Hi there.

I'm sure you have read all about it in your research but lymph nodes swell when they react to infections and viruses, it means that your lymphatic system is working hard to protect you from the infection or virus worsening. It is normal for them to swell and remain swollen for some time after the virus/infection has gone. 

I'll start by saying that I do not mean to suggest that my experience is what you are currently going through at all, however, I had a somewhat similar experience in regards to the reactive lymph node diagnosis. I was admitted to hospital in March with a temperature of 40 degrees, swollen tonsil, extreme fatigue and abdominal pain. I had one enlarged, palpable lymph node on my neck just above my collar bone. After a chest xray I was immediately referred to the haematology team after a 5cm mass was seen behind my rib cage. They screened me for glandular fever (a common cause for lymph node swelling and fatigue) which came pack positive, I was however warned that due to the size of my lymph node behind my rib cage they thought that this could be lymphoma and that the positive glandular fever test was a red herring. After the biopsy and further glandular fever screens, it was confirmed that I did 100% have glandular fever as my neck lymph node biopsy showed nothing but a reactive response to infection. This put my mind at ease a bit and I was discharged with a follow up CT scan in 6 weeks to see if the lymph nodes had shrunk. They had shrunk, but only by 1.2cm, I still had a significantly enlarged lymph node in my chest and extreme fatigue, all other symptoms had disappeared completely. My consultant decided to send me for an urgent biopsy of the lymph node in my chest which required surgery in London. About 3 weeks went by and I eventually receieved the news that as well as glandular fever, I also had stage 2 Hodgkins Lymphoma for which I am currently receiving chemotherapy.

I realise that by telling you my story it may worry you slightly, but I hope to reassure you by saying that my consultant is very senior and well respected in haematology and has told me that he expects my case to one day be in a medical textbook. My case was discussed at various MDT's in the South East and I have had a surgeon ask if he could complete a case study on me also. My presentation of lymphoma was completely unique and the odds of having a reactive lymph node response to infection as well as lymphoma is VERY low. Basically I am a bit of a medical freak haha.

Anyway, some things that may be worth asking your Dr next time you see them is:

1. Could you screen me for glandular fever (this could explain all of your symptoms).

2. Could you refer me for a biopsy of the lymph node (if this is something you wish for).

Unfortunately, despite all the modern advancements in medical imaging, the only way to rule out or diagnose lymphoma is through a biopsy. It may help to keep tabs on the size of the lymph nodes too, I used to measure them with the help of my family and could easily tell if they were getting bigger or smaller. If they are shrinking then thats very good news. 

Anyway, I don't mean to rant on any longer. Just remember that there are LOADS of reasons that your lymph nodes could be enlarged. It is positive that the scans have revealed reactive lymph nodes too. Stay off of Dr Google, I made this mistake, it really does more harm than good.

Best wishes.

Calum