Hello all I'm John,
My journey so far started at the beginning of lockdown (end of March). When I felt a lump about my right collar bone. It felt about the size of a large grape maybe, movable and was painful. Figured out it was a supraclavicular lymph node. Googled it as you do and scared myself, but then thought it is probably reacting to something as its painful and seem to come on quickly. Give it a few weeks and see if it goes.
3 Weeks later it was still there, slightly smaller and not painful unless I fiddled with it too much.
Made an appointment with the GP who had a quick feel, I mentioned I had a slight sore throat crop up the same side but he could not look due to the COVID situation. I was referred to have an ultrasound a couple of weeks later (a phone call with the department classified it has high risk).
Had an ultrasound and needle biopsy while there x4. They all came back inconclusive about 3 weeks later which is quite common and the ENT doc recommended removal of the lymph node for a proper diagnosis which happened a week later (COVID test and isolate for a week before op).
4 Weeks later almost, I had an apointment with a Haematology Dr and NHS nurse who confirmed I have Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma. It's quite rare apparently but very treatable thankfully. Next is to have a PET scan to stage it, this also decides whether I need just radiotherapy or chemo as well.
Still have that sore throat though.. think it may be slight tonsillitis, but the GP could not help while waiting for the results for the biopsy. Think If it is an infection, that needs to be nipped in the bud before treatment starts as I could have a lower immune system with it? Hoping to speak with him again today.
Otherwise, I have had no other symptoms, no night sweets, no feeling pain anywhere else, decent energy levels etc and have even managed to complete the couch to 5k program through this. The worst going through all this was the not knowing. The what if's and so on. Though I've not had the best news i actually feel slightly relieved. Now to treat it!
