Enlarged neck lymph node

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pure0323
pure0323 Member Posts: 43
edited March 2020 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

Hello all! I'm looking for some support and info because I'm about to go crazy. I had stage one ER PR+ breast cancer in 2011. No lymph nodes involved. I have had scares along the way buy this one has me going down the rabbit hole. I had an ultra a sound last Friday because I had a lymph node swell up along my collarbone in Nov after a flu shot. The tech was super sweet and said lymph node on collarbone looked small but she did find a large one in my neck! I could barely hold back the tears. She didn't go get the doctor and let me leave, which I know when it's real bad they don't. I'm scheduled for a chest and neck CT next Monday. My breast cancer in 2011 was on left side side and this lymph node is on the right. I guess it could be thyroid cancer...I'm so upset.

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  • Yogatyme
    Yogatyme Member Posts: 2,349
    edited March 2020

    Pure, this stuff is so scary and it’s understandable that you are going crazy with worry. I think most of us would be the same. But this could be secondary to some type of infection. Lymph nodes fight off all infections and become swollen when they are fighting. I had a swollen neck lymph node last year and it turned out to be an ear infection.....of which I had no sx until my ear drum ruptured. Bodies do strange things and our lymph system tries very hard to keep us healthy! Hoping this is something minor.

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  • pure0323
    pure0323 Member Posts: 43
    edited March 2020

    Yogatyme thank you so much for your response! Your words and experience are encouraging. I’m trying my best to settle down but I have had bad anxiety since my initial diagnosis. I take my Effexor religiously but it just doesn’t quite cut it for me....especially when I’m going through one of these scares. Thank you again

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  • mistyeyes
    mistyeyes Member Posts: 584
    edited March 2020

    pure, I agree with yogatyme, lymph nodes enlarge to fight off a virus or infection. Prayers that it won't be serious.

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  • pure0323
    pure0323 Member Posts: 43
    edited March 2020

    Thank you mistyeyes! I have been reading through threads last couple of days looking for info. It’s amazing how many people pop in with worries and then never come back to post results. I guess they are out living their best life. By the way love your screen name

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  • Rambros
    Rambros Member Posts: 78
    edited March 2020

    I had a similar experience in December. My hand has mild swelling (I think it’s lymphedema related) and the doctor ordered an ultrasound of my entire arm to look for any blockages. Nothing found with regards to my hand but they did find a thyroid nodule and an enlarged neck lymph node. Had a CT scan about 2 weeks after and no mention of the lymph node so must have been my body fighting something. It did find another thyroid nodule so I have to see endocrinologist but it doesn’t appear to be cancer. And I believe thyroid cancer is easily treatable anyway. Hope you’re CT shows no enlarged nodes too!

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  • pure0323
    pure0323 Member Posts: 43
    edited March 2020

    Thank you so much Rambros for sharing your experience. I‘m so happy your you CT didn’t reveal anything ominous.

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  • LillyIsHere
    LillyIsHere Member Posts: 830
    edited March 2020

    Pure, I have the same thing on my left side. I discovered in Nov. 19, 2 months after DMX. I was in panic, a nurse checked it and ignored it, a doctor checked it and did not think it is anything serious, even told me I may have had it for a very long time. I requested for biopsy but they didn't think it was needed but I had it checked with ultrasound and I was told it was just some tissue. I still have it, has not grown bigger. Please don't borrow the worries. Keep us posted.

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  • pure0323
    pure0323 Member Posts: 43
    edited March 2020

    Thank you Lily! Your words are true, I know I shouldn’t borrow worry. Worry steals joy and waste time. You and the other wonderful ladies have helped tremendously today just by sharing with me. I will definitely share my updates.

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited March 2020

    Pure - I had a BMX then a swollen lymph node by my collar bone two years later. I had an immediate ULS biopsy. Unfortunately mine turned out to be a "local recurrence". Those who posted above are correct - lymph nodes can swell for any reason. Hoping you're is B-9.

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  • pure0323
    pure0323 Member Posts: 43
    edited March 2020

    Minus I came across your story as I was diving into threads. I’m glad it wasn’t a distant recurrence and I pray it never is....you offer a lot of help around this site. Thank you for taking the time to share with me

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited March 2020

    Hoping the node is swollen for some other reason. My son had some huge lymph nodes that they ended up biopsying because of my history. They were all benign, but remained swollen for over 2 years! Keep us posted.

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited March 2020

    Pure - thinking of you. Holding you in the light.

