Hi, I have a swelling on my left hand side of my neck. It's soft, not a lump as such just a swelling. I haven't been ill or had any signs of infection. I'm absolutely terrified. I have two little boys 2 and 3, and I'm so scared I'm going to be diagnosed with cancer 

My lymph node is not soft, I do think that is changes in size slightly (although it's hard to rely on touch alone). I am aware that these nodes are sensitive to being prodded and poked so I have avoided doing so.  I will be thinking of you at 6pm, it's good to hear that the ultrasound went well, did the radiologist provide some feedback at the appointment you attended? 

xx

Hi Sophie

I'm also feeling very scared but I'm trying to distract myself as much as I can. Do you have an ultrasound booked or an appointment with ENT? I guess we are all here for each other and that's so important and that we can reach out to one another  as often as needed. Xx

Hey 

thanks for getting back to me! I've noticed mine changes size alot when I touch it too much it goes from being really soft and Mobile to quite hard when I keep pestering it. I've had this node come up for years when I get sick but this time my heads gone into overtime. The radiologist said it looks perfect was in the normal range just slightly bigger than my others. That it would almost be too small to biopsy but that's why I'm talking about today if there's any chance for it to be done! I really hope you're ok, this anxiety is so worrying an awful worst I've ever felt in my life xx 

Have you had any tests done? Please don't be worried and try think as positive as you can I'm really not doing good either! it makes you appreciate your life so much more doesnt it? Really sending you my thoughts xx 

Hopefully you will feel more reassured after the appointment, it sounds like promising news from the ultrasound. 

I have never noticed this particular lymph node before and my GP suggested waiting and watching for 3 weeks before referring me to the 2 week pathway. He was quite reassuring however the ENT (telephone appointment) used language like 'ruling out anything sinister' and that sent me into overdrive. Is your raised lymph lower or upper neck? Xx

I have an ultrasound a week tomorrow and I honestly feel completely overwhelmed with anxious thoughts, not all the time but when I allow myself too.  I've downloaded an audiobook, listened to podcasts, and keeping busy when possible.  If you are able to distract yourself it may help. I can't believe we have a bank holiday weekend approaching, for me that will be hard.  
I will keep you and all of us, in my thoughts and prayers xx

Hi Riley,

I am delighted to hear that you can swallow again. It's amazing just what symptoms anxiety can add to the mix at times like this. I am glad to hear that you can lose yourself in your audiobooks, as having a distraction does help the time to pass.

I shouldn't think that you'll have long to wait for an appoitment with ENT after you've had the ultrasound. Have you tried doing a jigsaw or some equally time wasting project over the holiday weekend? You can lose yourself in a project like this quite easily.

Don't worry about the ultrasound itself. It is a very easy and straightforward procedure. I had one yesterday. My appointment was for 10.10am and I was home for 10.30am. I now have the worrying 10 day wait for results.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine 

Did the radiologist provide any feedback during the ultrasound and did they aspirate the lymph node? 
The wait is so hard, I've received a text to say that my ENT follow up will take place a week after the ultrasound, so another 2 weeks to go.  I'm trying to remain calm and distracted (sometimes easier said than done). I may tidy the garage as that's a task I've definitely put off since I dropped a 5 litre tub of emulsion over me and the garage shelves. I think that will no doubt keep me busy for a good few hours. How about you, do you have any projects on the go? I love a jigsaw so may see if I can borrow/buy one xx