freaking out again

[Kimenem]

About 2 weeks ago I found a small, hard, painless lump behind my right ear, more on the head than the neck. There was also a small, flatter one underneath it. EVERYTHING on the internet has something to do with lymphoma and I'm FREAKING OUT!!! I know I need to see the dr but am so scared. I talked to a nurse who felt it and said it's probably nothing; just watch it. Well I feel it several times each minute it seems like. Sometimes they both feel like they're almost gone, then other times they seem bigger. I was doing much better until I started internet surfing. WHY did I do that??? Around the time I noticed these, I had a headache and then a couple of days later my scalp started itching. They almost feel like bone or something. They aren't squishy at all.

 

[kgalas]

(((Kim))) I just wanted to let you know you're not alone. I just spent a whole weekend absolutely convinced I had oral cancer. Of course, I was perfectly fine-as usual! I am a raging cyberchondriac and had all the symptoms (in my mind anyway). I drove my friends and family crazy! I don't know how anyone, especially dh, puts up with me! I'm no doctor, but your skull is a very lumpy, bumpy place. I feel two large bumps right now! And I've thought they were something bad before til dh reassured me they were just part of my hard head Please don't do this to yourself! If you're really concerned, go to your doctor, but don't waste your time and energy self diagnosing. It's an emotional drain. I know-I'm one to talk.

Take care,

 

[diane57]

I agree, DO NOT GOOGLE. I am also a cyberchondriac who has been burned many times googling symptoms that panicked me, and the more I googled the more I panicked, and then of course the symptoms turned out to be harmless. I went to an anxiety forum once and read a study showing that internet searches 99% of the time turn up the most dire frightening diagnoses first, whereas most symptoms are actually not indicative of anything harmful. Wait and see what the doc says - since the nurse did not seem very concerned I think that's a good sign and I'm sure you're fine. I can relate though, I think there's so much health information everywhere all the time it's hard not to think scary thoughts.

 

[Kimenem]

Well normally I wouldn't think anything of it, especially being more on the head than the neck. But I KNOW my body and unless I'm growing new bone, these are new. :-( I also just had some minor ear pain on that side but I don't see how it's possible to have lymph node swelling and it be painless and be caused from an infection you didn't know you had.

 

[gettingfitmom]

call the dr., put your mind at rest. ((((hugs)))

 

[meowracer]

Kim - all sorts of stuff is possible with our bodies. The first thing you should do is leave the bumps alone - messing with them only irritates them and makes them bigger. Remember that nurses know what they are feeling. And there are all sorts of symptoms of lymphoma. Have you looked at a diagram of the lymphatic system? There are several online that will show the location of lymph nodes and what parts of the body drain to those specific nodes. It could just be a cyst or something or a bite, or an allergic reaction to something. Calm down and step away from the internet unless you are checking out diagrams of the lymph system.

 

[RapidBreath]

just go to the doctor

It could just be a pair of cysts. They can occur deep under the skin. My dad gets those. I had one under my arm once. I was convinced it was breast cancer. It wasn't. The scan of my breast was painless and useful. It helped me relax. The lump did not hurt at all. You have little sinuses all over and if it becomes literally gunked up, it can swell.

 

[LaughingWater]

It could just be a pair of cysts.

That was my first thought too. I get them in the head and neck area. I've even had one that got big and persistent enough to have removed (totally gross, by the way).

Usually though, they drain and disappear over time.

((hugs))

 

[Kimenem]

Thanks all. I know these kinds of posts irritate people, especially those who aren't nuts and spend their nights searching the internet for illnesses I was feeling a little better about it last night but the mornings are the worst since I HAVE to get up and can't continue to sleep (which is when I'm not thinking about it). I broke down and took an Ativan so hopefully that will take the edge off. I'm calling the dr this morning.....yet AGAIN. I'm also going to try not to feel them because I was REALLY messing with them last night (pushing, squeezing, etc.). It will be hard when I wash my hair though. Anyway, thanks.

 

[cakebaker]

Get thee....

About 2 weeks ago I found a small, hard, painless lump behind my right ear, more on the head than the neck. There was also a small, flatter one underneath it. EVERYTHING on the internet has something to do with lymphoma and I'm FREAKING OUT!!! I know I need to see the dr but am so scared. I talked to a nurse who felt it and said it's probably nothing; just watch it. Well I feel it several times each minute it seems like. Sometimes they both feel like they're almost gone, then other times they seem bigger. I was doing much better until I started internet surfing. WHY did I do that??? Around the time I noticed these, I had a headache and then a couple of days later my scalp started itching. They almost feel like bone or something. They aren't squishy at all.

...to the doctor like right now! Quit thinking so much!

 

[pixiesis]

I agree with the others. Please stop speculating and freaking out, and please don't touch them anymore. Just go to a doctor as soon as you can. In the meantime, you aren't allowed to search online! As soon as you start freaking out, force yourself to take calming deep breaths, and then do something else. You deserve a break from this anxiety. ((HUGS))

Amy

 

[Kimenem]

I have an appt tomorrow afternoon. Over the last 2 hours, the ear on that side has started hurting a little and also down my jawline. Don't know if it's related or not. I wish I didn't always assume the worst.