels. I haven't experienced this, but from what I have read, I don't think it is serious. Sometimes you might need a physio to massage and stretch these for relief. If you put cording into the search engine on this site you should pick up some advice. You could also google cording and see what comes up. All the best. Love Chris xx
  • Chris's avatar
    Chris
    Member
    14 years ago
    Hi Sharron, that red line might be a bit of inflammation. Sometimes when you have an injury, or sore cuticle on your nail, a red line appears as the inflammation starts to spread. Do tell your Dr, as you might need some antibiotics. Good luck with your surgery. We will all be thinking about you. Love Chris xx
  • georgiebz's avatar
    georgiebz
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi ladies

    I have noticed that stringy thing yesterday when I had a bath and attempted to shave under my arms left arm totallly fine, right arm where I have had sentinal node biopsy I felt a stringy thing travelling from mid upper arm to arm pit (needless to say refraned fromshaveing) however it has been bothering me and I have no one to speak to regarding"stringy thing" as it is Easter.  Does anyone else relate to this or is it something I should be concerned about?

    I feel I have had a great surgeron but little true information about what to expect as normal or possible after surgery...does anyone else feel this way?

    Georgie

     

  • 66model's avatar
    66model
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi Sam, thanks for responding. I spoke to a girlfriend today who said she had a friend who had a similar reaction after her biopsy - so I feel a little more settled and not so nervous now.  I feel that until I have this thing taken out of my body I am nervous about any little pain, niggle or tic in any part of my body. I just feel so vulnerable.

    Thanks also for the advice about the emotional rollercoaster. For now it helps if I switch off by walking, weeding or anything where I'm moving my body.

    Enjoy the rest of the Easter break, Sharron xx

     

     

  • Samantha_Cunnin's avatar
    Samantha_Cunnin
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hiya,

    If u can, take someone with u to the appointment..extra ears always helps. I would definately tell the GP AND surgeon know how ur breast has changed and the 'string thingy' I felt tightness in some of the muscles and ligaments after my Sentinal node biopsy and mastectomy but nothing noticceable from the outside.

    Hang in there as things will settle into a routine once treatment starts, then u can tick off each phase at a time on the recovery road..thats a nice feeling.

    As far as emotions, we can feel like we're on a ride we want to get off, and we can swing in any direction from day to day..give urself time to rest and maybe do some things to distact u when ur feeling anxious

    Good luck for the 20th and ur next chemo

    Sam  :)  xoxo