Swollen Neck lymph nodes

bjj · 04-02-2006, 08:14 AM

Hi

I have two HER2+ results - one negative and one positive. I am assuming I am HER2 positive.

January 2005 I had 16-18mm breast cancer lump removed. It was Grade 2, ER+, axillary nodes were clear. I had radiotherapy, no chemo, no Herceptin.

I had a lump appear on my neck a few months ago. At my annual checkup my consultant said that it was a swollen lymph node. Since then 3 more lymph nodes have become swollen in my neck. My skin is in a mess because tamoxifen makes me itch and I have scratched myself raw in parts. I think the lymph nodes may have become swollen because of this - that's what I keep telling myself anyway. All the swollen neck lymph nodes are on the side that I had cancer.

Should I panic?!! Should I go back to my oncologist?!! Has anyone else experienced this.

Thanks

bjj

Cathya · 04-02-2006, 09:09 AM

I suspect that you do merely have swollen lymph nodes. My son suffers from eczema and had swollen nodes in his neck from this. Your tumor was very small but still my oncologist said that if I had ANYTHING that lasted longer than a couple of weeks he wanted to know about it so it is likely a good thing to have him check it out. You will feel better as well.

Best regards,

Cathya

Ann · 04-02-2006, 01:37 PM

Hi BJJ,

I do not want to scare you but you need to have this checked out. I had swollen nodes in my neck that turned out to be a recurrence. This may not be the case for you but please find out for sure.

Ann

Cathya · 04-02-2006, 01:47 PM

Ann;

I had (I assume it's gone following radiation, chemo, herceptin etc.) a 1 cm tumor in my supraclavicular node. My onc keeps checking my neck and is now doing a brain mri. I wonder if things move up from the supraclavicular node? Where was your original tumor? How are things for you now?

Cathya

Ann · 04-02-2006, 02:21 PM

Cathya,

My original tumor was 1.3 cm in left breast in 1997. In 2004 I found swollen lymph nodes in left superclavical area. I went through chemo, radiation, chemo. I am now on Herceptin and doing fine.

I have read on this message board (I believe it was founder, Christine) that there is a greater risk for brain metasis(sp?) when left superclavical nodes are involved. I have not had MRI of the brain butI plan to request one this week when I see my onocologist.

I hope everything is going well for you. Again, I do not want to scare anyone but it is best to have swollen nodes examined.

Ann

Cathya · 04-02-2006, 02:28 PM

Ann;

Thank you for responding. It was my "left" supraclavicular node!! Darn. I'll do a search for that information. I appreciate the info....although I would rather it be different....lol.

Cathya

Sheila · 04-03-2006, 05:42 AM

Cathya and Ann

I also have enlarged nodes in the Left supraclavicular area...I was diagnosed in 2002, Left mastectomy, clear nodes, 7mm tumor Her2 3+, ER PR neg.
My first recurrence was to my neck nodes 1 1/2 years later, and I have been on Herceptin ever since....now Xeloda has been added to keep the nodes from enlarging....if you do a search, you will find that Lolly has also had alot of problems with the neck nodes. Hope this helps....do get the brain MRI...I just had mine!

bjj · 04-03-2006, 06:13 AM

Thanks everyone for your postings - I really do appreciate your help and support.

I think I need to get an appointment with my oncologist to get checked out. Fingers firmly crossed that I am ok and that it's not a recurrence.

Best wishes

bjj

Ann · 04-03-2006, 07:31 AM

BJJ,
I will keep my fingers crossed for you too!

Sheila,
Thanks for the information. I am planning to have the brain MRI.

Ann

Cathya · 04-03-2006, 10:29 AM

BJJ, Ann and Sheila;

Thank you so much for all the info. There are so many symptoms that suddenly seem to make sense to me....it's scarey really. I am getting an MRI in the next number of weeks. Let's keep in touch.

Cathya

Lolly · 04-03-2006, 12:47 PM

Hi, as Sheila said I'm one who has also had repeated recurrence to neck and supraclavicular, plus right axilla...I've found that the most accurate imaging device for these stubborn spots is PET, althouth now my treatment center has PET/CT fusion so that's what I'll get next time. We have done biopsies to confirm, and I would recommend at least a fine needle aspiration for this purpose, but try to avoid excisional biopsy unless your oncology surgeon has strong recommendations for this, and then get a second opinion...the reason for caution is there's potential for nerve damage in this area.

Do get these nodes checked out, and ask for a brain MRI while your're at it to set your mind at ease.

<3 Lolly