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Emland · May 5, 2008, 08:53 AM

Okay armchair doctors, what say you to this?

Last week my monthly showed up a week early. 3 days prior to the Arrival my breasts (espcially the nipples) were extremely sensitive and painful. Period starts very heavy and halfway through I get really painful (like hot poker) jolts through my right armpit. I figure it is just a new manifestation of peri-menapausal symptoms I have experienced since the birth of my daughter 6 years ago. Saturday I noticed that my lymphnodes are swollen. I look like I am smuggling 2 golf balls under my skin. They don't hurt, but are sensitive.

I am in my early 40s, don't smoke or drink, haven't been ill and exercise 3 to 5 times a week.

Maybe pertinent: Last year went through a series of tests to discover why I feel like I have a pain under right breast that feels like I am skewered with a mop handle. Some days pain is very bad - other days - not so much. Nothing was found in tests - have learned to live with it.

Maybe pertinent 2: Mother is currently being treated for NHLymphoma.

I am tempted to wait it out and see if it clears up on its own. I would hate to waste my time and the doctor's just to find out it is a hormone spike.

What do you think?

donf · May 5, 2008, 09:14 AM

Em,

Do not wait and see. Be as proactive as you can. Swollen lymphnodes, without pain may be extremely serious.

Especially with a family history of breast cancer. It's always worth the time of an exam and mammogram or even an aspiration of the lump. A lumpectomy is far easier on a lady then a breast removal. If nothing else it will ease the rising tide of fear and panic.

twinkiedooter · May 5, 2008, 10:53 AM

I agree with Donf that you should have this looked at immediately. If you catch something like this before it gets out of hand so much the better especially if cancer runs in your family. Better to be safe than sorry later on. Good luck. Let us know the outcome if possible.