Sandy,

Thanks for the input. I told my son �Hope for the best but prepare for the worst�. By the way my ENT did hold out the idea that it might be a deep infection, but based on my history and the location and size of the node, his tone of voice said he was not encouraged. He knows I spent a good deal of time on this forum and am more knowledgeable than most of his patients so he was very upfront with me.
I did ask about a neck dissection and he went over the basics but quickly went to where we all know I should be and that is the biopsy. He wants me to just sit tight until we know for certain. I was amazed at how fast he moved having heard all the stories on this board. Scan one day, answer the next and biopsy the next business day (makes for an even longer weekend).

David,

The nodal pain is more associated with the nerves that the node is pressing against of late. The node itself does not hurt. Let�s hope for the best.
You would think that I would know better than to jump to the worst possible conclusion, but it�s very hard to restrain that initial reaction. Sandy�s story does give me some consolation to cling to until the biopsy results are in. It�s going to be a long week.