Worried I have NHL

I am so convinced I have NHL. I feel I can’t approach others who have experienced this for advice with regards to symptoms/concerns incase I come across dramatic or such. I felt a swelling, the left side of my neck, but like closer to my spine so the back of my neck b out the left side… close the the very top but not quite. It was maybe the size of a pea (about a year ago) it’s now about the size of a golfball I have developed more over time, all starting small but getting bigger…they are absolutely rock solid. They are not painful but I feel it creates tension in the area. So Iv got about 3-4 going down the left side of my neck. One on the right side where the neck curves into shoulder and another two on the left side going into my shoulder from neck…the night sweats are horrendous. So bad! I can’t make it up my stairs thinking my legs won’t carry me. I have to take regular breaks when cleaning up. I’m absolutely always tired. I don’t have an appetite and I feel this horrible lump in my throat like something is stuck in my oesophagus. Also, not sure if related but I keep getting frozen shoulder and I have the worst sciatica…iv been suffering with my left lung, it often feels painful and like there’s an obstruction. I spoke with my doctor about this as it’s clearly lopsided(when I lay on my back the side of my lower ribs are larger than the other side) but he didn’t agree. This was long before the other symptoms started. I want to go the doctors but I’m so on edge because I know I have so many symptoms…but maybe it’s not what I’m thinking. Has anyone else had these symptoms and it was nothing? Or did it turn out to be exactly what I’m dreading? 

  • Hi jay86, 

    You are not being dramatic at all - it is normal to worry when experiencing such symptoms combined with these night sweats. Poor you it sounds like you are having a tough time with it all and I hope that things improve soon for you. It sounds like it might be a good idea to get to the bottom of all these symptoms but try not to diagnose yourself or anticipate what it might be as there are so many other things it could be which could explain these symptoms. Perhaps it might be worth seeking a second opinion - you will find information on our website on getting a second opinion and when you speak to another doctor, don't hesitate to share everything that is making you worried at the moment and go through all these symptoms so that they can give you the reassurance you need. 

    I hope that you will hear from other members of our community who have had similar symptoms and that they will share their story with you. I hope you feel better soon and that these issues are all resolved and that you get to talk to someone about all this soon. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator