Had Scare...NED (I think)

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HowardJ
HowardJ Member Posts: 474
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
In August I had my 1yr, 8mo follow-up with the oncologist and everything was fine. Then in September I experienced a variety of symptoms and went back to the oncologist. He checked me out and ordered a CT/PET. While the symptoms had already resolved it was a very nervous time waiting for the tests to be scheduled and waiting for the results. Today I finally learned the outcome. There was no sign of cancer (WHEW!). There was, however, a lymph node in my chest so he's planning to re-do the tests in 4 months. For now, I'm relieved!

Howard

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  • Kanort
    Kanort Member Posts: 1,272 Member
    #2
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    Hi Howard,

    I am sorry you have had a scare, but so thankful that everything turned out OK. Waiting for those results can be paralyzing, but it is so wonderful to hear those NED words. I am glad that your oncologist is being so watchful, but I'm sure that the lymph node will turn out to not be worrisome.

    Hugs,

    Kay
  • scouty
    scouty Member Posts: 1,965 Member
    #3
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    Great news Howard!!!!

    Don't we all have lymph nodes in our chest??? If you had some symptoms 6 weeks ago, that could very well have caused your "lymph node". Their job is to rid the body of nasty stuff including infections!!!!!!!! Lymph nodes are good and can be enlarged for reasons other then cancer.

    Again, congrats and celebrate!!!!! You deserve it.

    Lisa P.
  • vinny3
    vinny3 Member Posts: 928 Member
    #4
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    Good news. Always glad to hear another NED story. The others are right. The lymph nodes are there to filter out problems like infections and other debris in our system.
    ****
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #5
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  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #6
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    Ahem, (clearing throat)...the beast has an interesting way to keep terrorizing us...down with the beast.

    Now.....NAKED HAPPY DANCE all around....

    Hugs, Kathi
  • chynabear
    chynabear Member Posts: 481 Member
    #7
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    Whew. Glad to hear that you are fine.

    If it makes you feel any better, I too have a swollen node near my surgical site. Believe me, I was on the phone about three times plus all of my doctor visits until I was reassured that the lymph node can be swollen and not be cancer. They have looked at it in each of my CT's and no change.

    Isn't the "canceritis" wonderful? I can't tell you how many times I believed that the cancer was back or that I had a new cancer.

    Take care
  • spongebob
    spongebob Member Posts: 2,565 Member
    #8
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    Great news, Howard! The whole post cancer "what is it?" thing can be nerve-wracking can't it? It's sort of a mixed blessing; onone hand we hate that we feel like even a hang-nail might be some new, weird form of cancer (yes, I'm exaggerating, but you know what I mean) yet, on the other hand, it's this sort of robust self-surveillance that will allow us to catch the real thing - should it actually occur - early so we can singe it before it gets ahead of us.

    Many wishes for much continued good health.

    - Sponge
  • HowardJ
    HowardJ Member Posts: 474
    #9
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    Thank you, all for the kind words and support.

    I like this new term, "canceritis". Very useful description.

    Howard
  • goldfinch
    goldfinch Member Posts: 735
    #10
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    Whew! Sorry you had to go through that. Happy about the good news.
    Mary
  • taraHK
    taraHK Member Posts: 1,952 Member
    #11
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    PHEW! I'm delighted - overjoyed - to hear that the CT/PET was clear. Yea! Sorry you had to go through that nerve-wracking experience of symptoms and then waiting for the test results. My understanding is that there are many reasons why a lymph node might be enlarged. (I once had one removed, only to discover it was perfectly fine). Best wishes.
  • kangatoo
    kangatoo Member Posts: 2,105 Member
    #12
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    taraHK said:

    PHEW! I'm delighted - overjoyed - to hear that the CT/PET was clear. Yea! Sorry you had to go through that nerve-wracking experience of symptoms and then waiting for the test results. My understanding is that there are many reasons why a lymph node might be enlarged. (I once had one removed, only to discover it was perfectly fine). Best wishes.

    Strewth...waddatheycallit?...being paranoid about any little ache or pain? Hey Harold....one can NEVER be too cautious mate. I nearly freak out every time I hear of a friend dx'd with something serious and many times it is due to them ignoring so-called "minor symptoms". There was a lady here in oz recently that had a car accident and in routine CT checks for any injuries it was discovered she had a small lung tumour. If not for the car accident the cancer may never have been found(or discovered too late)....however...she had complained of minor lower back pain but never went to the doc. about it. I guess we all can over-react but especially for us cancer victims I think any problems warrant investigation. Prevention is better than cure they say!
    Great to hear you are NED Howard!
    cheers, Ross n Jen
  • HowardJ
    HowardJ Member Posts: 474
    #13
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    Thank you, Mary, Tara, and Kanga!

    Howard

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