HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Could it be lymphoma? Blood are all fine? Any advice is welcome!

Support Forums
>
Anxiety & Panic Disorders
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 11/8/2016 9:32 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone!
I'm new to the forum so I apologise now if I ramble on.
I am a 24 year old female.
Over two years ago I was suffering with swollen lymph nodes under my jaw on the right side and I was also having night sweats. I went to MY GP who at first seemed really concerned and sent me for urgent bloods. A week later I was back for the results and told that everything was OK and the doctor said how pleased he was because he had thought it could have been something called lymphoma. He assured me it was probably glandular fever as this can mimic the symptoms.
I've basically had the same issue for the past two years, and it only affects my right side. The night sweats aren't as frequent but are definitely still there. Three times this year I have been to the doctors, with the most recent last week and had bloods done which are still alll fine!
I explained to the doctor of my worries and she said that there was no sign of inflammation and nothing was wrong with me probably just another virus?However I haven't actually been unwell for well over a year. A few weeks ago I noticed the slight tenderness from my swollen lymph was giving me jaw, , collarbone and underarm pain. I also have a weird aching feeling in my second rib down from my collarbone and I worry that because I've had these symptoms for so long, that maybe the cancer has spread! I know it's just human to think the worst but I really have no other options of what it could be. With having these symptoms for over two years I worry it's not something good!


The reason I have posted in this forum is because I am getting no answers from my doctors and last week she said "let's watch and wait". I've read many sites with people saying their bloods were fine but months later they are diagnosed with lymphoma. I have anxiety and this doesn't really how I'm feeling.

I'm looking at other alternatives to make me feel better, but this pain in the top of my chest/neck and node, is really frustrating. I'm having to take pain relief regularly to stop it aching so much. I've been to the dentist and she assures me there are no issues with my teeth.

Can anyone advise me?
Thanks in advance
Posted 11/8/2016 10:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Ck
Welcome to the forum.. Of course you are bound to be concerned .
When you first visited your doctor and there was concerns re: lymphoma the urgent blood tests would have included anything showing up in your blood for cancer.
As this didn't show up your doctor has ruled this out. Have you ever been sent for any scans to rule out anything other the suspected glandular fever, which can last for a very long time in varying degrees including fatigue and depression.
You say you suffer with anxiety, have you had anxiety for a long time or is this recent?
Until you and your Health care provider gets to the bottom of your gland problems i think you may benefit from some good anxiety coping skills to help you through the anxiety symptoms... which can be many different symptoms .

We are all so different and what affects one person may not affect another.. It is very common to have digestive or throat issues with anxiety have you ever discussed this connection with your doctor?

I am sure that the moderaters on this forum will be able to give you some sound advice and support. So keep checking in as they are very helpful and supportive.

If they cannot give you the answers your looking for they may be able to point you in the right direction.

Look after your self and keep us informed of your progress ... a problem shared is a problem halved xxx
Posted 11/8/2016 10:24 PM (GMT 0)
Hi CK,

Welcome to the forum! You've come to a place with a lot of love, support, and fantastic resources.

Your fears are really common-- I've definitely had the lymphoma fear before as I was experiencing the same symptoms as you: night sweats, swollen lymphs, etc. I did have a little virus at the time that cleared up. But I noticed the more I touched & messed with my lymph nodes, the more they started to swell. It's a vicious cycle, but if you find yourself constantly checking your lymph nodes, this could be the reason why they're perpetually swollen.

Also- dental issues. If you have a cavity, or some other dental problem, this will make those lymph nodes swollen, too.

There's great resources at the top of the page, which will definitely help when the thoughts get scary.

We're here for support!
Posted 11/8/2016 11:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hello and welcome!

I am glad you've joined us...though sorry that you are going through this tough period of waiting. I too struggle with the whole watch and wait situation! With anxiety, it's almost easier to know...one way or the other, than to let our anxious imaginations run wild, right?

When faced with negative/scary thoughts...what-if's and the sort...countering the doubts is important. We have Therapy Worksheets in our Resources at the top of the main forum page here that will help.

You'll also find lots of great Stress Relieving Exercises links, as well as self help for health anxiety.

Getting started on these will help keep you distracted, and help you to start managing the anxiety...so do give them a look and put them into practice!

We will be here to cheer you on through this challenge...so do post anytime you need encouragement!

Talk soon,

Scaredy Cat
Posted 11/9/2016 10:24 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Welcome to the forum I am pleased you have found us you will get good support hear but i'm sorry to hear you are dealing with anxiety and other symptoms.

It is good news that your blood tests came back ok as if there was something wrong it would of shown up but the hard part if you have anxiety is to believe in those results.

Anxiety can cause night sweats and so can some medications used to help anxiety. Do have a look at our resources for some good links and try your best not to google your symptoms.

Keep us posted

Hibee
Posted 11/9/2016 12:59 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone, I really appreciate you taking the time out to reply to my post! I will have a look at the differen links above and the help sheets you've mentioned!
I think anxiety does cause the majority of my problems and would love to be able to deal with them better!
I will update in due course.
Thanks again everyone x
Posted 11/9/2016 5:55 PM (GMT 0)
You are welcome! That's why are here...to encourage and support...so do update when you can. We are here for you.:)

S.C.
Posted 11/11/2016 5:22 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome Ck! If you've had symptoms for 2 years and still have good blood work, then you don't have lymphoma.

I think the next step would be to try and get the anxiety under control. Then you'll be able to see which symptoms, if any, remain.

Have you talked to your doctor about the anxiety? Do you have a therapist? Do you do relaxation or medication? Exercise? Medications? These are all strategies you can use to try and get the anxiety under control.

Sending you lots of strength to feel well soon!
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply