Questions Answered

Bump on Macyn's right side of the neck

 Since we still haven't figured out what Macyn's bump is, we have been praying for answers. Last week at her ENT appointment, they still were not sure. They ran a couple of tests - one being negative and one being positive. However, since once came back positive, there was a slight chance she could be contagious. The specialist didn't think she was, but he had to order her not being in daycare, in case she was. He didn't want to be liable. So we had to scramble to find someone to watch her during the day until we found out more information from a different specialist - a Pediatric Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor.

Fortunately, our families stepped up and watched her for us so we didn't have to take off any more work. Today was her appointment in Sioux Falls, and we finally got some answers. They doctor said he is 99% sure that is an atypical mycobacterium. It pretty much means its a bacteria that has taken over one of her lymph nodes. You get it by soil. She most likely was playing outside, got some dirt on her hands, put them in her mouth, and got the bacteria. This is also the explanation of her atypical lymphocytes they saw in her blood work along with her elevated white blood count. This is the reason her second test came back a false positive. She is not contagious and can now continue on in daycare - thank goodness!

Fortunately, she shows no symptoms besides the large mass on her neck. This is a pretty rare thing, and our first ENT doctor has only seen this during his residency in adults, never in kids. The pediatric ENT today said its seen in 1 to 5 year olds who play outside and happen to contract the bacteria. Its seriously one of the strangest things I have ever heard.

After examining the mass on her neck, he decided we should surgically remove it. If its not removed, the bacteria could break through the skin and then they would have to remove a larger part. It is better to get it done ASAP. She would also need to take 10 days of an antibiotic to make sure all the bacteria is gone.

The surgery is going to take 1 - 1.5 hours. They will open up her neck and take out the mass. They will also look for any other lymph nodes in the same area and do a surgery termed "neck dissection." (google for more information). This surgery is done in patients with cancerous lymphoma in order to get all the bad cells from infecting all the lymph nodes. Macyn will be having this same surgery done, except hers is not cancerous (Thank you, Lord!)

As a mom, it naturally makes me nervous. I asked about the risks involved with the surgery in the neck. The doctor said the carotid artery is near there, as well as a jugular vein. He said naturally those are risks, but he reassured me that's the reason he is a specialist, doing this on children. There is also a nerve that will have to be moved that connects/controls part of the mouth. He said the right side of her face may become droopy, but it would strengthen and go back to normal as she grows and the muscles get stronger.

The surgery is Wednesday and she has to stay overnight. Right now I am just relieved to have answers. I'm 100% sure I am going to be one nervous mama the next week! I will try and keep the blog updated if anything else occurs!