Just Diagnosed with Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma

Hi guys, I just registered today as I feel I need to vent or speak to other people in my situation for some guidance, comfort, and support.

I will keep the history short, but I have had a swelling that looks like a lump on my chest. Imagine if you will like an ingrown hair that has become infected but big in size (about the size of half a tennis ball) and rock hard. I have had this for about 6 months with no other symptoms. I am a fit and well late 30s male. I had been to the Drs a few times with it for Xray, Ultrasound, and Blood Tests but all they showed were a possible infection.

I noticed a small Malteser sized lump on my neck, just above my collarbone. Went to see the Dr and was admitted to Hospital to the thoracic specialist. I was in for 4 nights, I had loads of blood taken and an ultrasound-guided biopsy of my neck lump. Had no results by the Friday evening so I was discharged with some Anti-biotics.

Got the call on Monday to say that the Biopsy had come back as Classical Hodgkins Lymphoma.

I am now waiting to hear back from the Drs with the conclusion of their MDT meeting to decide the next step and treatment. I have been told that it will most likely be starting with Chemotherapy.

So I am now in a really anxious place. I know what it is and I have done a whole load of Dr. Googling which hasn't really put my mind at ease. I don't know what the stage is yet or what the professional prognosis is.

I just want to touch base with people who are or who have been in the same place as I am now. 

The wait is terrible, I have symptoms like Loss of Appetite, fatigue, and aches but I think a lot of that is down to the anxiety because before I knew it was cancer I was fine, no symptoms at all.  

Any support or help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you

  • Hi Steve and welcome to Cancer Chat.

    I'm sorry about the news you received on Monday but I'm glad you've joined us as many of our members will understand what you're going through at the moment and will hopefully be along soon to offer their support and advice. You can also reach out to others with the same diagnosis by using the 'search forum' option in the blue bar above.

    The waiting is always the toughest part of this process but I hope you won't have to wait too much longer to find out what happens next. If you'd like to talk things through with one of our cancer nurses then do give them a call on 0808 800 4040. Their phone lines are open Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m.

    Our community are here for you Steve and will do all that they can to support you on your journey.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator