I'm having a PTSD moment.

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GR4C1E
GR4C1E Member Posts: 159
edited June 2014 in Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts

I made it through chemo and I'm 4 weeks PFC. I never ever thought about my lymph nodes before BC, but today I woke up with a swollen node in my neck that has been throbbing all day. Granted, I have had nasal congestion for two days prior, but I can't help stressing. I took my temp this afternoon and again this evening and it's perfectly normal. I probably have a cold but when should I call my MO? Should I call the doc or wait it out and see if it goes away. Am I being paranoid or irresponsible?

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  • Elizabeth1889
    Elizabeth1889 Member Posts: 1,036
    edited February 2012

    GR4C1E, I do not know if your swollen node is a cause for concern or not, but my advise is to call your MO.  Why worry needlessly?  Your MO's office probably has someone on call 24/7.

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  • thefuzzylemon
    thefuzzylemon Member Posts: 2,630
    edited February 2012

    Yup....you might have a cold.

    I check for bumps and lumps all the time. If I found a swollen gland, its totally going to be known by my ONC and General docs!

    Make the call and...stay on top of all that stuff.

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  • GR4C1E
    GR4C1E Member Posts: 159
    edited February 2012

    Thank you, Elizabeth. That's exactly what I needed to hear. I sometimes feel like every ache and pain has a new significance since my diagnosis and it's hard to tell if I'm over reacting.

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  • GR4C1E
    GR4C1E Member Posts: 159
    edited February 2012

    I have a friend who had a UMX three years ago and we joke around about our aches and pains since the diagnosis. We've both suspected toe cancer, eye cancer, knee cancer and the list goes on. While we make light of the situation we found ourselves in, the fear is always real. I hate, she hates, we hate to call the doctor. Sometimes it's necessary to hear someone say, call your doctor.

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  • bak94
    bak94 Member Posts: 1,846
    edited February 2012

    You could do the 2 week rule. Wait 2 weeks and if it is still there. I find that many of my symptoms are gone within a week. Oh, you are being normal:)

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  • GR4C1E
    GR4C1E Member Posts: 159
    edited February 2012

    Bak94 - I'm with you there! I like to wait. At least I used to. I will, however, wait till morning. I took two Aleve 4 hours ago and if the pain and swelling persists, I have permission to call in the morning.

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  • GR4C1E
    GR4C1E Member Posts: 159
    edited February 2012

    Thank you

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  • maggiesuzanne
    maggiesuzanne Member Posts: 63
    edited February 2012

    Yes, it is real....I tended to wait too long , be long-suffering on too many things and look where I am...best to tell your doctor as things occur.......this is what our docs do for a living everyday...they are not car mechanics, they are breast mechanics.....sorry for the foul humor but they want to help you....

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  • GR4C1E
    GR4C1E Member Posts: 159
    edited February 2012

    I hear that maggiesuzanne. I pride myself on not being a drama queen, but this unfortunate turn of events in my life makes me reconsider! I sneezed last Thursday for the first time in many months and had a panic attack! No foul humor perceived! I have to be more vigilant about my symptoms than before BC, but it still sucks. Thank you for getting it and thanks for the ok to speak up and call the doc.

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  • amontro
    amontro Member Posts: 504
    edited February 2012

    Don't take anything for granted. I'm Stage IV and call my onc as soon as cold symptoms persist because they only get worse. She prescribes an antibiotic because the virus debilitates me. Even though I know this, sometimes I wait too long because I'm still thinking things will get better on their own - never happened.

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