Swollen node and Family history of lymphoma

Not actually sure I need to be here, but my husband is now worrying and I don't want to worry him more by keep talking to him about it!

I have a strong family history of Lymphoma (5 people in 8 years on the maternal side of my family). I have had swollen nodes in my breast tissue for around 5 years now one of which was biopsied when it first came up and deemed reactive but not cancerous. This is still swollen. I went to my doctor about a month ago with a small, mobile swollen node on the back of my neck which has since gone down, but now I have a larger, immobile swollen node on the side of my neck, which isn't going down. It is hard and painless. Initial blood tests show abnormal Full blood count and ESR -both are slightly elevated, and are being repeated this week.

aside from this I have a range of things going on which I have been shrugging off, but decided to make a list in case I'm asked at my next appointment - I have had a mild morning cough for 2 years. Fatigue/general feeling of being more tired than usual for around 1 year. I was getting occasional night sweats, but these seem to have stopped lately and now I just seem to be sweating more in general - last week I sat in college not moving for 3 hours and came out soaked in sweat. I have been warmer than usual for a couple of months but with no fever. I have lost my appetite over the last few weeks - eating a little less, not fancying things I would usually eat, and feeling a little nausea after eating. I have lost a couple of lbs but nothing major.

Now realistically all of these symptoms can mean anything at all, and I'm trying not to jump to the lymphoma conclusion, but my family history does have me concerned. If my blood tests are still abnormal should I be asking doctor for an ENT referal to check out the hard node on my neck?

EDIT: I have now found several swollen nodes in my breast tissue and under arm, so calling GP this morning to have them checked.

  • Hi Sam-ee and welcome to Cancer Chat.

    I'm sorry about the symptoms you've been contending with and the recently discovered nodes in your breast and underarm, but I'm glad you've got back in touch with your GP and I hope they're been able to see you and put your mind at ease.

    Hopefully some of our members who have been in a similar situation will share their experiences and advice with you soon but in the meantime, we'll have our fingers crossed your blood tests bring back normal readings and the swollen lymph nodes are no cause for concern.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator