Enlarged Nymph Node still present after treatment

Hi Tokko425989 and welcome to the group.   It's very early days for you yet so don't worry at all about being able to feel that  the lymph nodes are still enlarged. The radiotherapy doesn't finish working as soon as treatment ends, it carries on working for some time, quite a few months. This can also happen with the tumour itself, it still continues to shrink after the treatment ends.  Sometimes the remains of tumour can still be seen at the time of the first three month scan post-treatment, clearing by the time of the six month post-treatment scan.  If you have any other queries, please ask, we have plenty of experience on here between us.  Bev 

Thanks for your response Bev!  That makes me feel better. I also feel another small lump a few inches below my inguinal lymph node that I don't think was there before - at least I couldn't feel it. I'm worried about this because I think it is new. 

I'm also feeling some slight pains like cramps in my groin area and it is puffy. I am wondering if you think this might me related to lymph nodes.

Thanks. This is a great and informative group. 

Hi Tokko425989 the radiation will also cause the internal area to be inflamed and aggravated which could account for the puffiness and slight pains. However, I would just run this by your treating team to check, give one of the nurses a call. It would be a good idea to mention the new small lump as well, any new symptoms should always be reported. I always found a checking telephone call to one of the Colo Rectal nurses put my mind at rest. Bev. 

Hello Tokko425989 I’m 5 months post treatment so have had my 3 month scan. I had several lymph nodes involved inc both deep pelvic obturator ones. The one on the left was counted as a second tumour as it had grown to nearly 30mm (normally I think they’re about 5mm) . Because of their location these lymph nodes are not removable apparently whilst most others are. So at my 3 month scan there was still a bit of residual cancer going in there and in my original tumour site. I was told that because of the advanced size of both my tumours). My next scan is on 2nd Feb at this scan there should not be any residual cancer left as the radiation continues working about 5-6 months post treatment so fingers crossed.

So it maybe as you’re only one month post treatment that things are still at work in there as 1in500 says. Always speak to your oncologist if you’re concerned at all. That’s what they are there for.  It takes months for treatment to settle so hang in there. Also if there were any naughty lymph nodes they can be removed at a later date. Your onco will be able to put your mind at rest. And don’t worry at your first scan if it’s not completely clear, this is perfectly normal. Good luck darling x 

Thanks you very much for your reply.  I always feel rushed when I am visiting my oncologist and don't get to ask all of the question I want to, or he answers them vaguely so I leave still not sure what's going on. I live in Canada, and at my cancer centre they are very busy and very stressed because of covid, so that may have something to do with it.

I did see my oncologist after writing my initial post and he has ordered an MRI even though it has only been 7 weeks since my last treatment. I think he wants to be cautious since he knows I am concerned. 

Thanks for sharing your experience with me! I wish you all the best!  Please keep us posted on how you are doing.

Take care.

Hi Tokko425989,

It’s good that your oncologist is investigating this further. Hopefully it’ll come back as nothing to be concerned about & your mind can be put at rest.

Nicola