Hi, 

I'm in a similar situation right now. I have kind of an ache on the right side of my groin, and have had some issues with my immunity in my blood test results, but I haven't been sick or anything my doctor happened to stumble across them when looking at something else, so I'm getting a scan to see if any lymph nodes are swollen. I think you should really push for a lymph node biopsy. A CT is more used to identify where other invisible lymph nodes might be, but since you have some that are swollen they should really biopsy them. 

Honestly, I would ask for an MRI over a CT. I'm 19 and female, and I'm getting a pelvic and abdomenal MRI tomorrow morning to see if any nodes are swollen, as there are none currently visible. CT scans carry more risks for young people, and I had to push for the MRI instead to not be exposed to radiation. It's even more detailed than a CT too so they can't really say no! 

Let me know how you get on :) 

Thanks for your reply! Ok, I'm going to push for a biopsy. I've had them nearly 4 months now and have only been seen in person right at the start of that. Docs don't seem to be concerned, but it's causing me a lot of stress as I've read that if they are enlarged for more than a few WEEKS you should get them biopsied... and I can also feel a new one in my neck so am freaking out even more!

Will let you know how it goes :) good luck with your scan!

I'm in a similar boat to you rn. I'm 19 and female, and I'm getting a scan done to look for any enlarged lymph nodes bc I had some blood tests not coming back normal. I know how you're feeling, I'm a really really bad hypochondriac and it's affected my entire life, and it gets really scary when you feel something could actually be wrong with you. This way of thinking really helped me, if you look at cure rates for Lymphoma in our agegroup it's extremely high, like 80/90% or something higher. Then if you actually think about how unlikely it is statistically that it's Lymphoma, especially because your throat was red which means inflammation or infection, and not a sign of lymphoma. The back pain is annoying, I have lower back pain that I don't know why I have it, but since we're in quarantine have you been less active recently etc? that could explain it. Just keep in mind that even if it were to hypothetically be the WORST case scenario, which it seems like it isn't, people our age with lymphoma are overwhlemingly cured! 

I would push your doctor for an MRI / Biopsy of your swollen node. A biopsy is the only way to diagnose lymphoma or rule it out, so if it comes back as not cancerous then it's just a lymph node from inflammation etc. Remember that lymph nodes take ages to go down, and sometimes they don't after an infection:)

Let me know how you get on xx

Hi Char,

Welcome home. I hope that you feel a little better after visiting your boyfriend's family and, being able to pay your last respects in person.

I am sorry to hear that things haven't settled for you health-wise whilst you've been away. I am honestly not sure what procedures would be best for you, but your GP should know. If not she should refer you to a clinic for further tests - this sounds as if it might be the best thing to ask for, as this has persisted for some time now.

Please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Isaura,

I notice that your scan is tomorrow an,d just wanted to say that I hope that it sheds some light on the cause of your problems.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thankyou Jolemine...

should I wait for my chest X-ray to come back first? It's been 2 and a bit weeks and my doctor referred me for that when she felt the lumps under my armpits.. sometimes my armpit can be a bit tender on one side too but I have multiple small lumps in my neck too I just don't know what it is and it's annoying me. I called again today but they said the results still weren't back as there is a delay. 

Hi Jolamine! I hope that you're well!

Thank you, I can't say that I feel better, but it was definitely a good thing for me to be there and see his family. We're all a lot closer now which is a wonderful thing.

I've spoken to the docs this morning and they're going  to send me for an ultrasound to see if the nodes are still reactive ‍♀️ then go from there. If they are still reactive, she said they'd just leave it at that...does that make sense? I thought that reactive was bad? I feel like there are a lot of 'test hoops' to jump through before they'll actually send me for a biopsy. Will wait 2 weeks for the referral letter now and update you after ultrasound!

Hi Char,

I'm sure that it wasn't an easy trip, but I'm glad to hear that you are a lot closer to his family now and, I'm sure that you'll all feel it beneficial to have forged that link.

I'm glad to hear that your GP has referred you for an ultrasound. I expect that it will depend upon what they see there as to what the next step is. A biopsy is only usually carried out if there is a suspicion that cancer might be present.

I hope that your appointment comes through soon and look forward to your update.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi,

I am not a doctor, but I would expect an x-ray to show up bone abnormalities rather than lymphatic ones. I know that x-ray departments are busy at present. I have been waiting since the beginning of December for an x-ray appointment and, it has only come through this morning for Sunday, 31st January. 

I expect that your results should be back soon. If they don't show anything up ask for an ultrasound to see if there is anything on that.

Here's hoping that all goes well.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx