Hi all - it's been a while since I have posted! I am currently just over 6 years post-treatment, and am very lucky to say that I have been doing great, and so far have had no serious issues since my treatment. However, recently (the last week or so) I have had a symptom that is giving me some serious anxiety. About two weeks ago, I felt like one of my lymph nodes in my neck (opposite side of my cancer) was swollen and tender. I decided I would wait a week or so to see if it the pain went away (or if I got sick, as often my lymph nodes will swell before coming down with a cold) before I reached out to a doctor. Almost exactly one week later (this past Monday), the pain in that lymph node went away; however, it was replaced with a pain in (what I believe is) a lymph node on the other side of my neck, where the cancer occurred. This pain has been considerably worse, as it hurts when I swallow and has been effecting my sleep. I can't really feel if the lymph node is swollen; however, I would imagine this would be due to 1) the scar tissue on that side of my neck, and 2) since I had about 25 lymph nodes removed from that side (2 were cancerous), I would imagine the lymph node that is giving me pain is deeper.

So my question is - when would you all call a doctor about this? I know there is a very good chance that my lymph nodes are just swollen due to an infection, so part of me thinks it would probably be best just to wait another week to see if symptoms clear up. However, the other part of me is feeling like I should see a doctor ASAP just to be sure, as I would want to catch this immediately if it is cancer. However, if I went to a doctor this early on I am wondering if he would even do anything or if he would tell me to wait another week or so and see what happens?

I know the obvious response will probably be to call the doctor and see... at this point I don't really have a local ENT/specialist that I can go to, as I travel to MD Anderson for my annual check-ups, so was hoping I could maybe get some insight from you all before I go the route of trying to find a local doctor. I plan to call a doctor regardless if this doesn't clear up within a week, but just wanted to get your opinions on whether that is too long to wait.

Thanks!
Emily

Hi Emily!!! Yes, its been a long time. Its nice to see you posting but Im sorry its due to having an issue.

Id suggest calling and making an appointment for the end of next week. That will give your lymph nodes some time to go down before being checked. You know your body the best and know what is not right. I always err on the side of caution and go get checked. Think of this in a different way... whatever you have going on must really be bothering you or you never would have taken the time to post here about your issue. That said, if its bothering you alot and you dont have a local ENT, maybe this is the time to try finding yourself a local ENT who specializes in OC patients. Maybe look for one at the closest major hospital that has a cancer center. Its doubtful you will find anyone with the same caliper of your MD Anderson ENT, but you may find the answer to your questions much closer to home saving you a long trip and hours of your time.

Hopefully its nothing more than a very temporary issue of a minor infection like strep throat or an upper respiratory infection. Please let us know how you make out. Best wishes!!!

I think Christine has given you good advice. Maybe you could see an ENT specializing in head and neck cancer and get a biopsy if the doctor has any doubts at all. That would be the safest route to go.