Hi everyone,
I hope you don’t mind me posting here but I’m at a loss at what else to do.
3 weeks ago I discovered a golf ball sized lump at the top of my 3 year old sons throat, almost under his chin.
Since then he has had 6 trips to A&E one of which resulted in a stay in hospital for IV antibiotics. He has had 3 ultrasounds and is currently waiting for an MRI through an ENT specialist. According to the doctors this lump has become infected twice which has not responded well to antibiotics.
My main concern are my sons symptoms. Alongside the large lump he is experiencing extreme night sweats to the point where I have to change his clothes, a terrible cough which ends in his retching or gasping for breath for 3 weeks+ with no sign of going, he has completely lost his appetite and I found out today through a visit from the health visitor (by my request) that he has lost weight for the first time ever. He is also unusually tired for him. I was also informed that the lymph nodes at the side of his neck are swollen too.
Because my son is not running a consistent temperature or unwell in himself I don’t feel like I am being taken seriously. He is due his MRI any day but we have already been waiting 2 weeks.
I have taken him to A&E 3 times this week alone for problems ranging from breathing problems to change in size of the lump. I’m feeling very disheartened and exhausted but I can’t give up. Should I be pushing more to get this diagnosed? Or should I just wait for the MRI?
I hope this made sense, any advice or words of reassurance would be massively appreciated
From a very tired, worried mum.
Hi HSJ13 and welcome to the Online Community but so sorry to read about the challenges your son and indeed you are having. Navigating the NHS system can be both challenging and frustrating.
You will see that the picture has been removed by the Macmillan Community Admin Team...... as the members on the Community are asked not to make any attempt to diagnosis or give medical advice as we can only relate to our first hand experiences in our health challenges.
It is good to hear that he is waiting for an MRI....... you need to push this just to ensure it does not fall in between the cracks in the NHS as an MRI would be a good step in the right direction to getting some answers.
This is a stressful time for you, I know this well as out four granddaughters all under 11 have had various unexplained lumps, bumps, and infections come and go and I am pleased to say that nothing has been found and I hope this is the same for your son.
It’s a challenging time for you so you may want to use the Macmillan Support Line open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00. This service provides practical information, emotional support or just a listening ear.
Do get back to me if you need further help or want to chat ((hugs))
