Swollen lymph nodes and one swollen tonsil

Hi, going a bit max a looking for advice. I'm a 23 year old female. 
 

I was watching Grey's anatomy and a patient on there had throat cancer which made me check my lymph nodes and I found they were enlarged and I had, had earache for a few weeks. I went to see the dr and they said one of ny tonsils were swollen and I had a viral infection ( I feel like they say that when they don't know what to say). 

Anyway I went back a few weeks later because I think I could feel more, my tonsil hadn't gone and it still had intermittent earache. The doctor took my bloods and referred me for a ultrasound which is on 23rd. I've waited nearly three weeks for this appointment and I'm tearing my hair out. 
 

my tonsil is getting worse and I can't stop thinking it's lymphoma. I've also contacted a dr through my works cash plan. She said the same thing as the other dr... " I don't think it's anything sinister" but I feel like they're going to say that. Nobody likes delivering bad news. 

23rd needs to hurry up as I'm so worried but I don't think I could cope if they told me I needed more tests. 
 

 

 

  • Hello Anxiousgirly and a big welcome to Cancer Chat, 

    It's not unusual for someone to feel really health anxious after watching something sad, like this patient on Grey's anatomy who turned out to have throat cancer and in your case it seems to have been the trigger and contributed to how you are feeling at the moment. You did well though to check your lymph nodes and to flag with your doctor that something didn't feel normal to you. But rest assured that doctors will not tell you you have a viral infection when they don't know what to say - they will have examined you and made a professional call based on their great medical expertise but you did well to go back a few weeks later when you felt it hadn't gone away. It's good that the doctors have been thorough and ordered those bloods and ultrasound appointment. 

    The long wait for the appointment can feel like a lifetime and after three weeks it's completely understandable that you are feeling really anxious. Try to keep busy - I know it's easier said than done but focus on doing things you really enjoy for yourself and stay a million miles away from Dr Google who will only make you worry even more and often without any reason.  There are helpful tips on this page to help you cope while waiting for important news.

    Your ultrasound date is fast approaching and it won't be long before you get some clarity on this but in the meantime try not to anticipate the worst as there are so many things it could be other than lymphoma. You even sought a second opinion and this second doctor also didn't seem concerned just like the first doctor which really is reassuring I think. They would not have said that if they didn't truly think it as doctors have a duty to be truthful even when it means delivering bad news. 

    All you can do for now really is wait and feel reassured by what the doctors told you and wait for confirmation that indeed this is nothing of concern. 

    Everything crossed for you for good results and that you feel fully reassured soon. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi how did you get on at your appt? X