Hello Honey2408,

I just wanted to let you know that I have asked our nurses to take a look at your threads and to post something.  They will be able to guide you on what to expect from this first haematology appointment and will respond very soon.

Wishing you the best of luck for your appointment on Friday.

Best wishes,

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi Honey2408,

Thank you for your posts, as you know the moderators have asked us to reply to you.

I can give you a rough idea about what will happen when you see the haematologist (blood doctor).

First of all they will ask you lots of questions about your symptoms, when they started and how you are feeling. The will also take a history of any other illnesses you might have had in the past. They will then do a physical examination, feeling the lump in your neck and checking to see if they can feel any lumps anywhere else in the body.

It is likely that they will arrange some other tests like blood tests, scans and maybe a biopsy of the lump, this is where they take a sample of the lump to see why it has grown. They will then ask you to come back to see them after the results of the tests are back. Then they will talk to you about what is the cause of the lump and if any treatment is needed for it.

People with lumps like this, which as you say is probably a swollen lymph node, are usually seen by a haematologist rather than an ENT doctor. They are the specialists in this area.

As you are quite young I think it would be a good idea to take someone with you to see the doctor. It can feel a bit frightening on your own and also it is easy to miss what doctors say during appointments. Do try and persuade a family member to go with you.

I hope this helps you prepare for your appointment.

Take care,

Deborah

Hi Deborah, 

You have answered my questions and certainly put my mind at ease as to what to expect. I was initally concered at being referred to haematology as i thought this may have been some sort of mistake but as you pointed out its not. Thanks for replying to me I feel better now I know why i am going there and what to expect. :) 

Hi, I am exactly in the same position do you mind me asking how you got on? What was done at the initial appointment please? 

Hi there, I'm due to go to the hospital tomorrow as I have swollen lymph nodes on my neck, chest between my collarbone and breasts and also my groin. Due to covid 19 I have to attend on my own and I'm so anxious about this. I have my bloods in the morning and hematology an hour and a half after. I know that they try to deal with things quicker than usual and I'm worried that it will be rushed. Will they still do what they usually do or will things now be different? I noticed them in August but due to have anemia my entire life it sort of got side track and is only just being dealt with.

Hello CaroleH83 and thank you for posting a question. I am sorry to learn about the swollen lymph nodes.

I am sorry that we did not get back to you sooner. By now you may have already been seen at the hospital and your question may no longer be valid. But to briefly answer you, there may be some small changes in how things are done, due to Covid-19. But your doctor will still want to make a thorough assessment of your situation. So, it is very likely that the specialist will take a full history (ask you questions about your health). Then they will do a physical examination. This will include feeling the glands (lymph nodes) in the places you mentioned and also checking to see if they can feel any lumps anywhere else in your body.

Depending on how the assessment goes, more tests will probably be ordered, some of which you may need to come back for. This might be a biopsy of one of the swollen lymph nodes, an ultrasound scan or a CT scan. Once all tests are completed and the results are available then the specialist should be able to make full diagnosis.

If you have already been seen, I do hope that things went reasonably well and that you did nor feel too rushed and had time to ask questions.

Please get back to us if have any other questions.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

All the best,

Jean