Recurrence?

Hi! I completed 6 months of ABVD for stage 3 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma back in May and have felt great since, however in the last week or so I have experienced itchiness and fatigue. The itchiness is across my whole body but only occasionally and the fatigue is not awful however I am definitely more tired than usual. I am waiting for a follow up with my doctor in the next week or so but does this sound like a possible recurrence? My symptoms before initially being diagnosed were almost non existent, it was only caught because the lymph nodes in my neck swelled a lot very quickly, and I only briefly experienced night sweats and mild itchiness just before I started chemo. At the moment I have no lumps or soreness in my neck, is it likely that the itchiness is an indication of cancer when this is not the symptom that appeared first last time and my neck feels fine? My neck was really bad last time and I was admitted to hospital because it got so swollen it was obstructing my breathing so wouldn’t that be an issue this time too if it was a recurrence? I understand you cannot diagnose but please could you give me an idea of whether this does sound like a return of the cancer or if its likely unrelated, as I say I will be speaking with my doctor soon for confirmation. Thankyou in advance! 

  • Hello and thank you for posting.

    I am sorry that you are struggling with these symptoms, but I do not know if these are recurrence. Only someone in your hospital team who knows you and your cancer, and who can investigate these, would be able to give you an answer.

    You have said you are seeing someone in a week so you will be able to go through with them then what you are currently experiencing. Until then nobody would be able to say what this might be caused by.

    Take care, and if you want to talk anything through with one of the nurses on our helpline the number is Freephone 0808 800 4040. The lines are open from 9 am till 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

    Sarah.