Persistent node

[MelindaB]

so, I'm pretty sure everything's going to be fine, but my CT scan last week showed one axillary node that's not shrinking, so having a precautionary biopsy later this week. Dr. just wants to know my CLL isn't transforming to Large Cell Lymphoma. I'm being treated with Venetoclax for my fourth go-round with CLL since late 2013. Any thoughts?

[Bubnojay]

Hi MelindaB

Not able to comment other than you seem to be in very good hands, following up as they should.

I can however sympathise and hope your biopsy shows nothing to worry about.

Very best wishes

Bubnjay1

[MelindaB in reply to Bubnojay]

Thanks, I bet it’ll be fine

[Jm954 Administrator]

Good to have it taken out would be my thoughts. Sensible decision as it's so accessible and you'll have the answers you need.

If it was quite large before you started treatment then the middle of the node can become necrotic and never shrinks but it also may not have any viable CLL in it.

[virdieblue in reply to Jm954]

Thank you for that necrotic info - never heard that-

[MelindaB in reply to Jm954]

Thanks, yes and I actually have a few that are still kind of large, and two new ones under my jaw, but he only specified this one as maybe-possibly iffy. He’s the director of blood cancer research here, so there’s that. I’m sure he’s just being prudent. It just kinda gnaws at me a little that there’s even a little concern.

[MelindaB in reply to Jm954]

Excellent information. Thanks.

[virdieblue]

I have 2 under arm nodes that are much smaller but don't seem to vanish entirely. My Dr. has not suggested a biopsy. Should I request one?

Virginia

[Jm954 Administrator in reply to virdieblue]

It depends on so many things - the response of your other nodes, your treatment type, how big they were to start with etc etc. However, you can talk to your doctor about why he thinks they haven't gone and take it from there, depending on what they say.

[MelindaB in reply to virdieblue]

I’d ask his thoughts on why they’re still there. It could be that they are shrinking proportionally as others, but were larger to start with.

[lankisterguy Volunteer]

I agree with jm954,

I've attended several forums where NHL expert pathologists begged to get the entire node excised for them to examine. Needle biopsies apparently do not give them enough information about the various layers/structures in the node, and if the node is accessible and easily removed- you have 200 more nodes that will carry the burden. Take it out!

Len

[MelindaB in reply to lankisterguy]

It’s coming out on Friday. 🙂

[virdieblue]

Well now I have something specific to ask-