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Original poster

Some reassurance/handholding needed please

12 replies

MigratoryCoconuts · 24/10/2018 22:11

I have a small lump on the back of my neck, I noticed it a few weeks ago and I think it's got smaller but it's definitely still there.
Went to doctors who said it's probably a swollen lymph gland. She asked loads of questions, most of which I answered no to which didn't seem to concern her and she's said to keep an eye on it and to go back if anything changes.
I was hoping for a more 'its nothing to worry about' response and I'm now overthinking and worrying about it Sad

OP posts:
LatteLover12 · 24/10/2018 22:20

If she was concerned at all she’d have referred you on to a specialist.

Keep an eye on it & follow her advice - go back if it doesn’t settle.

Hope you’re feeling better soon OP

Original poster
MigratoryCoconuts · 25/10/2018 06:57

Thanks Latte, she's a new doctor at our surgery and I don't think I'll see her again if I can help it, she didn't explain things very well which fed my fear a bit I think

OP posts:
costacoffeecup · 25/10/2018 07:45

I'm in a similar position with a mole/spot on my leg. It's frustrating but I'm trying to believe the doctor when he says it's probably nothing to worry about - it's the 'come back if it's not gone away in a couple of weeks' that I'm hanging on to when really they probably always have to say that! I am trying not to obsess over it, it's on my mind all the time but I'm trying to think that I'll only allow myself to worry about it for ten minutes a day as there's nothing I can do for a couple of weeks anyway. You have my sympathy though, health anxiety is so insidious at taking over!

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Original poster
MigratoryCoconuts · 25/10/2018 11:53

Thanks Costa, it's definitely the wait and see bit that bothers me because I'd kind of already done that before going to the drs. I'm trying to limit myself to prodding it only every other day!

OP posts:
Beeblot · 25/10/2018 13:00

Don't prod it because you can irritate it and make it swell. If you do this enough, it will never go down (not dangerous but obviously anxiety-inducing...this is called a "shotty" node, I think).

I have had massive anxiety about various lumps on or in my neck. I have them in my groin too, like small marbles. Some have been there for over 20 years. Eventually I couldn't stop worrying and went (again) to the doctor, a different doctor, who ordered an ultrasound of the whole lot. They were fine. Some people are just lumpy and sometimes a gland will come up and not go down again. I have one on the back of my head/neck that came up when I had chicken pox aged 7. It is still there!

Hope this reassures you a bit. Smile

Original poster
MigratoryCoconuts · 25/10/2018 16:56

Thanks Bleebot, it does yes Smile and I'll try and leave well alone, it's that kind of thing I thought the doctor would tell me. Another one has come up today behind my ear but that ones painful to touch so thinking maybe I've got a slight infection.

OP posts:
Original poster
MigratoryCoconuts · 21/11/2018 19:15

I'm just coming back to this thread to say I've been back to the doctor's because the lump is still there. Different doctor who said he's not too concerned as its a 'normal' size but has referred me for blood test and ultrasound to either put my mind at rest or to suggest any further investigation that might need doing. He mentioned lymphoma which has scared me a bit. I've been for the blood test today and need to wait for an ultrasound appointment in the post in the next couple of weeks.

OP posts:
TheGirlOnTheLanding · 21/11/2018 22:02

Glad to hear it's being investigated. Hope they quickly rule out lymphoma - definitely better to get it checked out than waiting and seeing, you'll only worry.

furcoatwithnoknickers · 22/11/2018 14:02

Hi Coconuts. Im in the same position as you. Went to GP yesterday with lump in neck that had been there for 2 weeks. She sent me straight in for a chest xray and full blood count and has referred me for ultrasound. I am freaking out! I had kind of expected her to say it was nothing to worry about but she mentioned lymphoma aswell.

Last night I hardly slept a wink. I kept having nightmares about cancer. I dont know how Ill get through the next few weeks waiting for the results.

Let me know how you get on Coconuts. Im sure we will both be fine and just have some weird virus BrewCakeFlowers

Original poster
MigratoryCoconuts · 22/11/2018 16:01

Let's hope so furcoat, I really hope my appointment comes through soon as the not knowing is awful. I slept ok but I kept noticing whenever there was a mention of cancer on bus adverts, on the radio even when someone was talking about a film at work today one of the characters had it, and I got a lurch in my stomach every time.
Fingers crossed for both of us! FlowersCake

OP posts:
Original poster
MigratoryCoconuts · 01/01/2019 12:23

Just to update, I had my hospital appointment recently and the doctor checked my whole neck, nothing unusual anywhere else and said exactly the same as my GP that it's a swollen lymph node that is within the normal range. He did say that it's good that I went as they now have a record of how big it is and if I do notice it getting bigger I'm to go back to my GP. Hope you've had your appointment and similar reassurances furcoat

OP posts:
hairypaws · 01/01/2019 12:25

My 16 year old has one and was told the same. Not sure if she still has it but certainly did for at least a year.

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