sick + lymph node swelling

teamwink

My kids brought home a lovely cold from preschool, and I have had swollen, sore lymph nodes for a long time. It is truly freaking me out, and I feel like the stress makes it worse. I feel like my throat (right under the jaw at top of the neck) is just going to close in on me and breathing can be more labored at times - is this common for folks who've had a TT? I had mine about 6 months ago and went through RAI about 1 month ago.

palmyrafan

Cold
Sorry to hear about your cold. It's that wonderful time of the year again

If you haven't already done so, I would see your PCP (Primary care physician) first to verify that is what you have. After your PCP, I would then schedule an appointment with or call your doctor(s) who are treating you for your TT.

Bear in mind that with compromised immune systems it can take longer than normal to get rid of a cold and all the nasty side effects, including swollen lymph nodes.

Feel better soon.

teamwink

palmyrafan said:

Cold
Sorry to hear about your cold. It's that wonderful time of the year again

If you haven't already done so, I would see your PCP (Primary care physician) first to verify that is what you have. After your PCP, I would then schedule an appointment with or call your doctor(s) who are treating you for your TT.

Bear in mind that with compromised immune systems it can take longer than normal to get rid of a cold and all the nasty side effects, including swollen lymph nodes.

Feel better soon.

thanks
I didn't know if it is more common to get this after a TT, as it's never happened this severely before - are we now more sensitive in the lymph node area? Or, my other fear is that it is somehow the cancer there (?). I didn't have lymph node activity with the cancer originally, but I guess you don't always know anything for certain.
Many thanks for your response

3boys_mom

teamwink said:

thanks
I didn't know if it is more common to get this after a TT, as it's never happened this severely before - are we now more sensitive in the lymph node area? Or, my other fear is that it is somehow the cancer there (?). I didn't have lymph node activity with the cancer originally, but I guess you don't always know anything for certain.
Many thanks for your response

Immune
I still have my thyroid--and my immune system sucks. I'm hypothyroid. Not only that, but every little cut I get seems to become infected. Yeah, the immune system takes a hit when the thyroid is gone or not working correctly. More reason why we have to eat healthy, rest, and *TRY* (yeah, I know) to avoid stress--because it does affect it.

I would still see your PCP if it doesn't improve. Good luck!

iggymurphy

About to go through a TT and
About to go through a TT and than RAI how was the process with preschoolers? Mine are 2 & 3.

teamwink

iggymurphy said:

About to go through a TT and
About to go through a TT and than RAI how was the process with preschoolers? Mine are 2 & 3.

preschoolers
I won't lie - it was hard. The tough part was post surgery when the kids knew something was not right with their parent. I had a few complications and ended up in the hospital for about a week, so that was also hard on them, as it was unexpected (I'm the primary caregiver). There just isn't much you can do to prepare them, but make sure you keep things as close to normal as possible - and if they start to act out, make sure they are able to channel their emotions. Kids pick up on things we don't always recognize at first.

During RAI, I made a little gift pack for each day that I could not see them - it wasn't always a lot, but it was something to remind them that I was thinking of them. It seemed to help divert attention away from my absence and toward something fun. Hope this helps! Hang in there

sunnyaz

teamwink said:

preschoolers
I won't lie - it was hard. The tough part was post surgery when the kids knew something was not right with their parent. I had a few complications and ended up in the hospital for about a week, so that was also hard on them, as it was unexpected (I'm the primary caregiver). There just isn't much you can do to prepare them, but make sure you keep things as close to normal as possible - and if they start to act out, make sure they are able to channel their emotions. Kids pick up on things we don't always recognize at first.

During RAI, I made a little gift pack for each day that I could not see them - it wasn't always a lot, but it was something to remind them that I was thinking of them. It seemed to help divert attention away from my absence and toward something fun. Hope this helps! Hang in there

teamwink
You are such a good mommy!

teamwink

sunnyaz said:

teamwink
You are such a good mommy!

thank you kindly
... but remember, I'm a psychologist - it is both a blessing and a curse (ask my kids in 20 years!). I appreciate your kind words

iggymurphy

teamwink said:

preschoolers
I won't lie - it was hard. The tough part was post surgery when the kids knew something was not right with their parent. I had a few complications and ended up in the hospital for about a week, so that was also hard on them, as it was unexpected (I'm the primary caregiver). There just isn't much you can do to prepare them, but make sure you keep things as close to normal as possible - and if they start to act out, make sure they are able to channel their emotions. Kids pick up on things we don't always recognize at first.

During RAI, I made a little gift pack for each day that I could not see them - it wasn't always a lot, but it was something to remind them that I was thinking of them. It seemed to help divert attention away from my absence and toward something fun. Hope this helps! Hang in there

great idea
I am the primary caregiver as well and am so scared that I won't be able to provide. Trying not to let the stress rub off.

I love the idea for a little gift pack each day. Thank you for that. I told them I would be in the hospital for a day or two and would have a booboo on my neck...and then may have to stay away for a little while (during RAI) They are doing OK so far, but they have tons of questions and tell strangers that "mommy is sick" so I know it is affecting them.

teamwink

iggymurphy said:

great idea
I am the primary caregiver as well and am so scared that I won't be able to provide. Trying not to let the stress rub off.

I love the idea for a little gift pack each day. Thank you for that. I told them I would be in the hospital for a day or two and would have a booboo on my neck...and then may have to stay away for a little while (during RAI) They are doing OK so far, but they have tons of questions and tell strangers that "mommy is sick" so I know it is affecting them.

kiddos 101
I went through similar stuff, so I totally understand. If you are interested, there are some books on cancer for kids that are handy - I didn't use them, but they can help a lot in explaining things. I told my kids that mommy has some bad stuff in her and that the doctors are going to take it out - and that will leave a booboo. They might want to wear a band aid on their neck just like you have a bandage - sounds weird, but true.

One other thing that is handy (if you are staying at home in isolation during RAI) is to let the kids play in the yard with someone and to open a window so that you can talk to them - it is a way to stay involved without exposing them (assuming the window is far enough away). My husband took the kids outside and they played in front of my window - we could communicate and they could see me, which truly helped A LOT! Also, Skype and phone calls are great if you're going to be away. There are cards and little books that allow you to record your voices, also. The main thing is to keep the rest of their lives as regular as possible and to reassure them that you'll be the same mommy who loves them a lot when you get back. Hang in there!