So, I got scoped poked and prodded on Feb 18th and got the all clear. I had a bit of a heart scare as "scanxiety" reared it's ugly head and sent me to the ER with chest pain. After a full cardiac workup, I've been given that all clear there as well.

Overall, I've been doing Ok at almost a year out of treatment. While I have quite a few of the usual side effects, I'm managing well overall.

Today, I noticed a hard painless swollen node under my right ear just at the jawline. It's visible just looking in the mirror. I'd estimate it to be at least a centimeter or more right now. Obviously I'm kinda freaking as this is how it all started in August of 2012. I don't poke and prod myself at all so I didn't notice it before and it's only been a month since my last check up. Could the beast have come back that fast and strong?

I sent a note off to my team and I have an appointment with my dentist and GP next week. I don't know what I'm even asking but damn.... with the stats and me being a year out?....

Positive thoughts and prayers

"T"

T, I so understand your panic! Cancer is real for us, not an abstraction. I know it's easy to say and hard to do, but take a deep breath and gIve all the possiblities equal play. It could be a swollen node from a cold or sinus infection or plain old scar tissue, to name just two.

Justifying optimism: You were checked out just a month ago. You've been examined regularly. Your treatment was comprehensive -- surgery, chemo, rads -- you fired all the bullets and then threw the gun at it. You were treated at a top facility. And your HPV+ variety of tonsil cancer has proven highly responsive to exactly the regimen you followed.

Of course you need to have this bump checked out, but the odds are very much in your favor. My thoughts are with you, praying for good news --

Lynn

Well that's a bugger. I would be phoning your team to be seen ASAP.
That's the only way to find out what's going on and to relieve your anxiety.
Take a deep breath. Reread what Lynn has written
Thinking of you,
Tammy

Mr T,

Sorry for new concerns cropping up. There are too many "what-ifs" to really play them all out. Keep busy and let the doctors do the analytical work. Enjoy every day as much as you can. As far as you know, it has not come back until they can prove it.

I'm going to second Tammy's response - call your team NOW.

It could be an infection or a cold or something innocuous. But do not wait, you need to have peace of mind asap, simple as that. Call, tell them you're freaking out, and need to see the dr. ASAP. I'm not a fan of FNAs but they may do one and if they do then you will have to wait for the results. If that is the case then you'll be waiting even longer to find out what's up, if you wait to see your gp etc... call now. hugs. Hoping it's nothing.

I have an appointment with my ENT/Surgeon Monday at Johns Hopkins.

Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers

"T"

I will absolutely. I'm hoping it's nothing but best to find out asap... hugs.

Good Luck FishManPa!

You did the right thing by consulting your team, and anything, like cancer, is possible even in a short time, but it can be many other things also. Good luck with everything.

It seems that this situation may be indicative of something systemic in nature. The gland on my neck was joined by others under my arm and groin and I've had a maddening persistent itching over my entire body since this started. There are bruises and blotchy red rashes where I've been scratching (I've been awakened every night since this started because of itching and scratching in my sleep). I awoke today an it seems the swelling is beginning to abate a bit. The itching is barely tolerable even with anti-itch cream and Benedryl but it does help a little.

I see my ENT Monday and we'll see what's going on.

Positive thoughts

Can you say reaction to something??? Yikes!!!

Despite the fact that the swollen node on my neck had gone down considerably and the very unusual way this all started, my ENT is very concerned. He had a CT with contrast done stat while we were there but was unable to arrange a FNAB of the node. He has no idea why it swelled as rapidly as it did or the reason behind the intense itching (which is finally easing).

The CT showed "thickening" and "tissue inflammation" but he thinks it could be due to whatever it was that hit me. The node itself didn't present as very concerning. This was based on what he saw but it has to be reviewed by the CT specialists. I have to go back to Baltimore for the biopsy. Contrary to the standard mantra he said "In a situation like yours we assume it's cancer until we can prove otherwise". I appreciate their concern and thoroughness but I'm a bit in freak out mode right now

So I'll know in a day or so when I'm heading back down to Baltimore and until then, it's a waiting game.

Positive thoughts and prayers.

"T"

I am honestly thinking you've had a reaction to something. I know their concerned but It sound like your node was very unhappy with something you dealt with... Food you ate or and item came into contact with. Hugs and fingers crossed.

Have you had the arthritis panel as part of your bloodwork to rule out RA / Lupus?
Maria (I have RA; possibly a touch of lupus)

UPDATE:

I spoke to my ENT's office and they said I should see my GP and call back (which I did today).

She has no idea what caused the node to swell and the itching etc. No one seems to know but this whole thing seems to be systemic as it's now progressed to my chest. I'm a little hoarse and my ears itch. Their best guess is "something viral". I was given an antibiotic to take anyway.

I discussed the "scanxiety" with my GP and she's not surprised at all that I have a bit. The med she gave me is one I can take whenever I feel I need it so I can start a week or so prior to check ups and go off afterwards. There are no side effects associated with it as it's not an SSRI and mild by med standards.

The good news is that the CT scan was "unremarkable" and my ENT said not to get the biopsy and to see him again in May. If the node persists or grows larger contact him but for all intents and purposes, I'm Ok for now.

Can you say ~WHEW~?

Positive thoughts

"T"

YEAH!!!
for the report and also getting something to keep around to beat down when the mind starts spinning and smokin a bit too much.

T, I can say Whew, and Hallelujah! I'm so glad that you bored your ENT this week . And I really like the way you're stepping off the scan-coaster. I think I need to follow your lead and will be talking to my docs about a short-cycle med. That idea just never occured to me. Thanks for sharing the info!

(((HUGS)))

Lynn