Swollen lymph nodes in neck

Hello, 

 

I've been following these forums for a while, but this is my first time posting. I found a swollen cervival lymph node approximately 6 months ago, on the left side of my neck. I kept an eye on it but I was too scared to go to the doctors, which I know is ridiculous, but I have anxiety and I suppose I just wanted to block it out. It's about the size of a pea at its biggest. It hasn't got any bigger, if anything it sometimes feels smaller and fluctuates in size, however a few more small one's have now popped up. Also the lymph nodes under my jaw are now quite swollen and tender. I did have covid about a month ago, and I've only noticed these new ones since then, however they are still there and now I'm worried sick. 

 

I've just seen the doctor, who had a feel and has referred me for an ultrasound and also a chest X-ray as a precaution. I knew he was going to do this, from reading all of your posts on here, however as soon as he did I broke down, as it made it feel so real. I know that's the only way to find out, but I have convinced myself that it's something serious and I can't ignore it anymore. I'm just so scared. I don't know what I'm looking for really, but I know many people on here have had similar experiences. If anyone would like to share their experience or if you're going through the same right now, then maybe we can support eachother. Thanks for reading. 

Parents
  • Just an update in case anyone comes across this post. I will keep updating, as I know this forum has helped me so much and its always good to hear the final outcome, either way. 

    So, I called the hospital and I'm booked in for a chest x-ray in a few weeks. However, the ultrasound of my neck is going to be at least 16 weeks! So I have called a private hospital and I'm going to have my scan done there to speed things up. 

    I checked my notes from the GP on my online records and the GP is concerned and put the referral through as URGENT. However, there is also a comment stating 'doesn't appear to meet the 2ww criteria.' So although this is a good sign that the GP hasn't put it through as the two week referral, during my appointment he was concerned and said he wanted it done urgently. So on the one hand I'm thinking I should just wait as the GP can't be that concerned, but on the other hand, there is no way I can wait 16 weeks with this worry. So the cost of the scan will be worth it, even if just to save me 16 weeks of worry and give me some answers. Apparently I'll get the scan results there and then. X 

  • Hi, I am also playing the waiting game for a swollen lymph node diagnoses. My lump is in the right side of my neck and has been present for around 6/7 moths but getting bigger.

    I had a GP referral (non urgent) for an ultrasound which happened just over a week ago. The Dr took two biopsies and said that my results would be fastracked and the the hospital would be taking over my care. 

    I have an appointment with the haematology consultant on the 24th and the wait is really starting to get me down. I'm trying to stay busy and distract myself but it's tricky at times.

    Sending you strength and support xxx

  • Hi Rose, 

    I just came on to check how you were doing and saw your reply. I am so sorry to hear that, I truly am! You've had such a long wait and been so strong throughout. I'm sure you're relieved to finally have an answer and a plan for treatment, even though its not the news you were hoping for. I have no doubt that you will remain strong and show it the door. You're amazing! 

    I have had my chest x-ray results and they were all clear, so I'm massively relieved. However the GP does want to see me again this week, as he isn't happy that the lymph nodes are swollen around my collar bone since its such a worrying place. So I'm still uncertain, but hoping for the best, especially since the chest X-ray didn't pick anything up. I am going on Friday so we will see what he says. 

    I hope you're well Danielle. I am really hoping that it is due to the covid vaccine - that would absolutely be the best case scenario. And I'm glad your stomach issues have eased a bit. IBS is not pleasant but once you know what works for you it's manageable.

    Sending lots of love to you both xxx 

  • Hi Rose, 

    How are you doing? Thinking of you. Really hope you're feeling okay and staying strong. 

    Lots of love xxx

  • Hi Sally,

    Good luck for your doctors appointment tomorrow. 

    Thanks for checking in :happy:

    I'm OK thanks. I've got my PET scan on Saturday and then I'm back in clinic on Wednesday where I'll probably get my cancer graded and  hear the exact type of Hodgkin's I have. I have found another swollen node,  this time on my collar bone so I think it's travelled a little bit but nothing drastic. 

    I'm having my hair cut very short a week today in preparation and so my children know it was my choice to have short hair before the treatment. 

