Lump/Enlarged Node(?) in Neck

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ck55
ck55 Member Posts: 346
edited January 2015 in Stage III Breast Cancer
Hello All. I am 8+ years out from stage 3A ILC, 2+ nodes. Last night I was watching the playoffs (go Hawks!!) when I noticed a lump, possibly an enlarged node, on the right side of my neck, under my jaw. It seems tender, or maybe that is because I keep messing with it? It is probably the size of 1/2 of a very small egg. I can't believe I have not felt it before, which makes me think it came up fast.

Would love to hear any advice or experinces with something like this. Of course the mind goes to the dark side. But couldn't it be something else.

Thanks so much for any feedback!

Cyndi
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  • hopefour
    hopefour Member Posts: 459
    edited January 2015

    WOW...congrats on 8 years NED!! Yes, we had a sister here have enlarged nodes and found it to be an infection. I have also read about lymphedema causing swelling in the neck. Totally understand the dark thoughts as they come with each scare we have...but best way to address this is going to check it out with your MO. Please keep us up-dated!!

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  • ck55
    ck55 Member Posts: 346
    edited January 2015
    Hopefor, thank you for your post and you encouragement. It is nice to be able to reach out to people you know will understand.


    Cyndi
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  • sbelizabeth
    sbelizabeth Member Posts: 2,889
    edited January 2015

    ck55, I had the same thought as hopefour--the enlarged lymph node is probably draining something and doing its job.  Think hard...have you had a cold, the flu, sore throat, a big zit, sinus infection, anything? The node in your jaw filters tissues in your head, not your chest.

    And yes, call your MO if the node doesn't shrink in a few days.  In the meantime, install a big "delete" button in your head, and when your thoughts go to that dark place, tell yourself, "delete, delete, delete." 

    Blessings to you.  Hang in there.

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  • ck55
    ck55 Member Posts: 346
    edited January 2015
    Thank you sbelizabeth- I will get busy installing that button. It could come in handy on many occasions! Bless you too.
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  • kar123
    kar123 Member Posts: 273
    edited January 2015

    Ck, not sure what your skin type is, but I have always been prone to extra large pimples in that area. I've had one on my chin since christmas that just won't go away. One of the 'silver linings' of chemo was that I was acne free for about 2 years after. Now my lovely oily skin is back. Ugh! Keep an eye on it and if the anxiety gets too much, just have the onc check it out and put your mind at ease.

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  • bride
    bride Member Posts: 382
    edited January 2015

    ck55,

    About 8 weeks out frm rads, I noticed a lump under my jaw. It was a swollen lymph node. Just as I was about to plunge into the slough of despair, I was told that it was drainage from a root canal that I'd had done because the chemo was brutal on my pretty iffy teeth. Ten days on antibiotics and now I'm fine.

    I truly hope your situation is as innocuous as mine.

    Wishing you the best,

    bride


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  • TectonicShift
    TectonicShift Member Posts: 752
    edited July 2020

    .

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  • ck55
    ck55 Member Posts: 346
    edited January 2015
    Thank you all for the very encouraging responses. Saw my PCP yesterday and she wants to get a ct scan on my neck. She thought it could be a lot of things and cancer was not high on her list. So that was somewhat encouraging.

    Cyndi
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  • sbelizabeth
    sbelizabeth Member Posts: 2,889
    edited January 2015

    ck55--YAY! Let us know, we're in your pocket!

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  • pupfoster1
    pupfoster1 Member Posts: 1,484
    edited January 2015

    Hi Cyndi,

    Boy do I know what you mean about the dark side! I'm there too! I had a swollen node/gland under my jaw not long ago, but right after I got a bad cold, then it disappeared on it's own. Hoping you get good results soon!

    Sharon

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  • Kathleen26
    Kathleen26 Member Posts: 210
    edited January 2015

    Glad to hear cancer is not high on the list of possible causes. Please keep us posted. We're here and thinking about you, and wishing you well.

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  • ck55
    ck55 Member Posts: 346
    edited January 2015
    Update: had a CT done on Monday. Got the results this morning and everything looks normal! The lump/node has been getting smaller every day. Looks like everything is OK.

    Feeling very blessed!!!

    Cyndi
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  • kar123
    kar123 Member Posts: 273
    edited January 2015

    Hooray!!!

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  • Lucy55
    Lucy55 Member Posts: 3,044
    edited January 2015

    ck55.. Yay 😃 That is excellent news. !!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2015


    Ck55, awesome news!  Celebrate!

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  • hopefour
    hopefour Member Posts: 459
    edited January 2015

    Oh that is just wonderful!!! The darkness has lifted and everything seems so much sweeter! Enjoy!

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  • sbelizabeth
    sbelizabeth Member Posts: 2,889
    edited January 2015

    Yay!  Yay!  Yay!  One more...Yay!

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  • Annette_U
    Annette_U Member Posts: 111
    edited January 2015

    OMG, I do the dark side thing.....so good to read this thread and not feel alone...it makes me feel so much better reading these up-beat posts. Glad the lymph node thing turned out to be no worry! Doing a little happy dance !

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  • Jill900
    Jill900 Member Posts: 13
    edited January 2015

    ck55 Great to hear your good news! I have allergies and the various sinus/throat issues that sometimes come with it. I get swollen lymph nodes occasionally; I'll do a mental think back to how I was feeling the last week or so and pay attention to see if it gets smaller. I have gone in to my oncologist's office for a quick node check twice. He doesn't mind and I get peace of mind.

    Never be afraid to call or schedule a visit about ANYTHING that concerns you though. I feel like being a cancer survivor gives me that right!

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  • pupfoster1
    pupfoster1 Member Posts: 1,484
    edited January 2015

    GREAT news Cyndi!

    Sharon

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