lymph nodes 7 mos later

Shellysa
Shellysa Member Posts: 12
edited March 2014 in Head and Neck Cancer #1
I had the right inside of my right cheek removed in May and replaced with a skin graft from my thigh. Also, had 30 lymph nodes removed...all negative. 25 rads finished in August. A PET scan in November was negative. This morning, my lymph nodes on the surgery side of my neck are very tender and swollen. Has anyone had this symptom 7 mos after surgery? I did have swelling during the draining period, but this is different. Hope it does indicate recurrence........

Comments

  • Shellysa
    Shellysa Member Posts: 12
    #2
    I meant "doesn't" !!

    I meant "doesn't" !!
  • Hal61
    Hal61 Member Posts: 655
    #3
    7 months
    Hi Shelly, sorry you are going through this scare. I've had chemo, 35 rads, and a final left-side neck dissection within the last year. Though I didn't get swollen glands at seven months, my first hint of a problem was my lymph nodes. But, they were never tender. Unfortunately, we all think in one direction on this board, but as you know, lymph nodes can swell and become irritated for a number of reasons, all having to do with taking poisons out of your system. General rule is if they stay inflamed for two weeks, then see a doc. In your case, best to just make the appointment and get in soon to have a doc take a look. All your results are positive, so it sounds like you may simply have swollen lymph glands. Seven months out has no particular bearing as far as I know.

    wishing you the best, Hal
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #4
    Swollen, Tender, Soreness...
    All of the above at one time or another and after 18+ months post treatment, I still have it going on from time to time. Do I get aprehensive, yup, everytime...I have a little of that going on at the moment actually.

    I always seem to be having issues when it's close to time for my next round of check-ups also...tell me that's not physcological.....LOL.

    If you are in doubt do as I do, setup an appointment with your ENT and have him scope you and check you out.

    Best,
    John
  • Lizzy67
    Lizzy67 Member Posts: 3
    #5
    Hi Shelley
    My name is Liza,
    Hi Shelley

    My name is Liza, I am from Australia and like you was diagnosed with SCC of the buccal mucosa on August 31 2010. Had surgery on the 27th Sept 2010, my surgery involved a wide excision and use of a freeflap from my radial forearm. I had a neck dissection, don't know how many nodes were removed but they were all negative. No radiation or chemotherapy was needed at that time. A few weeks ago, I found a lump in my neck which was a tiny bit tender to touch. I went to see my surgeon who sent me off to have an ultrasound and biopsy. The ultrasound showed another lump under my jawline, which I have been aware of since early post surgery an did not think much of it and it hasn't grown any bigger. It just feels like a gland only slightly more prominent but I have had so much work done in that area, its still tight and numb.

    So, the biopsy was done on that lump and not on the other one I had originally gone to see the doctor about! Last night, I found another little lump which is tender to touch so now my panic mode is on full swing!! I had the biopsy a week ago and still no result..the waiting is agony! I can hardly breathe at times! The thought of a reoccurence is scaring the daylights out of me..I am trying so hard to remain positive but thethoughts keep drifting to the possibility of this 'thing' coming back.

    Anyway, just wanted you to know that I totally understand how you feel. I am glad to have found someone going through the exact same thing as me as it can get pretty lonely sometimes. I have to say that I have made some fabulous friends through other oral cancer sites and their support has been overwhelming. I ma sorry that I have no profile picture or more info about me..I am still trying to figure out how to introduce myself to the forum and share a little about me!! Guess I'll keep on trying!!

    Look forward to hearing from you

    Liza
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #6
    Hal61 said:

    7 months
    Hi Shelly, sorry you are going through this scare. I've had chemo, 35 rads, and a final left-side neck dissection within the last year. Though I didn't get swollen glands at seven months, my first hint of a problem was my lymph nodes. But, they were never tender. Unfortunately, we all think in one direction on this board, but as you know, lymph nodes can swell and become irritated for a number of reasons, all having to do with taking poisons out of your system. General rule is if they stay inflamed for two weeks, then see a doc. In your case, best to just make the appointment and get in soon to have a doc take a look. All your results are positive, so it sounds like you may simply have swollen lymph glands. Seven months out has no particular bearing as far as I know.

    wishing you the best, Hal

    Hi Shelly

    Six years later I still get a lymph node to give a problem now and then, it is like Hal said any number of things can do it just watch it and if it stays too long see your ENT.
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #7
    Lizzy67 said:

    Hi Shelley
    My name is Liza,
    Hi Shelley

    My name is Liza, I am from Australia and like you was diagnosed with SCC of the buccal mucosa on August 31 2010. Had surgery on the 27th Sept 2010, my surgery involved a wide excision and use of a freeflap from my radial forearm. I had a neck dissection, don't know how many nodes were removed but they were all negative. No radiation or chemotherapy was needed at that time. A few weeks ago, I found a lump in my neck which was a tiny bit tender to touch. I went to see my surgeon who sent me off to have an ultrasound and biopsy. The ultrasound showed another lump under my jawline, which I have been aware of since early post surgery an did not think much of it and it hasn't grown any bigger. It just feels like a gland only slightly more prominent but I have had so much work done in that area, its still tight and numb.

