Swollen Supraclavicular lymph nodes

Hi, Feeling very scared today as I have swollen lymph nodes in my left clavicle. No lymph nodes up anywhere else! I’m seeing my Onc today (as usual as I’m having treatment today) and I’m convinced it’ll be mets.
I’ve seen GP who said it doesn’t appear to be infection and that I would need a biopsy, which he would advise my Onc to arrange.
I have liver mets, but was doing really well as the lesions are no longer visible on my liver. So I really wasn’t expecting this, it’s a bit of a shock, we’re due to go on holiday two weeks on Sat.

Wendy X

Dear Wendy

Just come across your post - so very sorry to hear how scared you are feeling. I am lucky not to have mets like you but last summer I too had a swollen node and rib pain- bcn whisked me in for an appointment with consultant who ordered a bone scan which thankfully was clear. The swollen node is also a false alarm and he told me to just note any changes as it was probably due to some previous infection - still there but no bigger. I do so hope it’s the same outcome for you and I really understand how scared you must be today - the memory is still so vivid for me. I want you to know I’ll be thinking of you today and hoping you go on holiday as planned - and please let me know how things go.

Seren XX

Dear Wendy

So sorry to hear of this latest problem. I have cancer in my supraclavicular nodes and chest wall. (diagnosed last April.) My first symptom was a lump just above my clavicle bone…when I was examined doctors found more I hadn’t noticed. Hope you can get a biopsy soon…I did find this very painful, so would suggest you ask about susbstantial local anastethetic and maybe tranquillisers? I don’t have spread to major organs showing at the moment.

Its good news that the lesions are not appearing on your liver so hope this is just a scarey blip.

whatever…try to get that holiday.

best wishes

Jane

Hello Wendy

I too had a lump when I was first diagnosed along with a pleural effusion in March 2007 I had the lump taken out under local anasetic so they could carry out tests on the lump. After a CT scan I was found to have spots on my liver and and my abdomen and chest. After a course of FEC most of these reduced. In november the lump in my neck came up again so I went back to the onc who did a scan and he said the lump wasn’t anyrhing to worry about but was a marker. The scan results showed that only my liver mets had increased slightly so I have just been out on Arimdex and Zoladex. I still have the lump but it han’t got any bigger.
So like you I was really worried but it apparently doesn’t seem to be too much to worry about.

good luck
Caroline

Thankyou for your replies. I feel a lot better after seeing Onc today, although he didn’t give me any answers.

He said there is something abnormal there and is arranging a full scan so he can see what’s going on. In the meantime I’m back on Xeloda and he’s happy for me to go on holiday.

My shoulder is aching though and is a bit swollen, don’t know what to do about that???!!!

Wendy X

Hi Wendy

Glad you feel better about things now you have seen the onc. - at least you can now go on holiday knowing that he is happy to let you - that must have given you a boost! Will the scan be when you return ? If so, try not to dwell on it - easier said than done as I well know - and enjoy the chance to have some ‘time out’ from all this, you deserve it!

Sorry I can’t help with the pain in your shoulder, except to say I swear by my wheat bags when my pain is bad - in fact my family probably think I’ve got one permanently attatched to my chest and neck since the mastectomy as I have severe nerve pain- but the heat does help!

Take care
Seren X

Thanks Seren, I intend to thoroughly enjoy my holiday in Florida!!! I Will probably have scan before I go and get results when I return. I feel if he isn’t too worried then I’m not going to be.

I might try a wheat bag, tried an ice bag the other night, I think it froze my shoulder!!!

Wendy X

They did a needle biopsy on the supraclavicular node I had and gave me the result the same afternoon - you could ask if that is a possibility for you?
have a great holiday!

Susie

Hi all.

I’m not sure how active this site is but I need some advice and reassurance.

I found a lump under my collarbone to the left and has grown to about 2x2 cm. I went to the gp when I first noticed it and was told it was nothing to worry about and was that time of year for coughs and colds. Even though I did not have a cold or cough and felt very healthy and active.

So months have passed and I still feel this lump which doesn’t hurt but it’s annoying that I know it’s there but not sure why - taken in for an emergency doctors appointment for a check over and arranged a full blood count tests etc. Following that - the gp asked if I had internet at home and recommended I use the www.patient.co.uk website and to research lymph nodes and lymphoma.

I’m 26 - not daft - had many friends and relatives with cancer and mentions of these words so although I’m not trying to freak out - I’m confused about this whole situation and can’t understand why my gp would say this when we have no results at all.

I would appreciate someone being brutally honest with me and lots of information is welcome along with certain answers and percentages.

Thank you

Hey bon

Yes I was quite surprised. Don’t get me wrong - my gp was very quick to get my bloods done - answered all questions. She did call me the following day from my appointment to rearrange the blood tests which I had yesturday and I get the results tomorrow. To be honest I’m over the shock stage and emotional stage but like my husband said - we don’t know the answers just yet so best to remain positive - focus on everyday with our family. Expecting the worst so if it’s better news - it’s a massive BONUS.

There is a lot of history in my family of many forms of cancer and to be honest - I never fully believe ‘histories’ etc. I’m sceptical but everyone is different.

Thank you again.
Shall let you all know how I get on. Thank you
Talia xx