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He didn't order an ultrasound of it? Is it in the front of the neck? I had something very similar, low, front/side of neck. It was my thyroid (not cancer).
Thanks! We can tell it doesn’t involve the thyroid because when I swallow, the node doesn’t move.
Jill: Sending good wishes your way. Hope your next MD visit is a breeze with nothing serious. Please let us know.
Thanks AZgarden, I really appreciate your kind words!
At this point, it’s pretty much a given than I am going to have an excisional biopsy. It’s the only way to truly rule out lymphoma. But I have had much more major surgery before, so I am not too concerned.
On the other hand, I am a little concerned that I have come down with yet another head/chest cold. This is my 3rd full blown cold so far this year ... and I haven’t been overly stressed or around children or traveling a lot. It’s either bad luck or an immune system malfunction.
Go ahead, please, mock me. Of course, it’s just bad luck. Duh! Stop being such a hypochondriac!
Thanks AZgarden, I really appreciate your kind words!
At this point, it’s pretty much a given than I am going to have an excisional biopsy. It’s the only way to truly rule out lymphoma. But I have had much more major surgery before, so I am not too concerned.
On the other hand, I am a little concerned that I have come down with yet another head/chest cold. This is my 3rd full blown cold so far this year ... and I haven’t been overly stressed or around children or traveling a lot. It’s either bad luck or an immune system malfunction.
Go ahead, please, mock me. Of course, it’s just bad luck. Duh! Stop being such a hypochondriac!
Well, this probably isn't likely, but we can hope that maybe the enlarged lymph node is there in reaction to the respiratory infection that's perhaps been incubating for a few days.
In any case, take care of yourself and best of luck with this.
I have to see the hematologist first. That will be Tuesday.
Currently, I am feeling like there is no way I have lymphoma. My PCP is just a Nervous Nellie seeing cancer everywhere and getting his panties in a bunch.
FTR, I am 100% keeping the appointment and going through with the biopsy. I am just really enjoying feeling like this!
I saw my PCP this morning. He agreed that the lump was indeed a swollen lymph node and that it was suspicious for lymphoma. He referred me to a hematologist for further testing. I asked if there was any chance that it could be something besides lymphoma or another malignancy — if the nodes could have swollen due to infection, then hardened and remained swollen for so long? He said that it was possible with “certain kinds of infection,” but that I really needed to see a hematologist. He told me not to worry too much because most kind of lymphoma are highly treatable, even curable nowadays.
He had his office staff call the hematologist he recommended and set up an appointment for me. When I protested that the appointment fell on a really bad day for me, they said: “You have to cancel your other plans. The doctor says you need to be seen ASAP.” Great.
We will see ... I have, in the past, been absolutely sure I had malignancy only to find out it was nothing serious. Hopefully, that will be the case this time too.
I had something very similar to what you have not long ago, the semi-hard lumps were on my neck and one in my collarbone area, doctor sent me for a cat scan, but it came back normal, no abnormalities.
Since then, the doctor told me they have pretty much ruled out the bad stuff, and he honestly admitted, he is not sure what the lumps are, they did take a needle biopsy of them, but it just came back as being white blood cells (nothing more).
The only thing he is really sure about is the lumps are tethered to the skin. He told me to just keep an eye on them to if they change suddenly, but other than that, mine turned out to be nothing to worry about. They cannot really even be seen, as they are sort of under the skin, so Im not that worried about getting them removed.
Well, I saw the hematologist. He said he was really pretty sure we were dealing with lymphoma. We got the ball rolling for the biopsy. I asked him if he could tell me in percentages how sure he was and he wouldn’t do it. He did say though that he can’t imagine what else it could be. I guess the presentation is pretty textbook.
He said I shouldn’t worry too much since up to 70% of lymphoma is curable.
I am actually feeling good. At the moment I am much more concerned about how my husband and sister are feeling. I mean, if things go south and I die, I won’t have to worry about anything any more. But they will have to cope with the loss.
fwiw, at one point, they thought I had lymphoma, they were pretty sure of it, actually. Same line about "don't worry, we are really good at curing it" and dismissed the idea that maybe it wasn't. And it turned out it wasn't - my oncologist came into the room with a big grin and said "I don't get a lot of chances to say I was wrong, but I am so glad to have been wrong!"
Maybe you will be that lucky, or maybe you will need to rely on just how good they are at curing it, but sending good thoughts to you, either way.
fwiw, at one point, they thought I had lymphoma, they were pretty sure of it, actually. Same line about "don't worry, we are really good at curing it" and dismissed the idea that maybe it wasn't. And it turned out it wasn't - my oncologist came into the room with a big grin and said "I don't get a lot of chances to say I was wrong, but I am so glad to have been wrong!"
Maybe you will be that lucky, or maybe you will need to rely on just how good they are at curing it, but sending good thoughts to you, either way.
That is excellent to hear! I really hope I have your luck. You must have been so happy ....
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