Any thoughts on enlarged lymph nodes?

[mom_in_ma]

Hi gang,
I've been lurking on and off, but haven't posted much lately. I've been feeling really good and managing my IC. But, I'm hoping all of you nurses out there can help me stay rational about this one...

A couple of months ago I found two enlarged lymph nodes by my right collar bone and two more very close to them in my neck. They are about the size of a small pea. They aren't growing, but my neck gets sore because I find myself checking them all of the time. Of course, that makes me check them even more!!!

Two weeks ago I had them checked out by the doctor. He said that he wasn't that concerned because they are small and soft and palpable, but that they are in an odd location. He did a complete blood panel and said the results were in his words, "perfect." So, the diagnosis was to watch them for four weeks. If they are still there or have grown, then we would talk about a biopsy.

All that said, I did a stupid thing and googled enlarged lymph nodes...of course the word "lymphoma" crept up over and over and over and over. Now, I am completely freaked out and am a total stress case. I'm considering calling my doctor and just plain begging him to biopsy them just so that I can calm down.

So...help. Am I being totally irrational? OR should I call tomorrow?

[Betsie]

I imagine your Dr is going on the tests he has done and the physical appearance.

However, that being said, if you are going to be miserable and can't wait the 4 weeks, by all means just tell him you need further tests right away. Explain your fears. While it is probably safe to trust him on the time frame, only you can understand your body and your emotional connection to it. trust your instincts, the worst is that you have someone say "I told you"...but who cares, if you feel better.....hang in there and get done what YOU need, not your Dr. :kissing:

[vm]

My youngest son (now 4) has a couple in his neck. I FREAKED out when I read the stuff on the Internet, but my doc said the same thing yours did - that as long as they were small and soft and the blood work came back OK it was most likely fine.

But, if you are very worried by all means have the biopsy done. I know how worrying is - it robs you of good times, so ask about the test if you think you'll continue to worry. :kissing:

[mom_in_ma]

Kim and Betsie,
Thanks so much. I've got a call into my doctor to ask about just moving forward with testing to ease my mind. And Kim, thanks so much for telling me about your son. It helped to hear that the doctors had similar information.

Ugh, information on the web can be wonderful and lifesaving (as in the IC-Network!) but I think it's also giving me med school syndrome!

[vm]

LOL! I am the same way with my "research" - it's mostly helpful for me, but other times I am led to info that does nothing but terrify me!!!! :lmao: Good luck with your testing! :)

[2flyingdogs]

Hi Mom in ma,
I understand your fear because I have had the exact same symptoms (and did the same Google search...lol). My lymph nodes were swollen for more than two months, they have finally gone down. I also had a low-grade fever the entire time and felt really rotten, it was all I could do to go to work. My IC was also as bad as it has ever been. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia several years ago, and after many tests I think that my swollen lymph nodes and fever may have been due to an FM flare.

I do not know what your situation is, but if you are also experiencing soreness throughout your body you might talk to your doctor about FM.
Good luck and I hope you feel better soon!