Okay. I might be over reacting but I'm only 16 and I am VERY afraid.

To me, my mom is the most important person to me in the world. She's the only person I have. The rest of my family are in another country and my dad...well he's just a jack*ss who doesnt care and I havnt lived with for 13 years. So basically, i'm pretty sure by that you know how important my mom is to me.

Well today was my moms birthday. My stepdad was giving my mom a back massage and discovered a lump (about the size of a small bouncy ball) on her neck. She said it wasnt painful at all. I looked this up on the internet (which is not always the most resourful source) and cancer is what i got.
My moms side of the family is like cancer island. So it wouldnt be odd if she got cancer. My mom doesnt drink nor smoke...but her dad did smoke like a chimney when she was growing up. Maybe that effected her?
She's had alot of stress in her life. I just dont know what to do.
I'm obviously taking her to the doctors but I'm scared of getting a crappy doctor who goes "Oh! It's nothing" than five months down the road "Oh! its cancer...whoops too bad." I just dont want that to happen. She's the only one I trust. I grew up with no body else. I feel akward around everyone else in the family. So far to the clinics I've been to...they were terrible..but thats most of the clinics around town.

But is there a chance this is cancer?

Moomon -

While it's true that one out of every three people in this country will experience some form of cancer during thier lifetime, it's also true that more people are living with and overcoming cancer than ever before!!!!

Cancer is something that's grown, not something genetics provide us with. (I say this because I am the first one in my family to have cancer - and I've been cancer free for almost one year!) :) ) While some families may be pre-disposed to cancer, it's something we can't allow ourselves to become obsessed with. Diagnostic testing should become a regular part of our annual healthcare regime. Early detection is vital...

The knot or lump your Mother has, could be lots of things. Most of which are not cancerous. It's important for her to see a physician and have it checked out. If biopsy results reveal it is cancer, get a referral to an oncologist. Then get a second opinion. If it's cancer, don't ever give up. Cancer sucks, but there IS hope. It's okay to be worried, but you've got to be strong for both you and your Mom.

Hang in there. We'll keep you both in our prayers.

Husker