My husband's tongue cancer (which was very tiny and difficult to detect even when they knew where it was located) was discovered as a result of two, small, painless lymph nodes. We do not have cancer in either of our families and his diagnosis, like many here, was very unexpected.

The day we found out, I told my 12 year old son that dad's bumps on his neck had some bad cells in them and as a result they had to do a full body scan to figure out where the bad cells were coming from. My son asked me if the bumps were anything like his...and, then showed me that he, also, had two, small swollen lymph nodes on his neck.

So, the next day, my husband had a Pet scan and my son went to the doctor's office. The doctor immediately ordered a CT scan for my son to take place that day.

After that, my son was referred to the same cancer specialists my husband is seeing, and it was determined that the lymph nodes were nothing to be concerned about. They had a term for what it was...but, this was in the same time frame that we got the news about my husband's BOT cancer so I'm a little fuzzy on details. All I remember is the feeling of relief for my son.

So, now, fast forward 5 months later and my 13 year old daughter has swollen lymph nodes. Today, she had her CT scan and she, too, will also have a follow up with the ENT at the Cancer Center.

I don't think there is anything wrong with her. I thought our family doctor was over-reacting, so prior to the scan I contacted my husband's docs thinking that they'd offer up something different. But, they said to go ahead with the scan and that they wanted to see her along with the scan results.

I guess I am a little frustrated, will my kids have to go through a cancer scare for every little lump and bump that occurs. Aren't some of these things just normal?

Am I being too flip? Is my healthcare network being too cautious?

With both kids, they did not give them antibiotics like they tried with my husband. They just jumped to the CT scan because of my husband's diagnosis. And, I should point out, my son is adopted and doesn't share our genes.

I feel sorry for my kids. It's bad enough that they had to go through what they did this summer with their dad...and, then they have to take on the extra burden of worrying about their own well being.

I want my kids to be responsible and proactive about their health. Although, I don't want them to grow up fearful.

Has anyone else experienced anything like this with their kids and their doctors?

Margaret i have to say that i would rather my kids had fifty scans ,than a potential missed diagnosis of an illness.I must also say that an overly cautious medic is worth a hundred overly optomistic ones.

Kids get swollen lymph glands for all sorts of reasons,and they usually resolve them selves spontaneously,so it probably is nothing to worry about,but better safe than sorry.

I get furious when either of our girls are sick and the doctors just glibly say its a virus and theres nothing we can do.
Philip took Josie to the doctors three times and the hospital once because she had weeping sore eyes and it was a week before they decided it was conjuctivitis and gave her the proper treatment.
I know its a worry but i think the doctors are right to be proactive Margaret,try not to get too upset about it.

love liz