swollen lymph node on vemurafenib

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  • Post
    • October 9, 2011 at 9:01 am
    deardad
    Participant

      Hi just a bit alarmed that my dad found a swollen lymph node in his neck tonight after three weeks on vemurafenib. Two small tumors on his body have flatterned out completely but now we have found this lump in the neck? He did have a sore throat for a week before but everyone is so stressed out! Does that mean BRAF isn't working or are we just being overly worried? Im so over this stupid disease and its so heart breaking to see my dad and mum go through this…any information would be helpful please.

      Daughter of the patient.

      Nahmi in Melbourne.

      Hi just a bit alarmed that my dad found a swollen lymph node in his neck tonight after three weeks on vemurafenib. Two small tumors on his body have flatterned out completely but now we have found this lump in the neck? He did have a sore throat for a week before but everyone is so stressed out! Does that mean BRAF isn't working or are we just being overly worried? Im so over this stupid disease and its so heart breaking to see my dad and mum go through this…any information would be helpful please.

      Daughter of the patient.

      Nahmi in Melbourne.

    Viewing 2 reply threads
    • Replies
        • October 9, 2011 at 10:20 am
        FormerCaregiver
        Participant

          Nahmi, a swollen lymph node can be caused by things other than melanoma such as an infection. What part of the neck is the swollen node located? Is it painful or itchy at all?

          I feel that it is too early to tell how well a BRAF inhibitor is working after just 3 weeks. When is your dad seeing his oncologist again?

          Best wishes

          Frank from Australia

          • October 9, 2011 at 10:20 am
          FormerCaregiver
          Participant

            Nahmi, a swollen lymph node can be caused by things other than melanoma such as an infection. What part of the neck is the swollen node located? Is it painful or itchy at all?

            I feel that it is too early to tell how well a BRAF inhibitor is working after just 3 weeks. When is your dad seeing his oncologist again?

            Best wishes

            Frank from Australia

              • October 9, 2011 at 11:18 am
              deardad
              Participant

                Hi Frank,

                The node is located on his neck just under the jaw. He said it was a bit sore to touch (but he has been touching it all day), but no mention of it being itchy. He only noticed it while shaving. He's back to see the oncologist  in on the 17th of October and is due for an MRI this thursday for the neurosurgeon. He has already had an MRI and CT before commencing the drug 3 weeks ago (we never got those results) and this MRI for Thursday was booked as a routine scan 3 months post craniotomy. I'm not really sure why the neurosurgeon can't use the results of 3 weeks ago? I'm just feeling pretty flat and worried at the moment. I'm trying to remain positive but my mum isn't coping at all and I'm kind of holding her up as well.

                I know I'm not alone in this and you are all affected in some way by this disease and my heart goes out to you. I am very grateful that you take the time to respond Frank.

                Nahmi in Melbourne.,

                • October 9, 2011 at 11:18 am
                deardad
                Participant

                  Hi Frank,

                  The node is located on his neck just under the jaw. He said it was a bit sore to touch (but he has been touching it all day), but no mention of it being itchy. He only noticed it while shaving. He's back to see the oncologist  in on the 17th of October and is due for an MRI this thursday for the neurosurgeon. He has already had an MRI and CT before commencing the drug 3 weeks ago (we never got those results) and this MRI for Thursday was booked as a routine scan 3 months post craniotomy. I'm not really sure why the neurosurgeon can't use the results of 3 weeks ago? I'm just feeling pretty flat and worried at the moment. I'm trying to remain positive but my mum isn't coping at all and I'm kind of holding her up as well.

                  I know I'm not alone in this and you are all affected in some way by this disease and my heart goes out to you. I am very grateful that you take the time to respond Frank.

                  Nahmi in Melbourne.,

                  • October 9, 2011 at 11:51 am
                  FormerCaregiver
                  Participant

                    Thanks, Nahmi. My guess is that the node could be inflamed due to an infection from the sore throat that your dad has had. It might also be due to a new dental infection. So, please try not to worry too much. However, it would be wise for your dad to contact his oncologist about this soon. Perhaps antibiotics could help?

