Classic lymphoma symptoms, normal bloods

Hi there!

The last few weeks I've been exhibiting all the classic signs of lymphoma (lump in neck increasing in size, night sweats, exhaustion, breathlessness etc). Just got off the phone with my doctor this morning and he said my bloods were all completely normal (barring a sub-clinical overactive thyroid I've had for years) and he wants to discuss with his colleagues any next steps. I have a strong family history of Hodgkin's Lymphoma and most people got diagnosed around my age (I'm 27) and my doctor is aware of this. It's also always been unusually aggressive in my family, and my father actually died as a result of it. 

 

I'm unsure if I should press my doctor to rule out lymphoma given the symptoms and family history. I'm also aware this could be something unrelated and I'm simply worrying because of the family history. I'm also confused that I have all these symptoms and normal blood work. But the bottom line is I know something is wrong with my health and I'm unsure what steps to take next. Advice would be appreciated.

  • Hi FoxDG,

    Sorry to hear you are going through this currently. I am not surprised you are worrying considering your family history and symptoms, it must be a very difficult time for you.

    Did the doctor say he would get back in touch and let you know what his colleagues have said? They may decide to refer you just to be certain. Only you know your body and I wouldn't be afraid of pushing them for a definitive answer. The fact your bloods are looking good is definitely a good sign. If he doesn't get back in touch ring back and ask what the outcome is/was as this is not normal for you.

    Is your lymph node in your neck painful at all? I am only asking because for over a year I had a painful swollen lymph node and night sweats, aching and the doctors would never refer me on. The GP eventually said I had glandular fever (after several appointments) they checked my blood antibodies for signs of the virus to confirm. I had the symptoms for nearly two years after this and in the end and my dentist of all people finally referred me to the ear, nose and throat department for further tests. They just found I had a swollen submandibular gland and told me I would need to massage the area everyday to help with the pain and swelling. Apparently this was caused through the virus and can take many years to settle in some people. Weirdly as soon as I found this out a lot of my symptoms went. 

     

    keep pushing for answers until you feel confident with what they are telling you. Having this to worry about on top of how your feeling will definitely exacerbate your symptoms.

     

    Take care and best wishes x

  • Hi,

    Thank you for this!

    Yes, my doctor has said he would contact me and let me know what they all think should happen next.

    My enlarged node isnt painful as such, like if I press on it there is no pain, but on occasion it aches a little, but it's not severe. 

    I think what I'm going to do is see what he has to say regarding the meeting with the other practice doctors and then decide on how to proceed from there?

  • Hi, hope everything was okay in the end? Did you end up getting diagnosed? x

  • Hi Alice - are you going through something similar at the moment? x

  • Hi Jessica, yes unfortunately, my GP refuses to take me seriously due to my age. I have been having night sweats and have a swollen lymph node on my neck yet the GP won’t send me for an ultrasound.