Cancer Research UK main site

Swollen lymph node for years, referred to 2WW assessment and losing my mind

sophieseb
Offline

Hi all,

I've had a swollen lymph node in my neck for around 4/5 years. I am only 26 and when I first felt it I got my mum to look and she said it was likely nothing. Around this time I was getting tonsillitis a lot. Apart from the swollen lymph node, I have no other symptoms of lymphoma. I lost a lot of weight last year but I had a nasty bout of pneumonia and then struggled with an eating disorder, so it's really hard to know if I'm under weight because of this or because of potential cancer. 

In the past year I lost someone very close to me to lung cancer. This seems to have triggered a crippling bout of health anxiety. 

On Monday I went to the GPs and after feeling it he referred me to the 2WW lymph node pathway. My appointment is next Tuesday. Ever since I can't sleep, eat, function. I am having constant panic attacks thinking that because I have left this for so long, it has now spread all over my body and is untreatable. I'm absolutely devastated. Everyone around me thinks I'm being ridiculous because if it was so serious I would have had symptoms by now but I am so scared. 

Does anyone have any words of reassurance or perspective? I feel like I can't do anything because I'm so constantly stressed. I'm meant to be doing a PhD full time and this is making me unable to focus at all. 

  • Offline

    Hello sophieseb,

    You are not being ridiculous don't worry - it's normal to be worried when being referred but try not to be too anxious if you can as being referred on the 2 week pathway doesn't necessarily mean that it is anything serious but it's good that they are being thorough and taking your symptoms seriously. There are so many possible explanations for swollen lymph nodes and I hope that you can find out more very soon. I am so sorry to hear this is affecting your ability to concentrate and focus on your PHD and  I thought you might find it beneficial to read these tips to help you cope while waiting for important news.

    I hope that you will hear from others who have had similar investigations on lymph nodes before and that they will be along shortly to share their story with you. 

    Keeping everything crossed for you that it all turns out to be nothing of concern. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Lucie

    Hi Lucie,

    Thanks so much for your kind reply. I really appreciate it.

    After what felt like forever (and making myself very frail with worry) my appointment came round yesterday with the ENT. Had an ultrasound and he looked in my throat/ felt my lymph nodes and determined they are just reactive nodes.

    Feeling very relieved and grateful, but also in awe of the incredible people who do not receive such good news. I feel a bit silly for reacting so drastically.

    Still really anxious there is something secretly wrong with me but going to work on my health anxiety for now.

    Thanks again

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.