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Thymoma

_AJ
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Hi,

After suffering from chest pain for about a year and a half which was diagnosed as costochondritis I finally got a CT scan just over 2 months ago since the pain started to get worse over the summer. 

To be honest I didn’t really expect anything to be found but was told my thymus gland looked abnormal and then had to go in for an MRI scan about 3 weeks ago now. Got to see a consultant for the first time last week who seemed to think I have a thymoma and now i’ve had some blood tests and have got to go back in for a nerve test at some point though I don’t know when. 

Not really sure why i’m writing this but I guess i’ve managed to stress myself out and after being in pain constantly for almost 2 years now, since I was 18, i’m sick of it. I’m in my second year at university and though I really try to not let it get to me, it sometimes does and I can’t help but imagine the worst case scenarios. It’s affecting my uni work, I can’t sleep due to worrying and then miss my lectures, and i’ve become more withdrawn with my friends who are very understanding but I don’t want to bring them down by talking about my problems. I keep having to leave uni to go home for tests and visits meaning I miss social events with my friends and several lectures, i’ve not really mentioned anything to my teachers and to be honest I don’t really want to, I feel like i’m making excuses.

I’ve also got several lumps in my neck which I never really worried about until now, and decided to check the rest of my body and found several hard, what I assume to be enlarged lymph nodes, in my groin so now i’m wondering if I bring them up to my consultant in my next meeting. 

I feel ridiculous because nothing is currently known for certain but honestly that’s what stresses me out the most, the uncertainty, I just want to move forward but i’m very bad at pushing for things. 

I guess I just don’t really feel like i’ve got anyone to talk to, I know my family will always be there for me if I need them but I don’t want to worry them and I don’t want them to see how this is affecting me. I don’t feel like thymomas are all that common but any advice with how to deal with any of this moving forward would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

 

  • Welcome to the forum AJ. 

    I can't imagine how tough the last 2 or so years have been for you but I'm glad you've joined us here on the forum as you'll find many members like yourself struggling with the wait for tests and results and hopefully some of them will pop by soon to offer their support. I'm going to connect you with [@Arth52]‍ as he has experience of thymomas and I'm sure he'll reply when he can to offer his advice and share his experiences with you as well.

    I know you're a bit reluctant to do this but it may be time to let your teachers know what is going on, especially as it's starting to affect your work. You may find them a good source of support and outlet for your worries so do consider telling them about this. The same goes for your family and friends, as I'm sure they will want to do all they can to support you at this time as well.

    If the consultant you're seeing isn't able to do anything at that moment in time I'm sure they'll advise you on what to do, but be sure to let someone know about the new lumps you've found so they can be investigated.

    I really do hope you're able to get some answers soon AJ.

    All the best, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

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    Hi AJ 

    just seen your post drop me a line and I maybe able to help with what to expect from having a thymoma. Ask me anything about this rare cancer and I will try and help from my experience. I’ve been 4 years in remission and going from strength to strength. I know it’s easy to say but try not to worry to much. The consultants know what they are doing and don’t close ranks tell people how you feel and what you’re going through they will support you. Anyway drop me aline  take care

  • Offline in reply to Arth52

    Hi x

    ive had a ct scan and it says possible anterior mediastinum thymoma! See specialist tomorrow I'm terrified! Any advice? X

  • Offline in reply to mimismum

    Hi 

    sorry to hear your news about your thymoma all I can say is take one thing at a time yes it’s scary and very upsetting. My advice before you see your consultant is to make some question up to ask about your condition, even if you think there silly things to ask I know I asked all sorts of things and I’m glad I did. It’s easy to say don’t worry but believe me I was very worried when I was diagnosed but 4 years later I’m still here. I would tell you what to expect but I can’t until you know more about your thymoma as everyone is different. Let me know if you like I wish you good luck we’re all here for you. Take care. 

    ART52

  • Offline in reply to Arth52

    Thank you for your reply x I have written lots of questions!  I will let you know how I get on tomorrow afternoon 

    thank u xx

  • Offline in reply to mimismum

    Hi 

    just thought I drop aline to see how you are! sorry it's been awhile but things have been happening in the world. If you want to drop me a line please do I would love to hear from you and how your managing. Take care I await your reply 

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