Lymph nodes in neck

rrob
rrob Member Posts: 158
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Background: I'm stage iv. My last PET scan was Sept. 17 and NED. Friday before last, I had a slight sore throat, tender to the touch at the base of my neck. Last Monday, I went to my PCP and he said I had drainage, but no infection. My lymph nodes were swollen, so he prescribed an antibiotic and said if they didn't work, come back for scans. I called my oncologist and he said he didn't think it was anything to worry about because my PET was clear. I have 4 more days of antibiotic, but my throat is still sore and tender at times (not all the time). Has anyone else had this kind of thing? I'm voting for allergies/drainage! I do not want to have more scans; I'm trying the ostrich approach. I know I'm being dumb--for being worried and for avoiding! Please let me know if you've had a similar experience. Thanks!

Rebecca

Comments

  • Kanort
    Kanort Member Posts: 1,272 Member
    #2
    Try Not to Worry!
    Hi Rebecca,

    I am sorry you are having to worry over those swollen nodes. I am not positive, but it is my understanding that problematic lymph nodes are usually not tender. Also, my oncologist always checks the nodes along my collarbone rather than under my neck. Since you do have drainage, I bet the nodes are enlarged due to that rather than something more serious. Alleries/drainage get my vote!

    Keep us posted.

    Hugs,

    Kay
  • kimby
    kimby Member Posts: 797
    #3
    thyroid?
    Thyroid problems are pretty common after cancer treatment or in woman over 35 for that matter. When I developed my thyroid goiter it presented as a sore throat. Hoshimoto's Syndrome = hypoactive thyroid and I'm on synthroid for that. Can also make you feel very tired.

    I still vote for sinus drainage!

    Kimby
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #4
    Wow! A 'normal' illness...
    I remember my first flu post-cancer. I was excited to think that I was well enough to contract something 'normal'. I am sending good vibes that this is the case with you, as well.

    Most people get these symptoms, take something OTC, and get well. We cancer survivors don't have that luxury. Good that you are on top of it, but maybe, just maybe (especially with the all clear in September) this is just a fall flu. I'm getting my first post-treatment flu shot this year...

    Hugs, Kathi
  • rrob
    rrob Member Posts: 158
    #5
    KathiM said:

    Wow! A 'normal' illness...
    I remember my first flu post-cancer. I was excited to think that I was well enough to contract something 'normal'. I am sending good vibes that this is the case with you, as well.

    Most people get these symptoms, take something OTC, and get well. We cancer survivors don't have that luxury. Good that you are on top of it, but maybe, just maybe (especially with the all clear in September) this is just a fall flu. I'm getting my first post-treatment flu shot this year...

    Hugs, Kathi

    Blessings
    I try to count my blessings every day and I just wanted to say thanks for your support. Kay, Kimby, and Kathi, you three are definitely today's blessings! You've made me feel so much better. Thanks!

    Rebecca
  • CherylHutch
    CherylHutch Member Posts: 1,375 Member
    #6
    rrob said:

    Blessings
    I try to count my blessings every day and I just wanted to say thanks for your support. Kay, Kimby, and Kathi, you three are definitely today's blessings! You've made me feel so much better. Thanks!

    Rebecca

    Let's go with an infection :)
    Rebecca... I agree with the others. As with most things cancer-related, there are very few symptoms, so for you to actually have symptoms, feel tender and have a sore throat, you might be suffering from an every day, common infection. I doubt the doctor would give you antibiotics for a flu, but probably would for any kind of infection. Drainage usually indicates an infection of some sort.

    So, don't worry... just try to get through the tenderness and sore throat like you would have pre-cancer :)

    Hugggggs,

    Cheryl
  • ldot123
    ldot123 Member Posts: 272
    #7
    KathiM said:

    Wow! A 'normal' illness...
    I remember my first flu post-cancer. I was excited to think that I was well enough to contract something 'normal'. I am sending good vibes that this is the case with you, as well.

    Most people get these symptoms, take something OTC, and get well. We cancer survivors don't have that luxury. Good that you are on top of it, but maybe, just maybe (especially with the all clear in September) this is just a fall flu. I'm getting my first post-treatment flu shot this year...

    Hugs, Kathi

    Lymph Nodes
    Hi,

    The thing we tend to forget (at least I do) is that just because you have cancer does not mean that you can't get sick from other stuff. Ordinary colds, flu allergies etc.. I tend to overreact when something "new" comes up. It is good that you speak to your doctor at all times should an unusual symptom occur though. Stay positive!

    Cheers, Lance

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