colon cancer spread to lymph node nodule in neck

FormerMember over 5 years ago

2 replies
124 subscribers
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Hi all,

I had colon cancer 3 years and had an operation to remove part of the large bowel then adjuvant chemo after surgery. About 5 weeks ago I was diaqnosed with cancer again as I have enlarged nodule on lymph node in neck and also enlarged lymph node on abdominal wall. They are not sure whether it is secondary cancer from bowel or not as apparently it is very rare to go to the neck like this. I have had biopsies and various scans and at last a meeting on Monday to see what they have found out and subsequent treatment which is likely to be chemotherapy. firstly I wondered has anybody else experienced this and also is this waiting game normal, as it took 4 weeks to get a cancer diagnosis from my first biopsy and now another 5 weeks for this meeting. I think the fact that I have been getting bad headaches and my sister who is a nurse getting onto them that has encouraged them to see me more urgently now.i think the waiting is the worst. Would appreciate your views or experiences.

Sarah B

court over 5 years ago

Hi Sarah ,

Sorry to hear about your lymph nodes .Hope you get a good plan soon .

The timing Issue seems to change when it’s a possible recurrence. Before that it all follows protocols but when something unusual pops up a different mechanism seems to come into play . I think it’s slowed down a bit as everything then seems to go back through MDT meetings , for a more collective analysis and consideration . It is a protracted process for sure . However what we have found out once the information is gathered and decision made it suddenly speeds up and before you know it the treatment started .

My mum has had a few recurrences and we found it useful to be prepared by asking not only about the treatment plan but other possible interventions like radiotherapy etc when the chemo finishes . It was good to know what other avenues are in the plan of attack .

On a positive note following chemo my mum’s lymph nodes which were reactionary on the scan had not one active cancer cell left .

All the very best with your treatment .

take care ,

Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

FormerMember over 5 years ago in reply to court

Thank you Court for replying to my email, it is very encouraging and sounds good news about your mom. I go today for meeting with oncologist to find out all results and treatment. Nervous but am taking sister and aunty for support as they are both nurses and understand right questions to ask etc.

we have booked a holiday to Germany for last week in July, really hoping this can still go ahead. Maybe they can start treatment as soon as I return. Hoping they will be flexible on this. Wondering about other peoples experiences?

Sarah