hoping for some info. Biopsy is in a week

craftymama4 · Regular Joined: 23 Aug 2009 Posts: 20

Hello! I am not sure even where to begin! I am a stay at home mom to 4 kids and I am 31 years old. I noticed a swollen lymph node on the back of my head about a year ago and didnt think much of it since I was pregnant. But slowly I started getting more above and bellow it. And I have bad fatigue. About a month ago I notice 2 bigger swollen lymph nodes in my neck that seemed to pop up pretty fast. So I went to my GP and she sent me for a CT Scan. She was concerned that it was cancer, that is what she wrote in my file. When the results came back, there was a 2.6 cm posterior cervical lymph node, and a bunch of others all around my neck. She said she didnt know what it was and sent me to a head and neck surgen. I went for my appt thinking they would stick a needle in it and do a little biopsy. But, they put a small camera thing down my nose and throat and said he didn't see anything there. And said that he wanted to remove my big fat juicy lymph node on the back/side of my neck. So I have that scheduled for next week.
I am kinda freaking out about all of this and don't know what to think!!! So I have some questions that I am hoping some of you may know.
Can they tell if it is cancer on the ct scan? Or does the ct scan usually just show the enlarged nodes? And can the neck surgen tell if it is cancer by feeling it etc? Wouldn't he tell me if he was pretty sure it was cancer. Basically he said it was either cancer or nothing at all. They have ruled out infections, auto immune diseases like lupus or rhematoid arthritis. all my blood work came back normal. I don't have night sweats, but I have lost weight, but I also had a baby 9 months ago. I have fatigue and feel like crap most of the time. And I have pretty severe joint pain for 5 months. I thought for sure I had rhematoid athritis because of that, but I guess I don't.
Anyhow, what is the liklihood that they would remove this node and it not be cancer? Are the doctors just not wanting to tell me that is it most likely cancer until my biopsy?
Sorry for the long post, you can see how this is really consuming my mind.

aisha1

Ok...........

First thing is, you have to try and calm down. You have 4 kids to look after and if you tire yourself out worrying about cancer, AND looking after 4 kids (one of them only 9 months!) then of course you will feel overly tired!

First thing to do is to trust the professionals. Sometimes it seems like it is taking ages to sort things out, and it seems like they are sending you from pillar to post. Well, they are trying to see who the best person to deal with this is.

You have had a CT which is a very good start. If they have injected you with contrast then the lumps should show up as looking different for cancer or for a cyst etc.

If your blood is clear, you need to ask them what they have checked for. To give yourself peace of mind, you could ask them to check your LDH levels, and also look at your blood for tumor markers. These will show if you have raised levels of anything associated with tumors.

You will have to wait for your biopsy. Many people have posted in this forum with similar symptoms, and have found that they are all clear. You can read the posts. Most people are aware that cancer is on the cards, and are sure they have it. Then........... they have a biopsy and it is all ok.

Did they scan your whole body? What about your chest and abdomen? Or was it just your neck?

Be brave, and whatever the outcome, this is probably the hardest part, and I now that myself.

Take care of yourself, and of your kids. I know this is tough (I have 2 myself), but don't let yourself worry too much, it only runs you down more.

Aisha. xxx

ChemoMan

Hi craftymama4

I will try to answer your questions, but please bear in mind I am not a doctor, just a well informed patient Smile

A CT scan can not tell if you have lymphoma or not. It can show enlarged nodes and tumors but it cannot tell if they are benign or not. The surgeon can get an idea what the lump is by feeling it but this is an educated guess and could be wrong. Only a biopsy will tell you for sure if it is Lymphoma. The reason your doctor is not saying anything yet is because he/she doesn't know at this point.

Try and relax a bit ,getting stressed is not going to do any good. Don't worry about the biopsy as it is a minor procedure with hardly any chance of complication and it will, if all goes well, provide some answers which will settle you.

