Tuesday, March 21, 2006

and another thing



I don't like the look of that lump on the right side of my neck. I don't have any measurements to prove it, but I think it is bigger than it was, and it's certainly bigger than when I went to Houston.



So, here are some pictures that will help me keep track of it. My sister asked me what I think it is: Cancer, I said. If it gets noticeably larger I'll send an email to my docs in Houston and see what they think.

12 comments:

Joan said...

I knew you were going to say that.

It's under the jawline on the right side. I know the pictures are crappy, but since I know what I'm looking at, they're useful to me. On the side view, it's more like a shadow. On the front view, you can see what I'm talking about by comparing the left and right sides -- there's no bulge on the left -- directly below the earlobe.

Joan said...

It is a swollen gland, or more precisely, a swollen lymph node. You're right that glands swell up when you get sick. The thing is, of course, that the swelling is supposed to subside after a while. This lump has been around for at least month and isn't getting any smaller.

Characteristics of cancerous lymph nodes: firm, fixed, and rounded. I had a lot of cancer along the right cervical chain of nodes, and they did identify some suspicious nodes in Houston last month, so I am keeping an eye on this one. If it doesn't go away, that's a good indicator that something unusual is going on in there.

Fitz said...

I don’t see anything? (Im sure your fine)
Don’t be so paranoid (but see a doctor anyway)
This is the Fitz from over at Ann Althouse’s Blog.
Glad you enjoyed the article (and thanks for watching my back)
There’s a lot of interesting work out there from a variety of perspectives.
(gay, libertarian, classical liberal, and left wing) apposed to same-sex “marriage”
Its an important issue (probably THE most important issue) And something I very well may dedicate my life too. (!!!!????!) I’ve already committed myself to a masters thesis on the topic!
Anyway…Here’s a link to a Blog, were I post..

http://familyscholars.org/?p=5656

(my argument there is shaping up to be the subject of my thesis)
Gay marriage and Black Family Breakdown.

nina said...

I'm all about peace of mind. Can't you send the two photos to your doctor now? With a summary of how long the node has been there?

When my brain exploded in a bleed, it took me many many years not to believe that every unusual headache was not indicative of a new bleed. I know the feeling of fear of recurrence.

Aaron Barbee said...

dear joan, glad to find another blogger out there with that mysterious lump, ive got one just behind my left ear but up a lil bit more, what did u docs say? im curious as to what mine is and how bad it may be

Unknown said...

I actually have had an infected gland in my throat stay swollen like that for several months. It wouldn't get better until a doctor gave me antibiotics for it.

I came across your blog trying to figure out why I have this huge lump in the same spot you do (but on the left side instead of the right side). I guess if my sticks around for a while I'll get it checked out.

It's probably a good idea for you to see your doctor about it even if it is just a swollen lymph node. It could possibly be nothing serious but still require a doctor to get rid of.

Unknown said...

Hey,
I have one that I thought was a pimple. It is so itchy...but it has gotten bigger instead of smaller since I have left it alone. I had some rare but benign tumors behind my ear on the same side. I will be very interested to know what they say about yours.
Good luck!
Debbie

Unknown said...

Hi Joan,
I have the same thing going on with me also. Lump on the right side of neck. My primary phys. is sending me to a specialist wednesday to get it checked out. I'm kinda really nervous. How did everything go with your lump? What was it?

Ashley said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

I've had the same looking lump in my neck since Jan. I finally went to the Doctor's yesterday and she FREAKED OUT! I wasn't too nervous about it, but she's in a panic. She told me to make an appointment with my ENT ASAP! She told me don't drive away from her office until I call him. I'm seeing him tomorrow. I wonder what he'll do?

Unknown said...

Went to the ENT today. Thet're sending me for an MRI with Gadolinium (what ever that is?) I also have to get some blood work done. (metoblic panel and a few others) Anywaay, the ENT said it's not from sinus or an inffection and that there's "something there". He wants to see the films in a week. I guess they're not messing around for a change. You might want to go to a specialist too. I don't live in your state, so I can't recommend anyone. But I'm sure there are plenty of ENT's where you're located. God Bless!!

Unknown said...

I just noticed the date of your first post. What ever happened with that lump? I need to know how things worked out for you. Thanks!!