Nerve Pain?

Toni08
Toni08 Member Posts: 39
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Good Morning all,

I have returned! Quick background/update: My dad was diagnosed with stage 4 tonsil cancer with spread to lymphnodes on one side in February 2011. A little over a year later he's been NED and sees his doctor's every 3 months.

Yesterday he went to his general practitioner for a checkup (no cancer docs) and as the doctor was poking around the neck area, my dad felt a tinge of pain that went up his neck and around his shoulder and back. My dad mentioned that he occasionally has pain in this area.

The doctor said it could be a lymphnode or a nerve and set him up with his cancer docs for the end of June. My dad is down with the mention of a lymphnode thinking it is possible the cancer has returned and he has to wait for updates until the end of the month.

Has anyone experience anything like this or have advice that could help allay his fears until then?

Thanks much in advance.
Toni

Comments

  • longtermsurvivor
    longtermsurvivor Member Posts: 1,842 Member
    #2
    lymph nodes never cause pain like you mention
    this is nerve distribution. this was, if I understand you correctly, a chance finding on a physical exam. And there were no other findings, like a palpable mass. If so, there is no chance that this represents cancer. it is fine to be examined by the oncologist, but he shouldnt find anything new.

    Best regards


    Pat
  • Kent Cass
    Kent Cass Member Posts: 1,898 Member
    #3
    longtermsurvivor said:

    lymph nodes never cause pain like you mention
    this is nerve distribution. this was, if I understand you correctly, a chance finding on a physical exam. And there were no other findings, like a palpable mass. If so, there is no chance that this represents cancer. it is fine to be examined by the oncologist, but he shouldnt find anything new.

    Best regards


    Pat

    Nerves
    Sounds typical to me for what I experience. I'm over 3-years out, and L'hermites still shows from time to time at the base of the neck all around, and in upper chest; and, the neck spasms are a daily hassle. Do get it checked-out, though, and keep an eye on any change in the symptoms.

    kcass
  • Greend
    Greend Member Posts: 678
    #4
    Same pain
    I have been told it is from damage to the trigemenal nerve due to the radiation. Can't say anyone has been able to help mine thus far. Pain and twitching in shoulder and pain in the upper back area.
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #5
    Ditto, Ditto, & Ditto...
    Like mentioned above, I also am three years post Tx, STGIII Tonsils.

    I too have similar pains, aches and cramps on occasion (some times more than on occasion).

    ENT is my main man, and he always lets me know that these random (or routine) aches and pains are a way of life for several years...

    Again as mentioned, "Radiation, the gift that keeps on giving"....

    But, always better than the alternative.

    Like Kent & Pat said, more than likely nothing to worry about, but always worth seeing the MD. If nothing else as you metioned, it does relieve the anxiety and paranoia...until the next ache and pain in a similar area.

    Best,
    John
  • KTeacher
    KTeacher Member Posts: 1,103 Member
    #6
    Skiffin16 said:

    Ditto, Ditto, & Ditto...
    Like mentioned above, I also am three years post Tx, STGIII Tonsils.

    I too have similar pains, aches and cramps on occasion (some times more than on occasion).

    ENT is my main man, and he always lets me know that these random (or routine) aches and pains are a way of life for several years...

    Again as mentioned, "Radiation, the gift that keeps on giving"....

    But, always better than the alternative.

    Like Kent & Pat said, more than likely nothing to worry about, but always worth seeing the MD. If nothing else as you metioned, it does relieve the anxiety and paranoia...until the next ache and pain in a similar area.

    Best,
    John

    I agree
    with all of the above. Always good to get checked out for peace of mind. I believe nerve, I have some strange aches and pains and spasms also. Had a clean scan in April so I am not worried. (Not much!)
  • katenorwood
    katenorwood Member Posts: 1,912
    #7
    Nerve pain...
    Hello !
    I have nerve pain in jaw and upper neck. There are some good meds to help with this...your specialist should be able to help your Dad with this. Yes, pain is a good indicator of spread...but please think positive ! I did not have same cancer, mine was in large saliva gland (ACC) and do have nerve damage due to resection. Good luck to your Father hope it's all good ! Katie
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #8
    Hi Toni

    I also live with a lot nerve pain and spasm, most if not all of it from the Vegas nerve in the face and neck. Now the nerve is stopping me from swallowing so the doctors had to put a Peg Tube in a few weeks ago. I seen a lady who said that she thinks something like DPNS “Deep Pharyngeal Nerve Stimulation would help with the pain and nerve problems that I have been having and also get me some feeling back so I can swallow again. I am still waiting for an appointment with her and will let you know if it works.

    Take care
    Hondo
  • longtermsurvivor
    longtermsurvivor Member Posts: 1,842 Member
    #9
    Hondo said:

    Hi Toni

    I also live with a lot nerve pain and spasm, most if not all of it from the Vegas nerve in the face and neck. Now the nerve is stopping me from swallowing so the doctors had to put a Peg Tube in a few weeks ago. I seen a lady who said that she thinks something like DPNS “Deep Pharyngeal Nerve Stimulation would help with the pain and nerve problems that I have been having and also get me some feeling back so I can swallow again. I am still waiting for an appointment with her and will let you know if it works.

    Take care
    Hondo

    now that was funny, Mr Tim
    I get lots of typos from mu ipad, so I love it when others do, too. Never gamble on the Vegas nerve, I always say:)
  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,724 Member
    #10
    what hurts
    Toni,

    It sounds like your Dad has been around the cancer block before. Probably have gone through all the typical treatment and probably have a smorgasbord of culprits for the pain. See an ENT for check up and advice, but I bet it is normal pain. I know if I turn my neck too fast or sharp I am reminded of my lateral neck dissection.

    May your Dad keep NEDding along.

    Matt

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