More than a year ago, I noticed a small lump in my armpit. (Don’t worry. That’s as graphic as this will get.) Sadly, like many people, I ignored it and it was gone in a few days. The following month, it returned.

It’s at this point, I thought, “If a friend or relative told me they had this issue, what would I tell them? I’d tell them to go the freakin’ doctor.” So I went to the freakin’ doctor.

The doctor said it was probably something minor. A few days and some meds later, it was gone. 

And then it came back, I went to a dermatologist, who said it was probably an infection. If it returns, I should go back. It went away after a few days again.

The following month, I was in the doctor’s office again for allergies and mentioned to the PA that I had previous lumps in my armpit and it came back. 

Unlike the previous two doctors, the PA knew I was a runner. Without missing he beat, he said, “It’s your deodorant.”

I thought, “No way.” I’m been running for more than a year and I’ve been using the same deodorant. Why would this just start now?

Then my brain kicked. Each of the times the lump appeared was right after I had ran a half-marathon or ran 10 miles.

When I wasn’t training, my runs were shorter, and everything was fine. The next time the lump appeared was when I did my 10-mile run two weeks before a half-marathon.

I had heard of lots of ailments while training, but this was a new one. I am still in search of the best deodorant. 

In case it’s not completely clear, I’m not medical professional. This is just my story. If you have any medical concerns, go the freakin’ doctor.