    So, the biopsy was done on that lump and not on the other one I had originally gone to see the doctor about! Last night, I found another little lump which is tender to touch so now my panic mode is on full swing!! I had the biopsy a week ago and still no result..the waiting is agony! I can hardly breathe at times! The thought of a reoccurence is scaring the daylights out of me..I am trying so hard to remain positive but thethoughts keep drifting to the possibility of this 'thing' coming back.

    Anyway, just wanted you to know that I totally understand how you feel. I am glad to have found someone going through the exact same thing as me as it can get pretty lonely sometimes. I have to say that I have made some fabulous friends through other oral cancer sites and their support has been overwhelming. I ma sorry that I have no profile picture or more info about me..I am still trying to figure out how to introduce myself to the forum and share a little about me!! Guess I'll keep on trying!!

    Look forward to hearing from you

    Liza

    Hi Lizzy

    Sorry to hear about what you are going through, don’t wait Call your doctor and ask for the results of you test. I am at a lost as to why your doctor diagnosed you with SCC and only removed some of your lymph nodes with no follow-up treatment.

    Take care and welcome to our Family here on CSN
    Hondo
  • Lizzy67
    Lizzy67 Member Posts: 3
    #8
    Hondo said:

    Hi Lizzy

    Sorry to hear about what you are going through, don’t wait Call your doctor and ask for the results of you test. I am at a lost as to why your doctor diagnosed you with SCC and only removed some of your lymph nodes with no follow-up treatment.

    Take care and welcome to our Family here on CSN
    Hondo

    Hi Hondo
    Unfortunately, my
    Hi Hondo

    Unfortunately, my tests proved to be positive. So, who knows what happened for this to come back so early. The reason they gave me about avoiding radiation was my tumour was a T1N0 and they thought surgery was enough. I am very scared and anxious at the moment. Just went and had CAT and PET scans today. Seeing my doctor again on Monday for the treatment plan. I want to beat this so badly..I have so much to live but my mind is so down and in a depressed mood. I have lots of support but thinking about some things really upset me.

    Thanks for writing to me.

    Lizzy
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #9
    Lizzy67 said:

    Hi Hondo
    Unfortunately, my
    Hi Hondo

    Unfortunately, my tests proved to be positive. So, who knows what happened for this to come back so early. The reason they gave me about avoiding radiation was my tumour was a T1N0 and they thought surgery was enough. I am very scared and anxious at the moment. Just went and had CAT and PET scans today. Seeing my doctor again on Monday for the treatment plan. I want to beat this so badly..I have so much to live but my mind is so down and in a depressed mood. I have lots of support but thinking about some things really upset me.

    Thanks for writing to me.

    Lizzy

    Lizzy ~ Stay Positive
    I know it's very hard to think positive at the moment, but once you accept the situation try to surround yourself with positive people and thoughts.

    I'm very sorry for the situation, I think it's always one of our greater fears to have a re-currence. I know it is for me, everytime scans are near or I'm feeling something going on. It's the first thing that pops in my head and is vey hard to think of anything else.

    On a positive note, they have found something and are making headway on a plan of attack and action.

    Hoping for the very best outcome for you....

    Thoughts and Prayers,
    John
  • Lizzy67
    Lizzy67 Member Posts: 3
    #10
    Skiffin16 said:

    Lizzy ~ Stay Positive
    I know it's very hard to think positive at the moment, but once you accept the situation try to surround yourself with positive people and thoughts.

    I'm very sorry for the situation, I think it's always one of our greater fears to have a re-currence. I know it is for me, everytime scans are near or I'm feeling something going on. It's the first thing that pops in my head and is vey hard to think of anything else.

    On a positive note, they have found something and are making headway on a plan of attack and action.

    Hoping for the very best outcome for you....

    Thoughts and Prayers,
    John

    Thanks so much John. I am
    Thanks so much John. I am trying so damn hard to focus on the positives but I feel like I am getting on and off the emotional rollercoaster. I am still in shock that it has come back so early. The emotional ups and downs has take its toll on me physically..amazing how the mind plays games with you.

    Anyway, all I can do is pray and like you said surround myself with people who understand and are positive. Thank you for your prayers..I am a firm believer in its powers so it makes me feel better when I have people praying for me.


    Lizzy

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