Hello I know how you are feeling the same happened for me before Christmas. So believe me when I say I know how scared you are. Take a deep breath stay off Google you don't need the stress wait for the professionals to tell you what's happening. The worst part is the wait for result's, I'm still waiting for some now but I've  had great support from the medical team around me. Your results may come through quicker than you think. I the mean time do something to distract yourself. Go out with you partner and daughter do something fun, 

in the meantime have a good day if you can I'm here to chat if you need an ear, 

sending hope and hugs Donna

Hi there,

I'm so sorry that you are going through this. Please remember that you are very young; 37 is very young for non-Hodgkins lymphoma. My grandad was diagnosed with a fast growing form of it several years ago and had quite severe symptoms that came quickly. Please please rest assured. My grandad is 80 years old and 3-4 years after chemotherapy is as chipper as a spring chicken. I know that it's so difficult and so scary but please don't Google. 

In terms of work, if you are able to, perhaps speak to your HR team and look into taking sick leave if the anxiety is too much for you right now.

Google doesn't have access to your scan or medical records, please don't drive yourself up the wall (much much easier said than done haha I should take my own advice!).

Hi Kptruth,

A very warm welcome to the forum.

It sounds as if you have been very lucky to get this far so quickly. However, try not to panic. There are many reasons for lymph nodes to swell and not all of them are sinister. The most common is as a result of even a minor infection. These usually settle down again with time. It is normal for your ultrasound to be reviewed by a radiologist, so again, there is nothing untoward in that.

We always advise people not to consult 'Dr Google' until they know exactly what they are dealing with, as much of the information is poorly researched, out of date and aimed at the spectacular cases - it's no wonder that you are scared out of your wits if you've been doing this!

We all tend to be emotional messes at this stage, Tears, rapid mood changes, being argumentative with loved ones and fearing the worst are just some of the plethora of emotions we experience. Try to remind yourself that "it isn't cancer until you're told that it's cancer".  In the meantime try to occupy yourself with more pleasurable pastimes to help the waiting time to pass. Why not go out for a family walk, or play some board games, do a jigsaw, etc?

I sincerely hope that you get good news next week. If not, you will deal with it. Whatever the outcome, you will feel better once you know what you are dealing with.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. we are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

You've had some really good replies on here which I hope you can take some comfort from. 

I have been in a similar situation. I found a hard lump behind my ear which the GP confirmed was a lymph node but wasn't worried. Then I found another above my collar bone so was referred to a consultant who found a further two in my neck. I was sent for an urgent ultrasound just before christmas . On Monday I received a letter to say the scans have been reviewed and they have concluded they don't feel the nodes are concerning. So please don't write yourself off just yet!

Like you, I googled til the cows came home. So you must know that lymphoma's are a very treatable form of cancer, even in advanced stages. My dad had 4b non-Hodgkins lymphoma and is very much cancer free now. However, I wouldn't even let your mind go down that route as right now, there is no indication that you need to. 
 

As others have said, be present in the moment, use distraction and try and find small things to enjoy. DO NOT ALLOW 'WHAT IF' THOUGHTS. They are not facts and you can not predict the future, you can only live in the here and now. 
 

Good luck. Danielle. Xx