7 replies to this topic

[isabel223]

Ok, This may be a silly question, but I'm freaking out a little here. I suddenly today developed a VERY swollen lymph node in my underarm, it hurts to the touch, it protrudes out visibly, and I can feel it there constantly. Some back story though, I've been drinking pretty heavily the last 5 days (I know, I'm an idiot.. My doctor told me I could drink in moderation so obviously my college self took that and ran. I'm planning on not drinking for a while). So I was thinking it could be caused by this. I just got a PCR result back, and after 3 months I was down from 78 to 1.65, which they were very very happy with-- they said I was doing well. All these things considered, I'm worrying now i have lymphoma. I'm just wondering if this is a normal thing to happen, my treatment is going extremely well and my symptoms and side effects are non-existent. I can't tell if its CML related, just me being stupid and drinking related, or something else. Just looking for a little insight here?

[GerryL]

Could be that you've just got an infection going on - too many late nights?  Have a chat with your GP.

And try to look after your liver, the TKIs are hard enough on it as it is. 

[TeddyB]

Sure its a lymph node? Is it red? I get a these lumps under my arms from time to time after starting Gleevec, i think their just blocked sweat or sebaceous glands, but they go away within a few days if i leave them alone.

I too was worried i had lymphoma during treatment startup, i was worried i had a lot of different cancers, but i guess were just stressed out. Talk to your doctor if your in doubt.

As for the drinking, at least give the body and liver some time to recover and try not to do 5 nights in a row, as these pills are pretty hard on the liver as GerryL says. I do drink a glass of wine now and then, and i even got drunk on a few occations after starting Gleevec, but i usually regret it each time, and let the body recover for a few months before i try it again. Of course it will happen again, but i try to stick to wine only, and my liver levels have been fine so far

78% to 1.65% is a great response, congratulations!!

[ChrisC]

Best to get it checked out soon, and get treatment if necessary.

I had a similar situation about five months after dx, when I was still trying to adjust to Gleevec. I had a boil in my armpit, and 12 more on my scalp! Painful. They gave me Doxycyclin and in a couple of weeks they healed.

Yours may be anything, so please get it checked out. Take care

ChrisC

[CallMeLucky]

Could be a number of things, most benign.  The odds of getting CML and then getting Lymphoma are really pretty thin.  I've had lymph node issues from time to time they usually resolve.  What drug are you taking?  Sprycel is known to cause immune system response.  I have pain in my arm part that feels like lymph node since I started taking it, but it has not actually swelled.  Follow up with your doctor since you should be reporting all the weird stuff, especially early on.

BTW - when the Dr said you could drink, I'm pretty sure he meant the occasional beer or glass of wine.  Try not to party hard, your body needs TLC right now to fight the CML and stay healthy.

[Rissa]

It sounds like a boil to me.  I've had a couple.  A hot tea bag might help it drain.  If you try it make sure the tea bag is as hot as you can stand.  It worked for me.  I also used tea tree oil on mine.  Can't hurt to try.

[Trey]

If a person has alcohol intolerance due to Lymphoma, it occurs very soon after taking only a drink or two.  And swollen armpit lymph nodes are rarely involved with either CML or Lymphoma in isolation (more often in the neck area).  Even though the drinking may have been either a cause or contributing factor, you will need to see your doc and have it checked out since armpit lymph nodes can sometimes be a sign of a serious issue.  The suddenness of the swelling and tenderness suggests it is related to a less serious issue, but call or see your Onc or GP  anyway.