Just had my second PET in 6 months since treatment ended in February.
They are watching a 1 cm low left axia lymph node. It has not changed since but SUV is up to 5.4 from 2 last time.

The Oncologist, Radiologist and Surgeon all concur that it is needle biopsy time.
I have not had good results with prior FNA as they never showed positive till much later when conditions were much worse. If it is negative , they will just continue to watch again for another 3 months and I am not comfortable with this.

I have been battling since 2008 and I am running out of treatment options. I have had 3 types of chemotherapy, 3 neck dissections, 3 radiations to both sides of my neck and Brachytherapy to my tongue.

The latest shows everything is fine except for this arm node.

I guess I am asking what others have done. My research on here indicated almost all others who have had a node there turned out to be positive, but there wasn't much posted in the way of treatment and outcomes.

I am concerned with a few things:
First, needle tracking if the node is encapsulated at this time.
Also, since the node has not grown, but SUV increased do I act immediately?

I was considering asking them to remove it immediately but I understand they will remove several nodes and I run the risk of lymphodema in my left arm of which I am left hand dominant. Experience tells me there would be follow up radiation, chemo, or both.

I guess it is time to realize this is no longer curable for me.

I know I am putting the cart before the horse here, but I am trying to prepare a game plan of options for the future.

You see, I just returned to work a month ago after being off for 8 months from my last treatment and I know they won't hold my job any longer if I go out again which equates to no more insurance.
And, I also have a wonderful fianc� who just asked me to marry him no matter what. His health insurance would put us financially ruined and I still owe thousands, even with prior insurance. Medicare will take 2 years. I still owe thousands even with hospital reductions.

We began to make wedding plans and plans for the future. I have a second hand dress and a date of June 21, 2014. I continue to try and be positive, but this is just too unfair.....

Thank you for any advice and suggestions.

BTW, I had the total laryngectomy last November. I am having trouble updating my signature