Swollen Lymph Node

[Shari-Lt]

I was diagnosed 2 1/2 years ago with CLL. Not much has changed in my life. Just blood draw every 6 months with specialist check up. But I found a swollen lymph node in my neck this morning. Does this mean my CLL is progressing? I don't have my next appointment till August. Wondering if I should call my specialist. 😕

[cajunjeff]

While there are many other reasons than Cll one might have a swollen node, swollen nodes are a symptom of Cll and Cll would be the prime suspect in my book.

Yes I would report this change in condition to your doctor. I doubt your doctor changes your visit date, but you never know. A node popping up could be a sign your Cll is advancing, but people can go without treatment for many years with swollen nodes here and there. And they can wax and wane on their own.

Perhaps the worst part for me with my first swollen node was that it was a palpable reminder of having Cll, peanut size that it was. I never had a lot of nodes I could see or feel, but was very happy to see the few I had melt away within a few weeks of starting Ibrutinib. That’s not to say you are nearing treatment just because a node popped up. But I think it’s always a good idea to tell our doctors about any new possible Cll related symptoms we get.

[Poodle2]

Hi Shari-Lt, I was diagnosed nearly a year ago and had a similar issue recently - look up my previous posts. It was "just" CLL but I would mention it to your doctor too as I ended up having an ultrasound biopsy.

CajunJeff and others put my mind at ease then. Great we have this forum as I was freaking out before posting here.

Hope it's nothing to worry about but...it sucks as it's a daily reminder of this disease.

[ygtgo]

Hi Shari

Three years into my CLL journey, the same thing happened to me.

I found a swollen node in my neck and contacted my consultant who asked me to come and see him.

That was 11 years ago ... I'm still on watch & wait.

I would call my specialist if I were you ... get it checked out.

Me 'nd the wee lump went from 6 month check ups to once a year.

ygtgo