                    I think that the neurosurgeon simply wants an updated scan to get the most current info about what's happening.

                    You are definitely not alone, and the people here really understand how you and your family might be feeling at the moment.

                    Take care

                    Frank from Australia

                    • October 9, 2011 at 11:51 am
                    FormerCaregiver
                    Participant

                      Thanks, Nahmi. My guess is that the node could be inflamed due to an infection from the sore throat that your dad has had. It might also be due to a new dental infection. So, please try not to worry too much. However, it would be wise for your dad to contact his oncologist about this soon. Perhaps antibiotics could help?

                      I think that the neurosurgeon simply wants an updated scan to get the most current info about what's happening.

                      You are definitely not alone, and the people here really understand how you and your family might be feeling at the moment.

                      Take care

                      Frank from Australia

                      • October 9, 2011 at 12:18 pm
                      deardad
                      Participant

                        Ok thanks…I'm going to try not worry (until I have too) and I'll make sure dad contacts Peter Mac tomorrow.  Hoping all get some peaceful rest tonight (I know my mum won't sadly). When someone you love gets sick, it really turns everything upside down. You grieve the peace you ignorantly once had when everyone was well.

                        Nahmi from Melbourne

                        • October 9, 2011 at 12:18 pm
                        deardad
                        Participant

                          Ok thanks…I'm going to try not worry (until I have too) and I'll make sure dad contacts Peter Mac tomorrow.  Hoping all get some peaceful rest tonight (I know my mum won't sadly). When someone you love gets sick, it really turns everything upside down. You grieve the peace you ignorantly once had when everyone was well.

                          Nahmi from Melbourne

                          • October 9, 2011 at 2:57 pm
                          Laurie from maine
                          Participant

                            HI,

                            I have been on vemurafenib for over 2 months.  The first month I did get a strong sunburn and developed a lump on my hand. I was petrified it meant things NEW things were growing, but at same time lump appeared lump in my breast had disappeared..  The lump in my hand disappeared after a couple of days (BUT I am not sure if my lump was a reaction to my bad sunburn which may have caused fluid build up in my hand – so my lump may be  unrelated to your dads lymph node lump)   I DO understand the fear of thinking it isnt working, but remember he has only just started taking it.   I am hopeful that the lymph node is just a sign of the cold he was fighting and will go down soon.

                              I just found out at my 2 month scans that my tumors have shrunk by over 50%.  So please pass that along, it helps to hear good results at a time that you are feeling scared.

                            I feel bad for your mom, it is hard to feel helpless when someone you love is sick or hurting,and doubly hard for your to worry about your dad and your mom.   I can see the impact my melanoma has had on my husband and adult kids, it is very hard on all.

                            .I have learned from people on this site that best plan of action  for most of us, is that we research our plan of attack, make the best informed  decision for our disease and then dont look back, stay strong, move forward.

                               For me I really try to see each day as a gift and release the things that I cannot control.  I cannot control whether the medicine works, so I TRY to release that worry/anxiety and Breath.  I do find most times it works for me I try to see just the moment in front of me, the people I am with and the things around me that I love.   

                            Very preachy of me sorry  :O  In no way do I want to minimize how hard it is for your parents and you, you are all in my prayers.

                            keep us posted.

                            laurie from maine

                            • October 9, 2011 at 2:57 pm
                            Laurie from maine
                            Participant

                              HI,

                              I have been on vemurafenib for over 2 months.  The first month I did get a strong sunburn and developed a lump on my hand. I was petrified it meant things NEW things were growing, but at same time lump appeared lump in my breast had disappeared..  The lump in my hand disappeared after a couple of days (BUT I am not sure if my lump was a reaction to my bad sunburn which may have caused fluid build up in my hand – so my lump may be  unrelated to your dads lymph node lump)   I DO understand the fear of thinking it isnt working, but remember he has only just started taking it.   I am hopeful that the lymph node is just a sign of the cold he was fighting and will go down soon.

