This morning I had a bit of an earache on the right side, but didn't think too much of it. Tonight, there is an egg sized swelling in front of/below my right ear - going down my jaw and to the top of my neck.

I did not notice this before, but to be truthful I have no idea when it appeared. I am past the point of detailed checks of mouth and neck every day - or I thought I was. WHAT is going on? I do not have a cold, sniffles or any virus, and have had my flu shot.

I had some minor surgery on my right wrist on Tuesday, but I do not see how this could be related to this lump. The lump/bulge feels firm. I have been taking T3's for pain in my wrist, but Lord knows I have taken many of those and have never had a reaction.,

How worried should I be? Any thoughts? Cancel the first question - I'm already worried - just trying to decide whether to flat out panic or not. I wish these things got easier. Truth is for me, as much as I like to say I am more accepting of whatever happens, I remain a frightened marshmallow.

Donna

Donna,

I have no idea what it could be - maybe some kind of infection? Are you running a fever? If it was me, I would give my doctor a call first thing in the morning. Let us know!

Oh Donna, it never gets easier does it. I get into an emotional spin whenever something odd happens health wise with Kris.
All I can suggest is what you already know, go and get it checked out by your doc. The lump seems to have come up awfully quickly to be a cancerous node. Together with the ear pain it's probably an infective reaction. Get it checked.
Thinking of you, Tammy

Im so sorry you are worried and have something wrong, Donna! I agree with the above, this came out of nowhere and sounds awfully large to be cancer so its probably a sign of infection. I would still call the doc and see if you can get in there today or early next week. I know how you worry and wont relax until you get checked. I dont think it sounds serious but be safe and get checked.

Good luck!!!

Is it painful? A few weeks ago I had a large painful lump pop up right below my jaw line, which also caused me to panic. However, it went down after I rubbed it for a while. It turned out to be a stone in my salivary duct, and the buildup of the saliva caused my salivary gland to swell. Maybe there is a chance that's what this could be?

No, the lump is not painful. Whenever I get swellings in my neck I get "prickly" skin stretching sensations and that, & the bit of ear pain alerted me. I have now e mailed my oncologist surgeon's nurse this morning and I see my GP on Weds so we'll see what happens. Words cannot describe how frustrated I feel at not knowing WHEN it is appropriate to contact a professional and when I should just back off and relax. My doctors are awesome and I don't want to waste their valuable time, and at the same time I don't want to ignore something that should be addressed.

Thanks for answers. More opinions/experiences welcome.

Donna

You're not wasting the doctors time. If you can't see your doctor or clinic now, maybe go to the ER. I don't know if its getting better or worse, but you don't want your breathing or swallowing effected, and suggest to see medical care. It could be anything, nothing major, even a reaction to the T3, the anesthesia if you had it, or late occurring effect from treatment, lymphdemia or something else.

It could be an ear infection. One morning during Christmas time last year I woke with a slight ear ache, next thing my cheek and eye on the same side was swollen with a large red patch. The swelling spread.

A couple of months back it happened again but swelling appeared below and around my ear that time. I was concerned it could spread and create havoc with my throat and airways. Both times my Doctor prescribed Sofradex ear drops. Swelling and ear ache was gone within a couple of days.

Karen

I agree that your doctors don't mind being bothered when you are worried. I tend to panic now with every lump. It could be a tooth infection to. If the swelling moves up I would go to the ER right away. I hope it is something that's a quick fix with antibiotics. Good wishes and all the comments lately from everyone here have helped me stay a bit focused at the moment.

Hi - sorry you have to go through this. It definitely sounds like an infection, and maybe because youve been rewired (as in - missing some nodes) theres a build up of fluid there. Hope it's nothing - but glad you're having it checked. Hugs!