swollen lymph nodes- not sure how im feeling

hi all- im 25, currently studying my masters and around 3 months ago, my friend who is an RN felt my neck glands for some reason, i cant remember why, but he said they were rock solid. He asked if I was ill and I said not really, he told me I should go and get them checked. Fast forward to a few weeks ago and another friend of mine, also a nurse, felt the glands in my neck following me being unwell (with a stomach flue, however) and she mentioned they were still up. I told her the last person who felt them said they were swollen too! And she told me to go and get them checked also.

I wasn't sure why everyone kept telling me to get them checked, so I googled it (stupid idea, I know, although I'm not someone who tends to get health anxiety) and then I came across lymphoma. I looked out of curiosity but actually a worrying amount of the symptoms are things ive also been having. eg, swollen glands, constant itching, night sweats, fatigue, there was another that I cant remember but it was something a bit obscure that I've also been experiencing.

Ive got a dr. appointment on the 19th but Im not even sure what to say when i go. It sounds stupid but the first thing that comes to mind when I think about any more serious possibilities is that im TOO busy for it. I need to finish my msc and then i have plans of doing a doctorate but I'm not sure i'll be able to if I have more health stuff. (completing my undergraduate degree was difficult for different health reasons too and i dont want to go through that again)

Im also weirdly not nervous- but I do have a feeling/sense deep down that it might be something? I cant explain it really, but maybe someone can relate.

  • Hello eeli98, 

    I think now that you have this appointment booked for the 19th, it is important for your own peace of mind that you go and get the reassurance you need about these swollen lymph nodes. Keep well away from Google as it will always give you the least likely possibility and with lymph nodes there are so many reasons which could explain they are swollen. So do go to your appointment and then you can go back to your studies knowing that it has all been checked and you can then focus on everything else. Health is definitely the most important thing even if it's likely it will just be to rule things out but it's important to attend that appointment - it won't take long at all and will make you feel better knowing exactly what caused the lymph nodes to be swollen. 

    Best of luck with your appointment and with finishing your MSc - and then thinking about the doctorate! 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator