Okay so it's almost been 4 years (literally 13 days short) of my final day of rads.

So far Everything has been good.

Then last night I found a swollen node!!!! gosh darn it!

right behind my ear...

Not my lower ear - its actually one of two that reside there but only one is swollen- it's my posterior auricular node...

It's only been there maybe a day or two. But still - it's a throw back to the fear from before.

ARRRRRGH!

I know it's just a node - I know they are persnickety little shits. I know it's likely (hopefully) and infection or inflammation... I have wonky sinuses so it could be that.

I recently had a dental check up and cleaning - and there's always the possibility I got a minor infection from her digging around in there. or even the aerial yoga I've been doing is very hard on my neck (one of the things that causes a swollen node is neck injury)

Anyway, I've got a call into my family dr. There's always the possibility that I have an infection so I will have him check me. But I am still waiting to hear back from my specialists secretary as well. She has today to call back otherwise I will call her again.

Anyone else experience a funky node in this location?

Thanks all. It's all about the rational head and irrational head... right?

Cheryl, let's hope it is nothing but an infection. In the circumstances, it is only human to feel alarmed, I wouldn't think it is irrational. Let us know what the doctors say, okay?

Will do... I'm hoping that's what it is - and my logical self agrees... but emotions are illogical... ergh... the weird thing is I feel great... now I have minimal feeling in my ear area. I have sensation inside my outer ear, but I'm not sure if I'd know if I have an inner ear infection...
we will see.

have a good one.

No. I never had any swollen nodes that far up. Hopefully it's something minor, like infection as mentioned, that caused it to swell, and hopefully the doctor visit, appropriate tests, if needed, conclude that. Waiting is the worst, as you probably know. Good luck.

Hope you get some medical resolution soon. When I had an enlarged node you comforted me and in fact it was nothing. I'm crossing my fingers for you.

Aerial yoga sounds very scary:)

Love
Maureen

Just want to say I'm thinking of you Cheryl. Logic says this is probably an infection of some sort. However, you do know what to do. Get it checked ASAP.
Thinking of you,
Tammy

Hope you get it checked and get the all clear soon!

Thinking of you! The pattern does not sound right for a recurrence.
Maria

Cheryl so sorry you are going through this. I understand the fear. I had a node scare earlier this year (further down the neck). By the time I got some imaging, it had disappeared. Most likely from an infection. I too have wonky sinuses.

I do have constant post nasal drip. But I actually think I may have injured my neck doing the yoga. At one point I was going twice a week. But last week I over did it by adding what was called a summer jam class and I remember thinking through the class that it was really hard on my neck (it was a LOT of core work and twisting). Plus aerial yoga is also hard on the shoulders and neck (it's fun as hell) But there are a lot of inversions with it and flipping out of the silk isn't easy either. I'm hoping that's what it is. I did look it up and it says that that could very well be the cause. I do have my appointment coming up on monday so I'm hoping it will be resolved quickly. The one thing I am holding onto is that it's a little late in the game for a recurrence, and location makes it highly unlikely as this cancer tends to move down not up. I can't tell if the node is painful because I am pretty numb on that side. I don't have an ear infection unless it's deep in the inner ear (GP looked but I am not sure how much he can see) It is firm, moveable and the size of a pea. My other side is clear, but it would be my bad side that would experience the strain - because of the prior surgery and radiation and already prevalent lack of nodes on that side. So I am hopeful. However, I also know that nothing is impossible, and most importantly - I HATE THE WAIT... call me impatient. Hugs, love and blessings to you all!!!

AND THANKS.

Yoga is harder than people think. My Rheumatologist doesn't let me do yoga ... to say nothing of aerial yoga. Maybe you should try something safe like ... base jumping!
Maria

Waiting is awful. Last time I had such a knot in my gut that I Googled "how to wait for cancer results". Amid all the stuff I found there were some gems of wisdom. I can't really explain but one was a sort of affirmation you started every morning with. Worked a bit for me. Then I decided to splurge and bought myself an iPad I didn't need and couldn't really afford. It turned out to be beneficial because at the same time I joined an iPad class. the class wasn't all that useful but it was fun and I was suitably distracted.

Perhaps you should give the silks a rest for a week or two!!!

Hoping for some good news!

Me too .... ergh...

So I have been taking my dogs on this hike a few times weekly... usually about 4-5 times depending on my schedule. I've tried asking my kids who are adults to do it but with limited success (even though one of the dogs - the big one - was adopted by my adult son, and is supposedly his dog) I tend to take them to the leash free and hike with them. There are a few near my home that are great for this kind of an outing. This is far easier than walking them on a leash because the BIG ONE - is a very enthusiastic puppy - and is 110 lbs minimum. He literally drags me around the block like a rag doll (also very hard on the neck) Anyway - I've been obsessing about this node. So yesterday after the hike (about 2-3 kilometers) I I put my hand back and noticed it was firmer and a tad bigger...