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  • pure0323
    pure0323 Member Posts: 43
    edited March 2020

    KBee your another sweet soul I see all over this board offering kind words and encouragement. I'm so glad your son is doing well and I wish him continued good health. When it's your child the worry goes to a whole new level. My daughter now 28 had her lymph nodes swell in several different areas her first year of college, scared the daylights out of us. It turned out to be mono.....hooray mono LOL! Thank you for checking in on me.

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  • pure0323
    pure0323 Member Posts: 43
    edited March 2020

    Minus thank you for the kind words. I'm trying my best to stay on the side of light. My husband took me out yesterday and kept me busy, it was a nice day.

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  • pure0323
    pure0323 Member Posts: 43
    edited March 2020

    My husband left this morning to go to work(he travels for his job) so I’m feeling anxious. CT scan tomorrow afternoon. I’m not even sure if it Is with or without contrast, I think my brain shut down after the nurse said I needed a scan. Guess I will call first thing in the morning and get the details. I found an older thread where a woman had a bad US CT and Pet because of swollen lymph nodes in her neck. Doctors went in and took out 6 . They were all benign. That’s a lot of testing waiting and anxiety. My heart goes out to all waiting on scans and other testing.






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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited March 2020

    Pure - you can do this. We will all be holding your hands & hanging out in your pockets. Please check in tomorrow night and tell us how glad you are that it's over.


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  • pure0323
    pure0323 Member Posts: 43
    edited March 2020

    Minus thank you for your support. It means so much to know others understand the ups and downs. Most around me think...your hair grew back, your all good. LOL! Ignorance is bliss

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  • pure0323
    pure0323 Member Posts: 43
    edited March 2020

    CT is done. The tech was so funny he really helped to calm me down. I will follow up with MO on Friday. Took myself out for late lunch so I’m going to eat my feelings now

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited March 2020

    Pure - one more check mark. Hope your lunch was great. Be sure to treat yourself handsomely the rest of the week too.

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  • pure0323
    pure0323 Member Posts: 43
    edited March 2020

    Thanks Minus for checking back. I have read so many threads and you offer support all over. You and so many others are so strong, I haven’t felt strong since I was diagnosed. Actually, I have felt stalked....like the crocodile with the clock stalking Capt Hook in Peter Pan. Tick Tock Tick Tock. The thought of going in tomorrow for the results makes me sick to my stomach.

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited March 2020

    Pure - interesting image with the clock in the crocodile. I hadn't thought about that beast in awhile. Has your doc prescribed any anti-anxiety meds? I have Xanax on hand but have only used it for MRI scans or PET/CT tests. Maybe hot tea w/honey? Or a glass of wine? Or dive into some TV binge watching or a book to snatch your mind away.

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited March 2020

    Actually Pure, if you can get outside & do 30 minutes of fasts walking before the above suggestions, that always helped clear my mind.

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  • pure0323
    pure0323 Member Posts: 43
    edited March 2020

    I think I’m going to ask for something a little stronger to have on hand for this type of situation. I take Effexor but I’ve never felt it helps. I love all your suggestions. I’m a big tea fan, just need to get my stuff out a brew up a pot. I also think I will get on my treadmill in the morning and workout before I go in the afternoon. I tend to get very uptight sitting in the waiting room. Maybe a good sweat will help. I will post what happens good, bad, or in between.

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  • pure0323
    pure0323 Member Posts: 43
    edited March 2020

    Hooray just reactive lymph nodes! She also mentioned the two places in my lungs are unchanged....I was like what two places? She said they were on a scan in 2014, it was never mentioned to me. The past couple of weeks I have learned so much from this site. The most important being, I’m not alone. I’m so grateful for those who have reached out or maybe just read my post. I have learned that my story counts.


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  • Yogatyme
    Yogatyme Member Posts: 2,349
    edited March 2020

    Yay, Pure!! So happy for you!!

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  • pure0323
    pure0323 Member Posts: 43
    edited March 2020

    Thank you Yoga! Your were the first responder after I posted. It means so much just have some kind words. Namaste

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  • Moxie32
    Moxie32 Member Posts: 57
    edited March 2020

    Great news

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  • PurpleCat
    PurpleCat Member Posts: 358
    edited March 2020
    So very glad to hear this! Hooray!
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  • pure0323
    pure0323 Member Posts: 43
    edited March 2020

    Thank you Moxie! I see that your new to this ride. It can get bumpy at times. I read in one of your post that you recently turned 60. You look great

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  • pure0323
    pure0323 Member Posts: 43
    edited March 2020

    Purple Cat I hope your feeling bette and I wish you good health

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