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Lymphoma Worry and very distressed

Me_123
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Hello

This is my first time posting here and I feel like this is my last resort.

I have had ongoing itching all over my body for around 6 weeks now. It is mainly on my neck but does tend to move around to other parts of my body such as face, scalp, arms legs and feet. The itching is severe but is most definitely constant. I went to my GP who advised it was prickly heat as I had not long gotten back from holiday and gave me a strong course of anti histamines to take. These have not worked. I have tried various lotions such as e45 itchy cream and diprobase along with not using any perfumed products etc. the itch has not improved and I have since noticed a lump and some swelling in my neck. My doctor has felt my neck and said she isn’t concerned but has ordered an ultrasound to investigate further and to put me at ease. I have had a blood test which has come back as “normal” but I honestly feel like my gp surgery are brushing me off as I have been suffering with health anxiety the last few months. I am out of my mind with worry and don’t feel like I am being taken seriously. I don’t seem to have any other symptoms of lymphoma but the consistent itching and lump in my neck is terrifying me. The lump does seem to move around and feels fairly soft/rubbery. 

the worry is genuinely making me so ill and i feel like lymphoma is consuming my every thought. 

My doctor is more concerned about me anxiety around my health which has only been a problem very very recently.

Any reassurance would be so appreciated x

  • Hello Me_123 and thanks for posting, 

    I am sorry to learn that you have ongoing unexplained symptoms and appreciate it can be hard not to worry about what might be the matter. 

    I'm afraid because we can't diagnose anyone we are limited in how much reassurance we can offer as we never know what is going on when people get in touch with us because they have symptoms. 

    Our advice is always to talk over new and persistent symptoms with the GP and get their input which you have already done. In general, most symptoms have a number of causes, and although cancer might be a possibility, other explanations are often more likely. 

    I think there is a distinction between having a reasonable amount of worry about ongoing symptoms while waiting for tests to be done and being overtaken with worry. However I can understand anyone worrying more if they feel they are not being taken seriously.

    Your GP has arranged an ultrasound to assess this neck lump which is reassuring in terms of you being listened to. GPs feel a lot of lumps week in week out so I think it is also reassuring that she has said she isn't concerned.  

    It might help to be direct and tell your GP that feeling you aren't being taken seriously is contributing to your anxiety. I am not sure if you have asked your GP what they think is causing the itching. You can ask if you should be referred to a specialist.  

    As the itching is constant, it is probably quite hard to distract yourself and I expect you are struggling to sleep as well because of it. Do your best to look after yourself while you are waiting for the ultrasound scan.

    I hope you get some answers soon and that things improve for you. 

    Wishing you the best,

    Julia 

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