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Can blood results miss an infection? Lymph node issues

Becksxxx
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Hey everyone, 

Its a Bit of a long one but I originally went to the doctors with a small non painful pea sized lump under my chin next to my cartilage in dec (not where glands usually are) I did mention I felt a few of my glands too, however I went and had white spots on tonsils and they said tonsilits. Had two different antibiotics bloods which said no infection swab which says satisfactory.. 2/3 months on 4 months since finding lumps I have found more.. down the sides of my neck both sides of collar bone although left is aaaalways worse and I had an on and off cold throughout. I have had times I've felt fine. I don't understand everything points to An infection but bloods say otherwise? This leads me to the possible outcomes 

- reactive lymph nodes (but there’s so many it’s unlikely, I’ve not been sick, not usually on the collar bone, doesn’t explain why finding more each day) 

- auto immune diseases (no signs of anything at all) 

- lymphoma (cancer of the lymph cells sometimes just lymph nodes as symptoms other symptoms include severe sweating, fatigued (I have too) not so bad as if caught early treatable but not usually on collarbone) also very common in early 20s

- a spread tumor? potentially of the tummy ( I don’t have any symptoms really of any except tummy aches now and then I have one now but period is due soon and I bled in between my period this month but had a smear last year fine and my next one is tomorrow, I have a huge painful mass on my shoulder which I assumed was shoulder tension ??however it is a very common explanation for swollen lymph nodes in collar bone when no infection is present

also this may sound mad but doctors didn't really check my throat or seem concerned either, so I've continued to breastfeed my son as suggested and now I'm terrified that it's the wrong thing to do and he could somehow get sick? Is that possible does anyone know? I haven't been diagnosed but the thought of him having any problems is making me feel sick

 

i have an ultrasound Wednesday but I'm a mum of a 14 month old and I'm in hysterics every time I put him to bed thinking the worst and that he won't know his mum and I won't be there to look after him etc. I have bad anxiety due to sepsis when I was 16 and I'm not 24 and still a big baby 

 

sorry for the essay x 

  • Hello Becks

    I'm sorry to hear that you're still dealing with some health concerns. Unofrtunately no one here will be able to say what is/has caused the lump but it sounds positive that your test results have come back with no cause for concern and that your Dr has arranged for an ultrasound to check things. 

    It's understandable that you have some anxiety given your past experience with sepsis. It sounds as if the anxiety is really impacting on your life at the moment and I wonder if you've spoken to your Dr about this to see what support may be available for you. You may find it helpful to have a look through these websites here and here for some tips and advice on managing anxiety. 

    I hope that you don't have to wait too long for the results of your scan tomorrow and that it offers you some reassurance. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Jenn

    Hi Jenn, 

     

    thanks for your reply. I am a bit mixed with emotions at the moment. At my ultrasound I was a mess and fighting back tears pretty obvious to the ladies doing the scan. I explained about a lump in my collarbone I could feel. She scanned the area but mentioned my bone being in the way. She said at the end everything was fine and not sinister, obviously I was extremely happy about this. I had an apt with my gp after my scan where the report says my lump was measured at 3.5 mm! This just seems so off considering it feels about pea sized but the shape of a bean in my collarbone. I know it moves a lot and roughly my fingertip size. I am really struggling with thinking that measurement is from that lump and it's making me stressed. I didn't think anything of it at the GP apt as my scan showed tryroid nodules which he was explaining to me need to be investigated and seen by an endocrinologist ‍♀️ So now I'm worried about the lump. My partner thinks I'm being silly they would have scanned it as does my parents but it's just not the right size in my opinion and I'm not sure whether to leave it a week or two with prodding lol and see what happens or go back to my gp who is probably going to think I'm quackers lol

     

    thanks for replying 

    rebecca 

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