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Driving myself crazy

S_J_R
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Hi all 

I visited the GP around 6 weeks ago due to drenching night sweats. He ordered some blood tests and asked if I had any random lumps which I didn't at the time. It took 3 weeks to get the bloods done and another week to get the appointment for results. Within that time I had developed two lumps just above my collar bone on the left hand side and I have a number in my groin, one which is probably around 1cm and visible. None of them hurt and the one on my collar bone seems to have shrunk. 

At my appointment for my bloods results he checked the lumps and spoke to a consultant for advice. I was then referred to haematology and was seen there last Monday. They have referred me for ct scan, ultrasound and biopsy. I have the ct scan on Jan 3rd, still waiting for ultrasound appointment.

The past week or 2 I have been feeling nauseous, unable to eat as much, had stomach pain and a couple of days ago had dihorrea to the point I didn't make the loo (sorry TMI) and that's very unusual for me. I actually take daily medication to help regulate my bowels.

Anyway I'm obviously looking into all of these symptoms and panicking. At the same time im trying to convince myself that it is all just stress but I just go round in circles in my head. I know until I've had the tests I won't know either way but the wait is so awful.

Just looking for some advice, other people's experiences really and someone I can talk to that possibly understands where my head is at.

If you got to this point, thank you for reading! 

  • Offline in reply to S_J_R

    Hi Sam,

    I just wanted to check in and see how you're doing, as I know it is your CT scan tomorrow. 

    Helen x

  • Offline in reply to SunshineH

    Oh thanks for thinking of me Helen. I'm okay, still anxious about things. I'm trying not to think about things and worry myself too much but the second I'm not occupied it's where my head goes. I also have the date for my ultrasound and biopsy, getting them Friday 7th. I was hoping it would be sooner but at least they're this week. 

    How are you doing?

    Sam

  • Offline in reply to SunshineH

    A blood test to find your CA-19 numbers will give you some indication. A high CA-19 number could indicate pancreatic cancer. 

  • Offline in reply to S_J_R

    Hi Sam, 

    It's good news that you have the ultrasound this week too. Have you had your CT today? I hope that you've been ok if you've had it by now.

    I feel like I'm completely in limbo at the moment until I speak with my GP again, as I've realised that I don't think BUPA will pay for my appointment with the private consultant which I'd booked on the 6th due to the GP letter discussing my previous bowel operation. I think with the cover we have, they won't think long enough time has elasped and may consider it a preexisting condition!  I'm going to speak to my GP on Thurs (have appt.) and ask them to refer me on the basis of the bump/node on my collar bone then BUPA cannot raise issue with this. It feels like I am back to square one, although I am going to also ask the GP to do a CA-19 blood test (as Mlj1980 has said) as this hasn't been done either. 

    I'm still getting intermittent pain in my upper left abdomen - some days are better than others but every night I can feel the marble/pressure sensation under my left rib, the popping/moving sensation is still there as is the bump/node on my collar bone. I feel very anxious too. 

    Helen

  • Offline in reply to mlj1980

    Thanks mlj1980 - I will ask my GP to do this for me. 

  • Offline in reply to SunshineH

    Hi Helen 

    I had the CT this evening, it was fine unfortunately they couldn't tell me anything. He said that the turnaround for results is usually 2 weeks but it may be longer with covid so I really hope that they have my results by my appointment next week. 

    I really hope that they will see you and you don't have to get a new referral put in. The wait is already long enough! Are you going to call your GP tomorrow to get their advice? I would definitely request that blood test, it seems like that is definitely a good place to start and hopefully get some answers pretty quickly.

    I feel like I put every single niggle down to what if I have cancer. I have had achy legs this week and headaches and have been googling to see if they are linked with lymphoma.

    I also think the fact that other people are worrying makes me more anxious. My Mam has been really worried and she's normally very laid back and in honesty buries her head in the sand so that just adds to my worry

    Sam 

  • Offline in reply to S_J_R

    Hi Sam 

    was your ct with contrast ? I am in similar situation to you and have to have a full body ct scan with contrast . 

  • Offline in reply to Micky86

    Hi

    Yeah it was, they did chest, abdomen and pelvis initially without the contrast and then with the contrast and they then did my neck and then added more contrast for my neck. 

    It took around 20-30 minutes. Do you have a date for your scan yet? 

  • Offline in reply to S_J_R

    Hi Sam 

    bo date as yet told it will be soon I just hate the waiting , currently feeling so weak . 

  • Offline in reply to Micky86

    Is it a consultant that has referred you? How ling have you been unwell and what are your symptoms?

    I feel very tired recently, like I could just sleep a lot but that could just be the fact that I'm out of routine with it being the holidays and the stress of all of this. 

    The waiting is definitely the worst part. 

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