ENT, Lymph Node/Salivary Gland (Parotid) (short)

 ENT, Lymph Node/Salivary Gland (Parodid) (short)

 

    I saw the ENT this week. I was hoping he would biopsy my lymph node. He told me that in order to know if it's a lymph node or a salivary gland, I'd need an MRI, a cat scan, or an ultrasound. I can't have contrast due to my kidney function so he opted for the ultrasound. I though I would just do that locally but he told me I had to do it in the city. I wasn't too pleased with that. I was just there twice and now I have to go back two more times, once for the ultrasound and once for the checkup afterwards. I'm hoping if a biopsy needs to be done it will be done there at that time so this can all be over with.

Arenesp, Lymph Node/Salivary Gland (Parotid) Hemochromatosis

 Lymph Node/Salivary Gland (Parotid) Hemochromatosis

 

 I know I haven't updated in a while. I have been taking Aranesp shots and finally my hemoglobin has come up enough for me to stop them. I went to lung clinic two days ago and I told the doctor I had a palpable lymph node behind my ear. My doctor tried to get me an appointment with my ENT doctor to do a possible biopsy the same day but he wasn't available. So instead, I go next Tuesday.  The doctor also said the lymph node was pretty small so the ENT doctor may not be able to biopsy it. In the meantime I was put on Doxycycline and Vancomycin. The Vanco is to prevent C.diff from the antibiotic. The doxy is to hopefully get rid of whatever bacteria could be potentially causing the lymph node. The docy  has given me some headaches and nausea. To combat the nausea, I am taking some Zofran that I had leftover from the last time I was nauseous. The reason for the biopsy is to make sure this isn't cancer. That part is a little concerning, but I feel in my gut that it isn't cancer. I also had a viral swab done but that came back all negative.

 

    I also received an email from my coordinator saying that upon a second look, my MRI of my abdomine showed I had hemochromatosis. This is a condition where your body absorbs too much iron and stores it in your organs which could become a serious problem. I have to make an appointment with a liver doctor as my coordinator said this is a liver issue. They may want me to do genetic testing as well as this could be hereditary.