Good luck and remember rule number 1 is don't panic. We are here if you need us in the future and hopefully you won't.
_________________
Age 52
Diffuse Large B cell Lymphoma
Stage 2a
Finished six cycles of R chop 21 26th May 2008
Officially in remission 9th July 2008
Remission confirmed 1st October 2008
Remission confirmed 17 June 2009
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=9620
RULE NUMBER 1.....Don't Panic
RULE NUMBER 2..... Don't forget Rule number 1

craftymama4 · Regular Joined: 23 Aug 2009 Posts: 20

Thank you both so much for your response!
I am glad to hear that there are lots of people that get a biopsy and it turned out not cancer.

They only did a ct scan of my neck with contrast. I think that is because that is where I have the biggest one you can feel. I have a chronic pain disease of my bladder and my doctor is the one who told me to go to my GP, he felt the nodes on my head, neck and on my collarbone.

So since they did the ct scan with contrast, would it show more than just the enlarged lymph nodes if it was lymphoma?

ChemoMan

Hi craftymama4

A good CT scan, interpreted by an experienced radiologist, should pick up any abnormality in the area being scanned. Only a biopsy however will tell if what is found is Lymphoma.

Good luck with the biopsy, I hope all is well and it turns out to be nothing to worry about. Post back with the results, we are always here to help.
_________________
Age 52
Diffuse Large B cell Lymphoma
Stage 2a
Finished six cycles of R chop 21 26th May 2008
Officially in remission 9th July 2008
Remission confirmed 1st October 2008
Remission confirmed 17 June 2009
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=9620
RULE NUMBER 1.....Don't Panic
RULE NUMBER 2..... Don't forget Rule number 1

craftymama4 · Regular Joined: 23 Aug 2009 Posts: 20

Thanks. So of course I am still worrying! Like everyone else. These are my ct scan results, and I am wondering what you all think? Would it say something about cancer on there?
Document Text
CT NECK W CONTRAST

** HISTORY **:
Mass, adenopathy

** FINDINGS **:
AP and lateral scanograms and contiguous 5-mm axial images
obtained through the neck with IV contrast.

There is an enlarged left posterior cervical node measuring 2.3 x
.8 x .9 cm; there is a nonenlarged posterior node which is
superficial on the left measuring 3 x 6 mm. Thre is a right
posterior cervical node measuring .6 x .6 x 1.5 cm. THere are
mildly enlarged jugular nodes measuring 1.2 x .9 on the right and
1.3 x.6 on the left. There are smaller bilateral jugular and
posterior cervical nodes. There is no necrotic change. The pharynx
and larynx are normal. The thyroid is enlarged with probably
small low density nodules bilaterally; the salivary glands are
normal. There are no abnormalities at the skull base or lung
apices.

** IMPRESSION **:
Multiple mildly enlarged jugular and posterior cervical nodes
bilaterally. No other significant findings.

Thanks again!!!

craftymama4 · Regular Joined: 23 Aug 2009 Posts: 20

One more thing ; ),
after my ct scan she asked me if I felt the contrast. And I did, barely though. I have had one several years ago of my pelvic region and remember it being very warm and weird feeling.

craftymama4 · Regular Joined: 23 Aug 2009 Posts: 20

Ok, Ok, just one more thing, lol! Well, actually 2 ; )

I have had achy feeling in my groin for the past week or so, and didn't even think that it could be lymph nodes there. I can feel 2 lymph nodes that feel similar to my neck. Could this be lymphoma? Does it spread to different lymph nodes like this? My pain doc had thought I have fibromyalgia since I have bad body pain, joint pain. I don't know I am confusing myself I think!

Second is that I was diagnosed with a rare skin disease about 8 years ago called Sweet's Syndrome. And at that time they thought I might have Leukimia(sp?). But it turned out I didn't. Usually this skin disease is from something malignant. But I haven't really had any problems with this skin stuff for over 5 years. I do however have a red rash stuff on my forehead. It itches and burns really bad. Not sure if this is related at all to my lymph nodes.

Anyhow, the past week, I really feel like crud : (. Sooooo tired and weak feeling. I can't wait to get my biopsy done so I can figure out what this is and hopefully feel better soon!

