Mets or just swollen lymph nodes?

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JustMe123
JustMe123 Member Posts: 4
edited June 2014 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)

Oh, where to begin. Diagnosed 2010, IDC with lobular features, tumor 2.9 cm, no nodes involved. Had bilateral mastectomy. The 1st oncologist I saw signed me up for chemo, said I absolutely had to have it due to size of tumor. I sought a 2nd opinion after mastectomy, that oncologist said no to chemo - due to path report did not need it, only AIs. I went with that oncologist, I feared chemo. I was tried on Arimidex first, horrible side effects, then on Aromasin and still bad side effects so stopped taking it after 6 months (didn't tell oncologist that I stopped taking it) . Fast forward 2 years down the road, now I have enlarged supraclavicular lymph nodes, one is visibly enlarged just above the collar bone. Had ultrasound, it shows two enlarged nodes in neck. My doctor referred me to an ENT surgeon, I can't get in for 8 weeks. Question - Is this something to be concerned about, do I wait the 8 weeks or try to find an ENT that can see me sooner? My oncologist's response was "Don't worry, it's not cancer". Can he tell this from an ultrasound? I'm at a loss. What are the odds it IS cancer?

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  • new_direction
    new_direction Member Posts: 449
    edited May 2013

    Hi just me. Only a biopsy will tell for sure what it is.
    I think though they sometimes can get an idea if it's likely cancer or not from the ultrasound and palpation. I don't know for sure but I would think that some axillary lymphnodes usually would be enlarged as well if there is positive lymph nodes around the collar bone.
    Is it on the same side as your cancer was?

    Like your oncologist said, this may not be cancer. IF it is you have many treatment possibilities and being located around the collarbone still makes it curable.

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  • JustMe123
    JustMe123 Member Posts: 4
    edited May 2013

    Thank you for your response New_Direction. My BC was on the left; the large lymph node that I can see is on the right, but the ultrasound shows an even larger lymph node on the left.  I wasn't aware that being located around the collarbone would mean it is curable, that is very very reassuring to hear.

    Have a great day, and again thank you for responding.

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  • edwards750
    edwards750 Member Posts: 3,761
    edited May 2013

    Justme...and sometimes they can tell if the node moves or is stable. I had a growth on my neck one time and freaked out bigtime but my dr said he thought it was fatty tissue because it didnt move. He was right. Your dr has a pretty good idea and a biopsy will confirm but I would think if he thought it was something serious he would want you seen asap. Let us know. diane

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  • jenjenl
    jenjenl Member Posts: 948
    edited May 2013

    Have you been sick?  I have a node that get's big when I get sick and then shrinks back down.

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  • JustMe123
    JustMe123 Member Posts: 4
    edited May 2013

    I haven't been sick and my white count is normal. I didn't go to my oncologist for this, I went to my family doctor who ordered the ultrasound and then he faxed the written report to my oncologist. When my oncologist said not to worry, he was reading the written report and had not examined me. The good news is that someone at the ENT surgeon office was paying attention, they called me and moved my appointment up to next Tuesday - yay I don't have to wait 8 weeks Laughing  I can't see or even feel the largest node (according to the ultrasound) on the left, but the one on the right is clearly visible, it's an egg size swelling just above the collar bone. It's soft and feels puffy- so maybe it is fatty tissue (fingers crossed).

    Thank you ladies. I've read so many inspirational stories on these posts, you're all so brave.

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