So we got back from holidays a few weeks ago and shortly after that I noted a new/old/reactivated lump in the right side of my neck - right on or near the scar line.

I called my surgeon and made appointment for March 7th. In the last few days this "lump" seems to have developed a head (like a bite) and weeps occasionally. I try not to disturb it as I want it to heal, but it alternately heals over then weeps again - and repeat.

Now I am the Queen of "Lumps" - Lord knows I have had a million of them in the last 8 years, but this one is different. If I could grant any cancer patient one wish it would be the ability to know definitively when to act and when not to - I hate this indecision.

Note: Despite the weeping the underlying lump appears to be unchanged.


Any thoughts on the lump?
Donna

Wow, Donna - I hope it turns out to be "just a lump". JMO but if there is a "when to act" and "when not to", I think I would act. Waiting 7 days or even 7 minutes can really be a crazy-maker. Any chance you could get the appointment moved up a little sooner? I don't know much at all about lumps, but hopefully someone else will be along with more recent experience.

It sounds like it could be one of those mucoceles. Sorry, not sure exactly how its spelled. Ive heard about them and they are NOT cancerous. So lets hope thats what is going on. Try rinsing your mouth several times per day with the baking soda, salt and warm water mixture. This might help heal this sore. You are right to get checked out. Remember we are here for you! Please keep us posted.

It does sound like a mucocele but that's usually inside the mouth (inside the body) or inner part of the lip - mucocles can happen in other areas that have mucous membranes but the equivalent on the exterior body is a clogged pore - now since you said it was close to your scar - I wonder if it's a pore or sebaceous gland that's been traumatized by your previous surgery and radiation... Hugs!!! Hope it's nothing! We all have those things that make us go eek - I saw my RO today - he asked about thing a I saw my ENT about a month ago... (a small lump on my palate - turns out its graduation tissue from manual trauma - apparently) and I showed him something else - scar tissue (or so he says) - near frenulum on the bottom ish, gum area of my mouth behind my two from teeth. Anyway - during our conversation, he said if you have any concerns - best to have it checked out... So that's my advice!!! Take care!! And fingers crossed it nothing!

Update: Surgeon diagnosed it as a lump and did a biopsy. During general discussion about how long we had known each other he said "if you don't mind me saying, you sure have beaten the odds". For some reason him saying this FREAKED ME OUT!!!

During treatment for the second cancer he would not talk about odds, all he would say was "either you will die of this cancer or you will die of something else" which at the time I found both witty and as honest and real as it gets. Why then does this statement from him today bother me so much??

Being stage IV twice you would think I would have known this and I did, I guess. I think I didn't feel my case was unusual or special. Your thoughts????

Biopsy results in a couple of weeks. This cancer experience is certainly a mult faceted emotional roller coaster.

DOnna

Donna - Maybe the doctor's first statement ("either you will die of this cancer or you will die of something else") which you found witty and honest was intended just that way to keep you from freaking out during treatment. His second statement about beating the odds I'm sure was intended to make you feel good about being in such a good place and having beat the cancer beast down and having done everything you did to bring yourself to this point. That roller-coaster is a crazy maker of emotions. It is so normal to freak out! It takes a while before we can get past the low freaking out points and be able to get back up, take the necessary healing steps, and realize that life is really good again. Hoping for good results from the biopsy and that the �lump is just a lump�! Whatever it is, you have already proven you are a fighter, an even stronger one now, and can do this!

Donna I now it's hard... Even small things and comments can blow your mind for no reason. I think maybe the realization that he knew the odds weren't great upon your re occurrence is what he said what he did..l but the truth is no on knows even the most medically educated get it wrong because we are individuals and unique biological entities. hoping you'll get an all clear on your biopsy. Hugs and prayers!

Agreed Cheryl. Dr Nason was correct when he said "Either you will die of this cancer OR you will die of something else". No one knows any more than that - odds can be used for establishing treatment protocol, but after that they are irrelevant - we are all unique children of God.


Donna

My husband's ENT, when he was delivering the news that the biopsy was in fact cancer, noted that (as I was losing it - husband was still groggy from anesthesia) this was a life-changing experience. The writer part of me noted that that stating the obvious left a bit to be desired from the emotional support standpoint. Luckily, the emotional part was in control, so the writer did not say something unkind to our dear doctor, who was trying his best.

Donna, I know you are worried but try your very best not to get overly upset by your doctors comment. To me it sounds like it was a good comment saying you have beaten the odds. To me that makes me think his reason for saying it is that nothing is wrong right now and look haw far you have come. You went thru heck twice! Both times Stage IV! There arent that many Stage IV 2 timers out there.

You know the drill all too well. Keep yourself very busy while waiting for results. Im hoping and praying they come back as nothing serious.

You and I have some plans this summer, girlie!!!! Dont you dare go messing them up on me

(((HUGS)))