Is it lymph nodes or an AVM? (Round 2)

I have been having problems with my right side recently, and I felt a lump in the right side of my neck, so my doctor ordered MRIs of the brain and neck. I picked up a disc and results of the MRI to take to another doctor, but I read the results before taking to the doctor.

There was nothing on the right side of my neck, but the MRI said that what they thought was lymphadenopathy had decreased in size. I was shocked because that was where my AVM had been, and I had been led to believe there were no issues with lymph nodes. So I have been in anguish over the fact that there might be a problem with my lymph nodes, and possibly that problem is cancer.

Fortunately, I had scheduled an appointment with my ENT specialist when I felt a lump in the right side of my neck. His opinion is that it's more likely that either the surgeon didn't get all of the AVM or that the AVM is growing back. He recommended going back to the surgeon, which I am doing tomorrow.

I don't know how the decision is going to be make on this. Probably some type of an angiogram will be involved to rule out or decide if what is now in my neck is an AVM. But if it is an AVM, I'm not sure what to do. When I saw a neurologist in the Indianapolis area and asked for names of neurosurgeons who speciialized in AVMs, he gave me two names, but he said that he doubted that anyone specialized in ones outside of the brain. From being on here for almost a year, I know that there are people who handle AVMs outside the brain. But I'm not sure that I would want to go to someone in Indianapolis for this. On the other hand, there are doctors in Terre Haute who can deal with lymph nodes locally, but the possible consequences are greater.

I'm trying to put this in God's hands since they are mightier than mine, but it's difficult. However, it's much easier since I know that there are people out there dealing with the same issues I am.

All the best,

Debbie

Debbie, I went to an Interventional Radiologist he treated my spinal AVM with a glue I cannot remember the name of it right now. I do know the MAO clinic also studies them in the spine and the skull. You can do a search on line for doctor sthat do them by searching spinal AVMs spelled out or not spelled out. Hope this helps. My prayers are with you.

So sorry that you are troubled by this :frowning: You have been so encouraging to others, and I hope that you will find some encouragement in return. It is so hard not to worry in these situations, AND you are right, our God is bigger even than this situation, so try to leave it with him minute by minute (that’s about how long I seem to be able to leave things at His feet!) and we will pray for you as you sort through all of this. Keep us updated!

Thanks to both of you. I’m feeling somewhat better about things today after doing some research on the Web and prayer. May both of you be blessed today.

Take care,

Debbie

I’ll keep you in my prayers.

Maria

Thanks, Maria!

Take care,

Debbie

Update: the surgeon who removed the AVM said he doesn’t see any evidence that it has returned. However, I am scheduled for a ultrasound of my thyroid gland. The MRI also showed that the nodule has gotten larger. Hopefully, the ultrasound will show that there’s nothing to worry about.

Thanks everyone!

Debbie