enlarged lymph node

I have colon cancer with mets to lymph nodes only. I have been on chemo. for the past 2 1/2 yrs. My markers have remained stable, i.e. CEA 18-24. The last few weeks I noticed a large distended vein on the left side of my neck(near spot where biopsy was taken.) After another CT scan, it is noted that there is one large node is pressing on various tissues. My oncologist has referred by case to a radiologist for an opinion for its removal. Has anyone had a node removed via radiation/gamma knife/etc.? Thanks.
Sharon

Hello ....

        Just a thought IF you didn't already know....if you can not get your answer on here or would like just to hear what others may have to say. You can Google Colon Club...Its another site LOADED with info from others like here. Good luck and God Bless.

Sharon,

When my cancer first recurred last year, it was in the supraclavicular lymph nodes on the left side of my neck.  Folfiri and Avastin shrunk it quickly and after 10 chemo treatments I had external beam radiation to the nodes.  This year the node started growing again and chemo has once again shrank it.  I personally wanted them to biopsy the node last year to prove it was cancer but my surgeon said that there were too many important nerves, veins etc running through the neck and told me not to let a radiologist biopsy it.  I did have them biopsy my axillary lymph node (under my arm) and that came back as a colon cancer recurrence. I also thought about having my neck lymph node disected but because I had cancer in another spot, they wouldn't do it, and recommended systemic chemo.  After an 8 month chemo break (I was doing well with a CEA under 2) a CT Scan showed that the cancer had recurred in my lungs and pelvic lymph nodes. 

Jack

My wife is 37 now and was diagnosed with stage III at age 34.  The cancer came back to the original site only after 1 year.  Now it is back for the 3rd time in 4 different lymph nodes.  One being in her neck.  She will start treatments on Monday, July 13th.  The folfuri and Avastin. (I think).  Onc says she will need to continue chemo for the rest of her life.  Can you give me any insight on what to expect???  Thank you!

 

Jack, Thanks for responding to my message. I will see a radiologist tomorrow. I do believe I will have radiation daily for three wks. along with the Avastin and Xeloda. I have come to realize that this battle will be a lifetime challenge. This, as you know, is difficult to digest and comprehend. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Keep fighting the battle. Sharon

On 7/9/2009 William8 wrote:

My wife is 37 now and was diagnosed with stage III at age 34.  The cancer came back to the original site only after 1 year.  Now it is back for the 3rd time in 4 different lymph nodes.  One being in her neck.  She will start treatments on Monday, July 13th.  The folfuri and Avastin. (I think).  Onc says she will need to continue chemo for the rest of her life.  Can you give me any insight on what to expect???  Thank you!

 

William, I was told 2 1/2 yrs. ago that I would never be free from the cancer in the nodes. The good thing to remember for me is that no organs are involved. However, it is difficult to think that one will be on some form of chemo. the rest of one's life. I have found I have to concentrate on the good parts of my life: my functional activities are still good, I have a great support system, etc. etc. I am not saying I do not get "down" but I seems to keep adjusting to the problems. I know how difficult this road is............remember, your wife has many people dealing with the same disease. Please have her email me should she want a friend with similar issues. Best wishes. Sharon