Okay so it's almost been 4 years (literally 13 days short) of my final day of rads.

So far Everything has been good.

Then last night I found a swollen node!!!! gosh darn it!

right behind my ear...

Not my lower ear - its actually one of two that reside there but only one is swollen- it's my posterior auricular node...

It's only been there maybe a day or two. But still - it's a throw back to the fear from before.

ARRRRRGH!

I know it's just a node - I know they are persnickety little shits. I know it's likely (hopefully) and infection or inflammation... I have wonky sinuses so it could be that.

I recently had a dental check up and cleaning - and there's always the possibility I got a minor infection from her digging around in there. or even the aerial yoga I've been doing is very hard on my neck (one of the things that causes a swollen node is neck injury)

Anyway, I've got a call into my family dr. There's always the possibility that I have an infection so I will have him check me. But I am still waiting to hear back from my specialists secretary as well. She has today to call back otherwise I will call her again.

Anyone else experience a funky node in this location?

Thanks all. It's all about the rational head and irrational head... right?

Cheryl, let's hope it is nothing but an infection. In the circumstances, it is only human to feel alarmed, I wouldn't think it is irrational. Let us know what the doctors say, okay?

Will do... I'm hoping that's what it is - and my logical self agrees... but emotions are illogical... ergh... the weird thing is I feel great... now I have minimal feeling in my ear area. I have sensation inside my outer ear, but I'm not sure if I'd know if I have an inner ear infection...
we will see.

have a good one.

No. I never had any swollen nodes that far up. Hopefully it's something minor, like infection as mentioned, that caused it to swell, and hopefully the doctor visit, appropriate tests, if needed, conclude that. Waiting is the worst, as you probably know. Good luck.

Hope you get some medical resolution soon. When I had an enlarged node you comforted me and in fact it was nothing. I'm crossing my fingers for you.

Aerial yoga sounds very scary:)

Love
Maureen

Just want to say I'm thinking of you Cheryl. Logic says this is probably an infection of some sort. However, you do know what to do. Get it checked ASAP.
Thinking of you,
Tammy

Hope you get it checked and get the all clear soon!

Thinking of you! The pattern does not sound right for a recurrence.
Maria

Cheryl so sorry you are going through this. I understand the fear. I had a node scare earlier this year (further down the neck). By the time I got some imaging, it had disappeared. Most likely from an infection. I too have wonky sinuses.

I do have constant post nasal drip. But I actually think I may have injured my neck doing the yoga. At one point I was going twice a week. But last week I over did it by adding what was called a summer jam class and I remember thinking through the class that it was really hard on my neck (it was a LOT of core work and twisting). Plus aerial yoga is also hard on the shoulders and neck (it's fun as hell) But there are a lot of inversions with it and flipping out of the silk isn't easy either. I'm hoping that's what it is. I did look it up and it says that that could very well be the cause. I do have my appointment coming up on monday so I'm hoping it will be resolved quickly. The one thing I am holding onto is that it's a little late in the game for a recurrence, and location makes it highly unlikely as this cancer tends to move down not up. I can't tell if the node is painful because I am pretty numb on that side. I don't have an ear infection unless it's deep in the inner ear (GP looked but I am not sure how much he can see) It is firm, moveable and the size of a pea. My other side is clear, but it would be my bad side that would experience the strain - because of the prior surgery and radiation and already prevalent lack of nodes on that side. So I am hopeful. However, I also know that nothing is impossible, and most importantly - I HATE THE WAIT... call me impatient. Hugs, love and blessings to you all!!!

AND THANKS.