    They don't know about my diagnosis yet and we're telling them over the weekend. My heart breaks whenever I think about it but we'll get them through it.

    Lots of love xxx

  • Hi Rose, 

    Great idea to get your hair cut short, that way you are taking control. Pick a style you've always wanted and go for it! 
     

    The PET scan and grading will be over with soon and you'll have a solid plan, and be on to treatment. The hardest part is the waiting for results I think, and telling people :-( 

    I hope it goes well on the weekend. If your children are anything like you, they will have a positive outlook and maybe even be a good support to you? As much as our children can be anyway! They will certainly be a distraction! 

    I have a friend who has just finished chemo for bowel cancer. He said it was nowhere near as bad as he thought it'd be. Tbf my dad said the same thing and that was twenty years ago. I know it hits people differently but I think you're going to get through your treatment and be done with this quicker than you think. 


    How are you feeling in a day to day basis? Are you managing alright? 

    And Sal, would like to know how you're getting on too. Great stuff that your ultrasound and x-Ray have both given some reassurance, but I like that your GP is on the ball :-)

     

    lots of love, Danielle xxx
     

  • Aww Rose, I really hope you get some answers at your appointment this week and a plan in place. I hope you're feeling okay in yourself. 

    That's a brilliant idea to have your hair cut, take control and show the children it was your choice. I hope it went as well as possible over the weekend telling the children. They are so much stronger than we believe and I bet you'll get so much strength and support from them, so that even when you feel like you're having the worst day, their smiles will keep you strong. 

    I hope you're keeping well too, Danielle. 

    I saw the doctor on Friday and he is sending me for blood tests and another ultrasound on my neck and collar bone areas. So that is booked for 8th Feb. 

    I'm not massively worried at the moment...I think I'm all worried out! But it is obviously still a concern. My lymph nodes are still raised and it seems like another pops up every day.  I just hope it's from the covid vaccines or from when I actually had covid, but we will see what happens. At this point I would just like an answer. 

    Sending lots of love to you both xxx

  • Hello sallx 

     

    I was wondering if you had an update regarding this? I'm in the same situation as you.

    Im only 21 and had covid in December and my lymph nodes raised at about day 2, since them I feel I've found more and they've not gone down but also not got bigger.

    you can't physically see them only when you press on them. 

    it's all on my right side, just really worried as my doctor gave me antibiotics and said if they don't go down I must see him and not take no for an answer :( just very worried 

    Any advice or help would be appreciated by anyone x 

  • Hello, 

    I'm so sorry you're going through that too. It's so worrying, but try to stay positive. The majority of the time with swollen lymph nodes its perfectly normal and harmless. However if you've read through these posts then you'll see I've worried myself sick, so it's easy for me to say 'try to stay positive', but I know it's very difficult. Of course its important to get it checked out so you've done the right thing. How long have you been taking the antibiotics? 

    No, unfortunately I haven't got an answer yet. I know a lot of people have had swollen lymph nodes after the vaccine and obviously any virus or infection could cause them too. Like you, I feel like I'm finding more and more and they aren't going down. You can't see mine either, but there is sometimes a fullness in my collar bone area where they seem to come to the surface more. Mine are mainly the left side, but they're above my collar bone on both sides. 

    This has been going on for a while for me so it's really good that you're getting it sorted quickly. They could be caused by having covid and being unwell, since you only had it in December and they can take a while to return to normal and sometimes stay raised. It sounds like your doctor is doing all the right things. If you see no improvement after the antibiotics then they may investigate further. 

    I've had an ultrasound and the doctor said they are reactive lymph nodes, and also had a chest xray which was clear. So im relieved about that. But there is still no improvement so I have been referred for another ultrasound and some blood tests. Its so difficult waiting for answers, but we're here if you ever want to talk. Rose and Danielle have helped me so much and it helps to speak to people who know how you're feeling. Xxx

  • Hi Sallx,

    I've been following your post for quite some time now and it had helped with my own anxiety over swollen lymph nodes.

