A little worried but trying to stay positive.

I've been on and off this forum over the last few months just looking at how other peoples symptoms had progressed and how it has affected everyone differently. I started biological injections for arthritis last year (enbrel and then Humira) to which I had horrible allergic reactions. About two weeks after discontinuing the injections I noticed a lump on the left side of my neck, which I ignored as I had looked online and it said sometimes if the body is in a state of infection (or inflammation in my case due to the reaction to the injections. So I didn't worry too much about it. That was July 2019. By Xmas the lump had tripled in size and is was visible when I turned my head to the right. 

 

I reported it to my doctor, who said that sometimes they can stay enlarged and it may go away, so I thought nothing of it. I had an appointment in January 2020 with my rheumatologist who also said it was nothing to worry about. Since January of this year the lump has gotten a small bit bigger, and another two have formed (smaller ones but they are on my jaw line and collar bone). I told my rheumatologist this and he is sending me for an ultrasound next Thursday. Thing is since xmas, the night sweats have become extreme, I'm waking up at night soaked through my pjs and covered in a sheet of sweat. It's horrible. Along with that I've been finding bruises in the strangest places (under toenails, backside of thigh etc) and I have no recollection of how or why they got there. I normally don't bruise easily at all, so this is new for me. I am so exhausted, and I know as I have three autoimmune disorders I suffer with fatigue anyway, but this is just beyond what Im used to. I've dropped nearly a stone and I can't afford to lose it as I'm thin anyway. 

 

I just wanted to know peoples thoughts on this as I know people here aren't medical professionals and I also know not to stress myself unnecessarily because the worst thing for your body is stress. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. 

  • Hello Ferky and welcome to our forum.

    I'm sorry to hear that about your situation, this sounds like a very stressful time for you but I'm glad you're having these symptoms investigated.

    We have many people here who will understand what you're going through right now so I hope you'll very soon be chatting with them as talking with those who can understand does seem to help. 

    You mentioned you had an ultrasound scheduled for yesterday if I understood it correctly? Once you find a moment, please come back to give us an update, we're thinking of you.

    All the best,

    Renata, Cancer Chat Moderator