About a week after my son had his 1 year immunizations, he formed a reaction at the site of injection on his thigh. The lymph node in his groin also enlarged to about 2 cm. He was given antibiotics and the reaction went away....however his lymph node remained swollen. We came back to the doctor a month later and was refered to an oncologist because the node was still enlarged. The oncologist suspected that it was just a reactive node, saying it felt soft and was easy to move. My son has also had eczema on his legs since he was 6 months old. The oncologist believed the node was reactive to either the immunizations, the infection, or his eczema. She said to come back in a month for follow up. We just went back and since the node is still enlarged (it has now been 3 months at the same size) she is receommending a biopsy. I am a nervous wreck!!! I would really like to give it more time, as I believe his lymph nodes swelled as a result of his immunizations, but my husband and I are scared to overlook an oncologists' recommendation. Any thoughts or opinions would be very appreciated. Thank you so much!
Thanks everyone...we scheduled the biopsy that will take place the last week in April. I will let you all know how it goes. I just want to clarify that the reason we were hesitant to schedule the surgery is not because of our worry....it was because we are so terrified of the possible effects anesthesia may have on a toddler so young. But of course the risk of cancer outweighs the risk of being put to sleep.
If it was my son with something like that I would have the biopsy done. My oldest son had to have one done in his groin area cause of a skin condition. It was not bad at all. And left minimal scaring. I can understand being scared but to me I would rather know it is nothing then not know and it really be something.
Good luck and God Bless!!!
You don't overlook a oncologist's recommendations. Eczema can cause problems like this though it is rare, and the immunizations just may have been the "trigger" that brings this problem to light. If this is the case, the immunization may have brought the problem to your attention, long before it would spread to other lymph nodes. That is a godsend to you.
Hopefully, there is no issue of cancer. But you HAVE to have the biopsy done. Take the bull by the horns and schedule it. That's the way to get over the nervous wreck part. And when this is resolved, find a specialist to help with the eczema. Don't continue using the same doctor for it that you have up until now.
Saying prayers for your little guy - and for you too!
Sending you strength.
I personally had a lymph node stay swollen over a year one time so they can take a really long time to go down. However, why not have the biopsy just for peace of mind?
I know this is very scary for you and your husband, but this is an oncologist and it has been months, Just do it.
As parents we worry a lot more than necessary, but we must be strong and do what is best for our child, not what WE need..
Just put on a smile, be positive and make this as least traumatic as possible.
They do these things all of the time.. He is going to be fine. Your attitudes will be 90% of the experience.
I would do it as soon as possible! I know it's nerve-wracking and scary, but it's already been 3 months, so I would do it without delay. You're probably right, but put all of your minds at ease and find out for sure. Good luck with everything!
have it done as soon as possible-and put your fears to rest!