This morning it seems smaller. I think it may have a lot to do with exercise - I am not 100 percent by any means - but even when I was going the gym and doing the elliptical machine which had minimal upper body usage I would still feel my neck stiffen and tongue swell.

Weird.

I'm a tad less panicked - but still worried. Does that make sense? It's a head game - I suppose because I am thinking one thing but at the same time doubting it.

And yes Maria... this yoga is actually a little more strenuous because when you are doing - say planks - you're up on your arms but your legs are not stable because you are hanging from something. My shoulder will never be perfect - and I have noticed it's weaker (only when I exercise)

SO I am hoping this is what it is all about. Maybe I've injured it. So I'm not yogafying until I talk to dr. Irish.

hugs y'all...

Cheryl,

I hope it turns out to be nothing and the waiting is just awful, isn't it. Pre-cancer this wouldn't have bothered you at all, but now every little bump could mean its back.

I had a node pop up in my neck a month ago (same side as my cancer), and of course I panicked. I was able to get an appointment with by doctor at Hopkins a few days later. He did a physical exam and had an ultrasound done while I was there. Now he feels confident that it is "just" post radiation damage and gave me a very reasonable explanation as to what it is. I really trust him, however, the worry is still there. I don't think it ever goes away.

Were you able to get an appointment with your doctor? Hugs and prayers coming your way.

Hi there my appointment is tomorrow... And you're right prior to the cancer I wouldn't have thought much of it. Now - I noticed it Monday evening. Went to my dr. Tuesday - he checked my ears. Said they were okay. So then I began to worry more.
Worried all Wednesday and Thursday - Friday I have a headache, sore upper teeth and pain behind my eye on the same side...

Light goes on... SINUS something. So I invested in Tylenol cold and sinus, popped them every 4 hours - my head is draining etc... Node is almost back to normal today. I am still seeing my specialist tomorrow - but I think it may have been my sinuses. My upper teeth always ache when I have a sinus issue - because I still have an impacted wisdom tooth on that side. So when my sinuses act up they push on my wisdom tooth and that in turn pushes on the roots of my upper molars... Happens once or twice a year.

So I'm cautiously hopeful. thanks all - I will let you know what he says - but as far as I know cancerous nodes tend not to deflate. so maybe I'm okay...

Hugs and blessings to you all.

So specialist and his fellow say they're not concerned its a normal node... and it is back to a reasonable size...thank goodness. It's not as small as it's counterpart on the other size but I still have a bit of a headache on that side, and my molars are still wonky (i've weened myself off the cold and sinus and the node has stayed the same or actually gotten a bit smaller.) I am going to start taking it again. My GP decided to send me for regular tests (bi-annual physical - YAY!!!) so I see him thursday for the results of that. If my sinuses haven't improved by then I'll ask for antibiotics for them. ERGH...

anyway... it looks as though all is good... ish. hugs to you all you are amazing.

Great news, Cheryl!

There you go. What a relief.
It is so important to stay vigilant, well done you.
Tammy

Whew - REALLY glad to hear your news, Cheryl. Happy Dance!

Ive been following your thread and kept thinking and hoping it just couldnt be cancer. Congrats on getting some great news!!!

Good news, Cheryl. It's chastening to have a scare like that. Know how you feel but so great to know it's nothing to be concerned about:)

I'm so happy you got such great news, Cheryl!

That is great news Cheryl!

So glad to hear Cheryl! The fright never does go away completely.

Take care,
Don

Thank you all.., it's so bizarre because no matter how far out you are - tomorrow will mark 4 years exactly - that I finished rads (it was a Monday too) you still freak out over these things!!!!

His fellow also said in all the years of dealing with this cancer He's never seen it appear in that node (location) !!!!

Which is helpful (not to say that it can cuz we all know that's not true... But unlikely) and my node is much smaller now,

Hugs to you all,

Just getting back on the forums for the first time in awhile. Cheryl, I am soooo glad this turned out ok. So sorry for your angst. I cannot even imagine.
Kathy

Oh... I'm fine... you know we all have those irrational moments... even after a few years... it truly never goes away... so hand holding is occasionally required... hugs and love to you allllll....

Carol - I'm so glad to hear things turned out ok for you. I haven't posted here for a while but just had to had my good vibes to others' for making it thru the anxious moments. Yes - we all have them even after years, and you've always been there for so many of us, sharing your valuable knowledge, experience and compassion.