The Cancer Survivors Network (CSN) is a peer support community for cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, families, and friends! CSN is a safe place to connect with others who share your interests and experiences.

Thank you for being a part of the Cancer Survivor Network community. Survivors and caregivers like you have played a unique role in fostering an online environment that encourages connection among those needing support, community, and education. On May 28, the Network will be discontinued. More details are available here . If you have any questions, contact CSNSupportTeam@cancer.org. Thanks again for the support you’ve provided each other over the years. We remain committed to supporting you in other ways throughout your cancer journey.

Swollen lymph node

christos01
christos01 CSN Member Posts: 7 Member
edited May 2023 in Head and Neck Cancer #1

2 weeks post treatment, HPV BOT and lymph node. 35 Rads and 6 cisplatin weekly. Rough ride, but my support and prayers got me thru. My lymph node still looks little bit swollen. Was wondering if this is normal or should have it gone down completely after treatment. Just took the HPV blood test. Which is giving me anxiety. That’s another story.

Like Care

Comments

  • wbcgaruss
    wbcgaruss CSN Member Posts: 2,635 Member
    #2

    Hello Christos, my opinion would be that your doctors diagnosed your cancer with scans and biopsies and a PET Scan. Your doctors knew the area of cancer affecting you and treated it with radiation and chemotherapy and eradicated your cancer. It would not be unusual for a lymph node to be swollen post-treatment as this is a common side effect of treatment. Some people, I being one of them experienced lymphedema which I believe would be a more severe case of what you are experiencing in just a swollen lymph node in your case. So just be aware of lymphedema as a possibility that may need attention. It usually involves them sending you to a lymphedema specialist who will massage you to get your lymph nodes draining and give you massage exercises you can do at home thereafter.

    How long do lymph nodes stay swollen after radiation?

    Lymphedema or swelling is sometimes just a temporary effect of radiation therapy, but it can be ongoing. It can also be a late effect, appearing months or even years after treatment.



    Video of exercises used to drain the H&N area--

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5mJVNDsYfc


    Take Care, God Bless-Russ

    Like Care
  • christos01
    christos01 CSN Member Posts: 7 Member
    #3

    Thank you! God bless

    Like Care

Discussion Boards