Possible lymphoma

Last January (2024) I noticed lumps in my neck. Went to the Drs mid April. They did bloods. They came back normal and I was sent away. 
I mentioned it again later in the summer when I went to discuss going on HRT. Nothing done about them. 
January this year they were still there so contacted the Drs again. 
they organised a ultra sound scan on the 1st April this year. With 2 hours the Dr was on the phone saying the report stated low grade lymphoma couldn’t be ruled out. He sent me for blood and a chest x ray the next day. 
again within 2 hours results were back on the chest x ray there was an insignificant mark. No previous X-rays so have to go back in 6 weeks for a comparison. 
Bloods came back 2 normal, 1 satisfactory and 1 abnormal which was in the full blood count: 

HAEMATOCRIT 0.441 L/L [0.36 - 0.46]

Mean cell volume 102.3 fL [80.0 - 100.0]; Above high reference limit

Dr said had there not been any other issues she wouldn’t be concerned about this so not to worry. 
I Have been referred to the rapid diagnostic team and am now waiting for an appointment with an oncologist. Which I have been told
should be 2-3 weeks, the notes on my NHS app says up to 6 weeks  

My mind is in overdrive and I am so worried I have cancer. 
I lost  my mum 2 years ago to ovarian cancer and my dad sadly passed away suddenly in February this year he had Chronic myeloid leukemia but it was a lower respiratory chest infection that caused his passing. He was 81. 
My own children are grown, but I have custody of my youngest sons eldest child and have had since he was a baby. He is nearly 10 and we are very close as myself and my husband are the only real stability he has known. I can’t even imagine having to tell him if the worse happens. 

i am trying to stay positive but everything I read leads to the diagnosis I don’t want! 

  • Hello Mumof4nanof9, 

    I know it's really hard but try if you can not to anticipate what it might be until you get a full picture and all your test results. You did well to go to the doctor's to get these lumps checked and to go back again when you noticed the lumps were still there and it must have been a bit of a worry to hear that low grade lymphoma could not be ruled out. I hope that you won't have to wait too long for your appointment to see the oncologist and it is normal in a situation like this when dealing with a long wait for answers to be feeling very anxious. It is inevitable then to think of the family history and I am so sorry you lost both your mum and dad to cancer. It's so lovely of you to have raised your grandson since he was a baby and I can imagine this is a frightening time for you as you are waiting for a diagnosis. I thought I would share with you our helpful tips to help you cope while waiting for important news and in there you will find strategies to help you cope with the wait for answers and keep distracted and well away from the temptation to look things up on Google. 

    I also wanted to let you know about another member I responded to earlier today who was also worried about lymphoma.  is currently going through investigations for suspected lymphoma as you can read in this member's 'lymphoma' thread - feel free to respond if you would like to do so as it helps sometimes to talk to someone else who is going through the same worries and possibly tests as yourself.

    Keeping everything crossed for you that it all turns out to be nothing of concern and that you get some clarity very soon. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator