Hi all,
About 3 weeks ago, I could feel , but not see, asmall pea-sized lump in my neck--decided it was probably a 'zit' which would erupt at some point!
It doesn't appear to be.
It is now well visible, hurts if I poke it, but otherwise doesn't.
It's about an inch down from jawbone (same side as tumour) and about an inch down from earlobe.
Is this a lymph node??
Because of my prognosis, am not freaking, but just wondering what the future might hold if this is the case.
Neck 'hurts' generally on that side.
Brenda

Sorry,
Just 'bumped' this as have had no replies!

Bren

Brendda -- Without an MD looking at it, no way to be sure, but from your description and location it certainly could be. It sounds close to where mine appeared, though yours may be a little further back toward the jaw joint than mine was.

Of course, with everyting you have going on, it could be anything -- a reactive node, metastatic disease, etc. You would need to have MD look at it, then biopsy it to be sure. Given your other treatments and such, I have no idea what they would suggest.

Sorry I can't be more definitive. Loved reading about your trip!

It is impossible of course to tell what this is without a biopsy, which could be accomplished with something as simple as a fine needle aspiration quickly. Given that you still have active cancer, there is always the risk that this is an additional extension of that disease. But I wish you to also consider the possibility that this is part of an infectious process - not further cancer, which characteristically presents with pain and sensitivity. I hope that you will bring this to your doctors attention at the earliest time. Even an infection is a complication that can get out of hand if not addressed promptly.

Hi Brenda,
As Brian says, you should bring this to your doctor's attention immediately. You do not need any unnecessary infections/complications that may be treatable in your life right now while fighting this obnoxious disease. Get an appointment and let us know what he says.

Take care,
Eileen

Tomorrow, 5th, is Zometa treatment--will ask nurses to look at lump--(sure can't miss it now!) and if necessary, will hang around to see Specialist who runs a Wednesday Clinic, though I'm not down to see him this time!

Brenda

Tomorrow, 5th, is Zometa treatment--will ask nurses to look at lump--(sure can't miss it now!) and if necessary, will hang around to see Specialist who runs a Wednesday Clinic, though I'm not down to see him this time!
Thanks for reminding me about infection--I did have a bad bout of flu before going to CA and still quite 'snivelly', tho temp is okay

Brenda

Went to hospital today--chaos, 2 clinics 'merging into one', nearly 3 hour wait for treatment.
New nurse 'hooked me up' and I asked if this was the time and place to mention new symptoms--she said yup, if I had any--mentioned lump--within 5 mins of finishing treatment, was in with the doc!
He poked and squeezed and said he doesn't think it's a lymph node problem.
But he speaks my kind of language--said 'Never say never'
He thinks it's most likely infection, has prescribed antibiotics and follow-up for next week.
Said 'If these don't work, we'll get someone to stick a needle in there, easily done, and find out if it IS lymph-node involvement'
Could hardly have asked for a better result!!

Brenda

Good news Brenda. Here's hoping antibiotic clears it all up. And even better that he'll follow so quickly.

Take care,
Eileen

Praying that there's real magic in those pills! So relieved to know that the dr. was not alarmed. You're certainly in our thoughts, Bren.


Lois & Buzz