Am I worrying for nothing? I just want to be prepared if it is lymphoma. So i know my next step I guess. i am currently breastfeeding my youngest son and he doesn't take a bottle. So, I want to be prepared that if I most likely need to have treatment right away then I better figure out how to get him to take a bottle. I was just planning on breastfeeding him right after my biopsy surgery.

Thanks, for listening. I feel like I am constantly thinking about this and don't know who else to talk to about everything!~

ChemoMan

Hi craftymama4

You need to take a deep breath and relax a bit. No pont in worrying too much at this point as you don't have a diagnosis yet. If you do get a positive then you need to write your questions down so you don't forget them and ask your doctors when you go for your appointment. Your doctor should be able to answer them.

Good luck I am hoping your results are negative.
_________________
Age 52
Diffuse Large B cell Lymphoma
Stage 2a
Finished six cycles of R chop 21 26th May 2008
Officially in remission 9th July 2008
Remission confirmed 1st October 2008
Remission confirmed 17 June 2009
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=9620
RULE NUMBER 1.....Don't Panic
RULE NUMBER 2..... Don't forget Rule number 1

aisha1

Well done for going for the CT.

I thought that it was a bit strange that they only scanned your neck though? When I was scanned, they did my neck and torso.

You do seem to have quite a few lymph nodes popping up, but the fact that your thyroid is involved as well, is not something that I found familiar with lymphoma. Don't want to give you a false sense of security, because everyone is different!

I'm hoping that you will post back with some answers soon, not just for me, but it's good for you to get things dealt with as well.

I am thinking about you and your kids. When you have kids that could be involved in something hard for you, it makes you worry more. I was worrying more about my kids than myself!

Don't panic. Idea

that was my idea that was stolen from chemo man!

Aisha

craftymama4 · Regular Joined: 23 Aug 2009 Posts: 20

Thank you both for your advice Very Happy

!

I do have yet just one more question, he he. I swear, I wont ask anything else until I have that darn biopsy next wed Very Happy

So I am getting the bigger lymph node on my neck surgically removed and biopsied. How painful is this going to be when I wake up? What is the usual recovery time?
The surgeon did say that since this is a diagnostic surgery that there is a possibility that if he finds something more may have to be removed.
I have been taking 6 vicodin a day for 5 years now. So I am worried about being in pain and only having vicodin, since it is basically like 1 tylenol to me these days. And think I may need something a lil stronger at least for the first 2 days.

I want to say thank you guys again, just to know that you are there, is really helping!!!

ChemoMan

Hi craftymama4

I had 2 excisional Biopsies, one under my arm where they took out a bunch of nodes and 1 in my neck where one node was taken out. I would not describe them as painful merely uncomfortable. I was up and atom the next day with both procedures and I never took any pain medication. No certainty here though as everyone is different.

Good luck with the biopsy Smile

_________________
Age 52
Diffuse Large B cell Lymphoma
Stage 2a
Finished six cycles of R chop 21 26th May 2008
Officially in remission 9th July 2008
Remission confirmed 1st October 2008
Remission confirmed 17 June 2009
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=9620
RULE NUMBER 1.....Don't Panic
RULE NUMBER 2..... Don't forget Rule number 1

aisha1

I had a fine needle biopsy done in my chest, but it was rubbish! They didn't even get the mass, and my biopsy results said that they had taken a blood clot and some lung tissue, so the surgical biopsy was a relief!

I was cool. They just sent me to sleep, took a couple of nodes and I was let out the next day. You will feel a bit scared when you have to cough or laugh etc. You feel as though you have to be extra careful. Just keep the wound clean, and you should be ok.

Thinking about you - and want you to know that questions are not annoying. Everyone has questions and it is good to know that someone can offer a response isn't it? Laughing

Aisha. x

craftymama4 · Regular Joined: 23 Aug 2009 Posts: 20

So now I am just waiting till Wed for my biopsy! I somehow feel very calm. I do however want to just get this over with. But I will update on Wed after I have my biopsy. I am not sure how long it takes to get results though. I really should of asked my doctor more questions. But I was kinda in shock when he said he wants to remove the whole thing and didn't really say anything!
Hope everyone is doing well

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