    I also first noticed a swollen lymph node back in June (after my vaccine although may have been there before). I eventually forgot about it and it seemed to reduce but then in October a huge clearly visible node popped up which was rock hard. Had an urgent referral, however by the time I spoke to ENT (phone call not in person) it had gone down so they discharged me! I was reassured after this but I've noticed the original node is still up and is visible when I turn my neck- its super soft and squidgy though. I've been so scared but trying to be brave and booked a doctors appointment for later today! 

    Sorry to hijack your chat, it's just nice to get it all off my mind. I don't want to worry my family! 

    All the best, Chloe x

  • Hi Chloe, 

    I'm so glad these posts have helped you. I hope you get on OK at your doctors appointment. It is such an ongoing worry, especially when you notice more popping up. 

    Like you, I just forgot about it (or ignored it really) until I noticed more. The original one on my neck is also soft and squishy, but the ones around the collar bone are quite hard. I'm glad one of yours went back down again. Hopefully you can get some definite answers. 

    I also kept it to myself for so long, now my partner knows but nobody else. No need to apologise, come back any time you need to talk. Let me know how you get on at the doctors. Fingers crossed you get some reassurance. Xxx

  • I really hope you don't mind me posting. You lovely ladies have been such a support to one another and it's so nice to read how you've been there for one another.

    I also have a lump (doctor thinks lymph node) in the Supraclavicular region and after spending far too long on Google I am extremely worried. I have an appointment with an ENT specialist on Thursday but won't have a scan done that day unfortunately so I'll still be worrying. I feel so anxious because I've also found another lump on the other side of my neck plus I woke up dripping in sweat last night (I know this is a symptom of Lymphoma). I have a cough and had a weird rash appear on the other side of my neck too. I am almost 39 and have two young boys aged 6 and almost 4. They are my world and I am panicking about something being very wrong with me. Originally I saw a nurse who wanted to do the 'wait and see' approach but I pushed for a referral today from a lovely nurse practioner and now I feel at least I have the ball rolling. I only happened to find the lump by chance because I had such bad neck pain following a bout with Covid at the beginning of January. I didn't go to the GP straight away as I wanted to see if it'd go down but it hasn't. I am hoping it's all to do with Covid as I know it can do strange things to our bodies. Horrible having the waiting and worrying though. Hope all of you ladies are doing well and thank you for listening xx

Reply
  • I really hope you don't mind me posting. You lovely ladies have been such a support to one another and it's so nice to read how you've been there for one another.

    I also have a lump (doctor thinks lymph node) in the Supraclavicular region and after spending far too long on Google I am extremely worried. I have an appointment with an ENT specialist on Thursday but won't have a scan done that day unfortunately so I'll still be worrying. I feel so anxious because I've also found another lump on the other side of my neck plus I woke up dripping in sweat last night (I know this is a symptom of Lymphoma). I have a cough and had a weird rash appear on the other side of my neck too. I am almost 39 and have two young boys aged 6 and almost 4. They are my world and I am panicking about something being very wrong with me. Originally I saw a nurse who wanted to do the 'wait and see' approach but I pushed for a referral today from a lovely nurse practioner and now I feel at least I have the ball rolling. I only happened to find the lump by chance because I had such bad neck pain following a bout with Covid at the beginning of January. I didn't go to the GP straight away as I wanted to see if it'd go down but it hasn't. I am hoping it's all to do with Covid as I know it can do strange things to our bodies. Horrible having the waiting and worrying though. Hope all of you ladies are doing well and thank you for listening xx

Children
  • Hello Lovelies, 

    No of course - you are more than welcome to post. The more, the merrier! Maybe a strange expression lol, as of course I wish none of us were in this situation, but it's lovely that we can support eachother. 

    Ahh I'm so sorry to hear you've been going through that. I can completely understand your worry, but we absolutely convince ourselves of the worst and most of the time it turns out to be okay. But the worry is absolutely horrendous and I know its difficult to stop. 

    Hopefully it is all down to covid. Like you said, it can do strange things to our body and I've heard of so many people having swollen lymph nodes after the vaccines too. 

    I hope your appointments go well. Please keep us updated and come to have a chat any time you're feeling worried. Xxx