Should I be worried?

Hello,

I hope this is ok to post; I'm just worried and looking for reassurance that I'm not imagining things ... I don't have anyone to share this with personally so hence reaching out on this forum 

In early January I felt a small bump on my collarbone; a quick Google led me to realise this was a lymph node and it was about the size of pea. by March I could still feel it, but the area around it and over it (what was the hollow area between neck and collarbone) was now quite puffy and spongy. I've been feeling completely worn out and exhausted (never felt anything like this before) and on a couple of occasions, have woken at night completely soaked with sweat. I have occasional aches in the area and the collarbone itself often feels sore. My biggest fear is being a nuisance to the NHS and wasting doctors time, so I've put off doing anything about it for 4 months. 

I finally made an appointment with my GP two weeks ago and he sent me for full bloods and also submitted an urgent referral to the hospital. The hospital appointment was confirmed two days later and is for this coming week (so two weeks in total from GP appointment to hospital appointment). 
 

in the last week I've noticed I'm breathless after the smallest of tasks, and I also have some abdominal pain (but I can't feel anything untoward in this area). 

My GP called me at the weekend with my blood results, and asked if I'd heard from the hospital; I said yes and provided the date, he told me this was good and appropriate for me to attend (not entirely sure what was meant by that). 

The pea-sized lymph node and the spongy area on the collarbone is still there (no change in size) so I'm a bit anxious to be honest and thinking what on earth is going on. 

  • Hello Navark76

    I'm sorry to hear that you've recently had some health problems and that as a result of your symptoms you're seeing a specialist this week. It's perfectly understandable that you're feeling worried. 

    I'm not sure from your post what day your appointment actually is. If you've already seen the Consultant and there's anything you'd like to talk through with one of our nruses you're most welcome to give them a call. Equally, if you've not yet seen the Consultant I'm sure the nurse team would be happy to talk to your ahead of that appointment and offer any advice and support that they can. They might also be able to help you think about some of the questions that you might want to ask. If you would like to talk with them they're available Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Keep in touch and let us know how you get on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • [@Moderator Jenn]‍ Thank you for taking the time to reply.

    My Haematology appointment is this coming Friday. 
    The nerves are starting to set in as it gets closer to the day. 
     

  • So I had my haematology appointment and consultant is going to arrange for a scan; he noted my list of symptoms and said the size of the node itself is relatively small (about the size of a pea) ... also had another blood test and my vitamin D levels are extremely low, so I'm now taking a supplement. Will see what the scan shows and go from there. 

  • Hi

    i hope you are well

    i know this is a post from last year but I'm going through the exact same thing right now as you and wondered what your outcome was? I hope you are doing ok

    X