                                I just found out at my 2 month scans that my tumors have shrunk by over 50%.  So please pass that along, it helps to hear good results at a time that you are feeling scared.

                              I feel bad for your mom, it is hard to feel helpless when someone you love is sick or hurting,and doubly hard for your to worry about your dad and your mom.   I can see the impact my melanoma has had on my husband and adult kids, it is very hard on all.

                              .I have learned from people on this site that best plan of action  for most of us, is that we research our plan of attack, make the best informed  decision for our disease and then dont look back, stay strong, move forward.

                                 For me I really try to see each day as a gift and release the things that I cannot control.  I cannot control whether the medicine works, so I TRY to release that worry/anxiety and Breath.  I do find most times it works for me I try to see just the moment in front of me, the people I am with and the things around me that I love.   

                              Very preachy of me sorry  :O  In no way do I want to minimize how hard it is for your parents and you, you are all in my prayers.

                              keep us posted.

                              laurie from maine

                              • October 9, 2011 at 9:54 pm
                              deardad
                              Participant

                                Hi and I'm very happy that you have had 50% shrinkage and I hope this continues. Yeah maybe we are all just a bit overly anxious. I think you're advice is very valid (even though Im not the patient) I am trying to live the moment and enjoy my dad. He is very fortunate to have seen all his grandchildren and we celebrate that every Sunday for dinner and have for over 15 yrs. He knows that all that matters to him is being with the people he loves and he really does see every day with us as a gift. He actually doesn't show his anxiety and is extremely positive. It's mum who stresses (she is a control freak) so when there's bad news, it takes her days at a time to get out of that hole. So we all end up trying to cheer her up – it's very trying at times.

                                You're not preachy, you're just living the reality of this. I think my dad is doing all these fortunately. Will keep you posted and thank you.

                                Nahmi from Melbourne

                                • October 9, 2011 at 9:54 pm
                                deardad
                                Participant

                                  Hi and I'm very happy that you have had 50% shrinkage and I hope this continues. Yeah maybe we are all just a bit overly anxious. I think you're advice is very valid (even though Im not the patient) I am trying to live the moment and enjoy my dad. He is very fortunate to have seen all his grandchildren and we celebrate that every Sunday for dinner and have for over 15 yrs. He knows that all that matters to him is being with the people he loves and he really does see every day with us as a gift. He actually doesn't show his anxiety and is extremely positive. It's mum who stresses (she is a control freak) so when there's bad news, it takes her days at a time to get out of that hole. So we all end up trying to cheer her up – it's very trying at times.

                                  You're not preachy, you're just living the reality of this. I think my dad is doing all these fortunately. Will keep you posted and thank you.

                                  Nahmi from Melbourne

                                  • October 9, 2011 at 9:54 pm
                                  deardad
                                  Participant

                                    Hi and I'm very happy that you have had 50% shrinkage and I hope this continues. Yeah maybe we are all just a bit overly anxious. I think you're advice is very valid (even though Im not the patient) I am trying to live the moment and enjoy my dad. He is very fortunate to have seen all his grandchildren and we celebrate that every Sunday for dinner and have for over 15 yrs. He knows that all that matters to him is being with the people he loves and he really does see every day with us as a gift. He actually doesn't show his anxiety and is extremely positive. It's mum who stresses (she is a control freak) so when there's bad news, it takes her days at a time to get out of that hole. So we all end up trying to cheer her up – it's very trying at times.

                                    You're not preachy, you're just living the reality of this. I think my dad is doing all these fortunately. Will keep you posted and thank you.

                                    Nahmi from Melbourne

                                    • October 9, 2011 at 2:57 pm
                                    Laurie from maine
                                    Participant

                                      HI,

                                      I have been on vemurafenib for over 2 months.  The first month I did get a strong sunburn and developed a lump on my hand. I was petrified it meant things NEW things were growing, but at same time lump appeared lump in my breast had disappeared..  The lump in my hand disappeared after a couple of days (BUT I am not sure if my lump was a reaction to my bad sunburn which may have caused fluid build up in my hand – so my lump may be  unrelated to your dads lymph node lump)   I DO understand the fear of thinking it isnt working, but remember he has only just started taking it.   I am hopeful that the lymph node is just a sign of the cold he was fighting and will go down soon.

                                        I just found out at my 2 month scans that my tumors have shrunk by over 50%.  So please pass that along, it helps to hear good results at a time that you are feeling scared.

                                      I feel bad for your mom, it is hard to feel helpless when someone you love is sick or hurting,and doubly hard for your to worry about your dad and your mom.   I can see the impact my melanoma has had on my husband and adult kids, it is very hard on all.

                                      .I have learned from people on this site that best plan of action  for most of us, is that we research our plan of attack, make the best informed  decision for our disease and then dont look back, stay strong, move forward.

                                         For me I really try to see each day as a gift and release the things that I cannot control.  I cannot control whether the medicine works, so I TRY to release that worry/anxiety and Breath.  I do find most times it works for me I try to see just the moment in front of me, the people I am with and the things around me that I love.   

                                      Very preachy of me sorry  :O  In no way do I want to minimize how hard it is for your parents and you, you are all in my prayers.

                                      keep us posted.

                                      laurie from maine

                                      • October 9, 2011 at 12:18 pm
                                      deardad
                                      Participant

                                        Ok thanks…I'm going to try not worry (until I have too) and I'll make sure dad contacts Peter Mac tomorrow.  Hoping all get some peaceful rest tonight (I know my mum won't sadly). When someone you love gets sick, it really turns everything upside down. You grieve the peace you ignorantly once had when everyone was well.

                                        Nahmi from Melbourne

                                        • October 9, 2011 at 11:51 am
                                        FormerCaregiver
                                        Participant

                                          Thanks, Nahmi. My guess is that the node could be inflamed due to an infection from the sore throat that your dad has had. It might also be due to a new dental infection. So, please try not to worry too much. However, it would be wise for your dad to contact his oncologist about this soon. Perhaps antibiotics could help?

                                          I think that the neurosurgeon simply wants an updated scan to get the most current info about what's happening.

                                          You are definitely not alone, and the people here really understand how you and your family might be feeling at the moment.

                                          Take care

                                          Frank from Australia

                                          • October 9, 2011 at 11:18 am
                                          deardad
                                          Participant

                                            Hi Frank,

                                            The node is located on his neck just under the jaw. He said it was a bit sore to touch (but he has been touching it all day), but no mention of it being itchy. He only noticed it while shaving. He's back to see the oncologist  in on the 17th of October and is due for an MRI this thursday for the neurosurgeon. He has already had an MRI and CT before commencing the drug 3 weeks ago (we never got those results) and this MRI for Thursday was booked as a routine scan 3 months post craniotomy. I'm not really sure why the neurosurgeon can't use the results of 3 weeks ago? I'm just feeling pretty flat and worried at the moment. I'm trying to remain positive but my mum isn't coping at all and I'm kind of holding her up as well.

                                            I know I'm not alone in this and you are all affected in some way by this disease and my heart goes out to you. I am very grateful that you take the time to respond Frank.

                                            Nahmi in Melbourne.,

                                          • October 9, 2011 at 10:20 am
                                          FormerCaregiver
                                          Participant

                                            Nahmi, a swollen lymph node can be caused by things other than melanoma such as an infection. What part of the neck is the swollen node located? Is it painful or itchy at all?

                                            I feel that it is too early to tell how well a BRAF inhibitor is working after just 3 weeks. When is your dad seeing his oncologist again?

                                            Best wishes

                                            Frank from Australia

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