little lump in neck
 

Hello-

I found a little mass the size of a small, smushed grape - I can "move" it between my index and middle finger. It's immediately to the top right of the "V" of the clavicle...
My BC was in my R breast.

Onc has me scheduled for a CAT of the neck. He said he was not concerned, but since I was -he would order the CAT.

While I'm at it, I figure I might as well get a brain CAT...

I know I have to wait for the results, the CAT is scheduled tomorrow... but in the meantime, I am really worried.

I am Stage I and I often have seen other ladies on this site go from I to IV practically overnight.

Any similar little masses with anyone ?

Maria

Maria
I am sad to say that this is what happened to me...but early detection has helped me keep it to this area for 4 years now...along with the aid of Herceptin, Xeloda, Taxol, Avastin...It is definately something that needs to be checked...I believe Christine, our founder had her first met in this area, then to the brain, so you are wise to get both tests, although a brain MRI seems to be the test of choice in looking for brain mets.
Neck nodes seem to be stubborn and relentless, and need a careful eye and on and off treatment to keep them at that...mets to neck nodes ONLY! Lolly on this site has also battled mets in this area...you are in my prayers that it is nothing, but I applaud you for taking action and getting it checked.

Sheila,

Did the CAT prove conclusive, or did you get a biopsy too ?

maria

My needle biopsy was inconclusive, so I had a surgical biopsy where they removed 3 nodes in the area...all 3 tested positive for Her2+++ ER-PR- just like my original breast cancer, in which I was node neg with 19 nodes removed. I did not have a CT scan originally, and if you have one that doesn't include the whole neck area, nothing may show. Mine have always been palpable

smart girl
 

Hi Mts,
I really, really hope it is nothing, but you are very smart to get this checked out right away. I too have noticed the number of people who have gone from stage 1 or 2 up to stage 4 very quickly. For me, being NED, is limbo- land.

I get all my aches and pains and bumps and pimples checked out. For me, not knowing, is the worst. I will keep my fingers and toes crossed for you.
Good luck with this.

Sheila,

What type of imaging is done to watch your met's ?

I do have CT scans once a year, but they are not always a good indicator for my neck nodes..(more to make sure no other nodes are enlarged, or other areas with a problem.). I seem to get more with self exam and the onc. checking the area every 2 weeks - every month...palpation has been my best indicator...they can be felt before they present on a CT. I used to have the CA 27-29 and 15-9 blood work done, but it too was NOT reliable for me.

Dear Maria,

I'm so scared because both of us joined around the same time and also have talmost he same user id ( MCS )

I touch myself every day in the shower and I'm always released not to feel anything so I know how scared you are. I, too know how quickly it can move from 1 to 4 in lickety split.

Even our founder, Christine, said once to check around the neck regularly and also under your arms. and I see Sheila remembers this also

Please let us know

XOXO

MCS Maria

I will be thinking of you tomorrow Maria. I understand how things can be fine one day and not so fine the next day but you are being proactive and getting done what needs to be done.

Hugs to you tonight

Hi Maria,

I hope that your scans show that all is well. I too have found a very small node or tiny mass above my clavical - it has been there since july without change so I am thinking it is ok, but will have the onc check it in a few weeks. I thought I found another one on the back of my neck but it turned out to be a bite or pimple or something. I was very relieved since the 2 together really had me worried. Now that I am back to just the one that has not changed size I am feeling more comfortable waiting for my upcoming appt. I am sending you good thoughts and prayers and hope for the best for you. Please keep us posted.

Hugs,
Patricia

Maria,
I know you're concerned - and good for you for being so diligent. I'll be thinking of you tommorrow.

Maria, Sounds like you have a great onc and one that takes your concerns seriously. I'm glad your getting the CT so you can make sure everything is ok. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Update us when you can. I have a feeling all will be ok. :) (Positive thinking.) Hang in there.

Chelee

I am glad you are getting it checked out. Best wishes and I hope it is nothing.

Also, just for a bit of clarity and if I am not mistaken, technically, whether you are stage I, II, or III - the moment you are dx'ed with metastisis, you are automatically considered stage IV from that point forward. So it does literally happen overnight. Yuck.

Sending hugs, prayers and strength to you. I'll be thinking about you tomorrow.

Karen

Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way. I think when we are not stage IV we are in limbo all the time, always wondering when will it come back. It is good you are checking your self that way things can be caught early. I find myself checking things daily, a little obsessive, but that's what this disease does to you. Best of luck with your scans.

I will be thinking of you too. I am also stage 1. I love this group, because I learn what to look out for. I hope this is a false alarm.

Maria, I'm thinking of you and hopeing the scan was clear...hugs to you.

<3 Lolly

Maria my best wishes and I hope everything is OK

Maria,
I am sorry that you have to go through the worry and stress.
Afte dx. we are always concerned with every change. Hopefully
the lump will turn out to be nothing (as your onc thought).
Will keep you in my prayers -

Blessings to You.
Jean

Maria - good for you on getting checking I am oping like mad for you that it's just a little bit of nothing at all.
Bx