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GP thinks I have lymphoma, waiting on tests

OutsideSpace
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Hello, just another poster who joined this forum after stumbling across it online looking for advice to help settle my mind! I am aware that I may sound like a huge hypochondriac so do tell me to calm down and give my was a wobble if needs be!

Around the end of January, I picked up an impressive cough that I haven't really been able to shift since - and came along with my regular breathlessness getting worse. I've always felt a little unfit and struggled with fatigue, but always put it down to depression. 

From there, my fatigue has worsened to a point now where I can barely make it through a day at work without having a nap in the back room. For a few months now I've had also hadn't itchy skin - I've tried antihistamines, changing washing powders and even wearing skirts in case it was the fabric (I'm not too girly!) but my legs are covered in scratches and scars from trying to soothe the all-over itching. It's mainly affecting my legs, as well as my back and arms: pretty much everywhere. It's worse in the evenings whenever I just want to relax! I've also been dealing with night sweatshirts increasing in frequency, I now am woken up at 3am in a puddle of sweat with my hair sticking to my head 2-3 times a week. How grim.

Anyway, enough rambling. My GP was immediately concerned and sent me for same-day bloods and a chest x-ray, both came back fine so no anaemia etc. GP was still worried especially with me being 21 and has straight-up told me he wants to rule out lymphoma.

I have some more bloods tomorrow - celiac, antinuclear antibodies and another one for lupus and other similar illnesses, as well as a breathing test in a week's time to rule out asthma. He has a feeling these will come back fine but wants to be sure before he refers me to haematology.

 

I was just wondering how long it generally takes for a lymphoma diagnosis, and whether i'm in the clear as I have a couple of lumps in my neck but neither concern my doctor? The results also coming back okay is a relief but I don't know if it's possible to have lymphoma and have perfect bloods and chest x-ray? I am so breathless I can barely make it up a flight of stairs and just want to feel well again. I hope my GP is stressed over nothing but the wait is killing me when I feel so dreadful!!

 

Thanks in advance and apologies for rambling on a bit. X

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    Small update, in case anyone read this: had a blood test today that came back as vitamin b deficient, this would account for some but not all my symptoms - I know no one here is a doctor but do you think I've worked myself up over nothing? I don't know if this rules out anything more sinister; I have more tests in a week and a half and vitamins to take between now and then.

  • Offline in reply to OutsideSpace

    Hi outsidespace !

    I'm in a similar position. I have lumps in my neck and armpits. I also have symptoms like night sweats, fatigue and reactions to alcohol. I'm 20 years old and female. 

     

    I had blood tests for a number of things which all came back normal ( CBC, thyroid, and one for viruses or something?) 

    I have an ultrasound this coming Sunday which I hope will give me some tyle of answer as to what's going on. 

    If you want to talk, I'm open to listening. I will try and be of as much support as possible. 

    Best wishes to you xxx

  • Offline in reply to vinylfan262

    I'm in a similar position however my GP refuses to refer me to rule out lymphoma. He's done various blood tests which all came back clear so he says there is no groud for referal.

    I have night sweats, enlarged lymph nodes in different places, lost some weight and have pain in my abdomen, back and legs.

    I have been to the breast clinic due to lymph nodes in my armpits but they said no abnormalities in breasts. It was them who suggested tests for lymphoma.

    I'm back to see GP tomorrow to discuss next steps and I'm really hoping he will finally agree to send me to a specialist to check those nodes.

    Good luck ladies. Let's keep each other updated xx

  • Offline in reply to Anita83

    [@vinylfan262]‍ [@Anita83]‍ 

     

    i hope youre both doing better, I'm sorry for not replying sooner I was away on holiday with my family!

     

    I was back at my GPs yesterday and received an urgent referral to a haematology department as the vitamins didn't help, and all tests came up clear. I've been given a salbutamol inhaler to see if it helps with my breathlessness in any way.

     

    Despite the urgent referral, the appointment is 28 days away- I'm grateful to have been taken seriously, and know that the NHS is stretched to capacity- but now I'm just hating the wait. I first started experiencing the symptoms in the first weeks of Feb and am struggling with feeling so unwell all the time. :(

  • Offline in reply to OutsideSpace

    Hi OutsideSpace,

    I hope you enjoyed your holiday but sorry to hear you are still unwell.

    Ring the department directly and ask the Secretary if they have any appointments sooner than 28th. I got the appointment letter for 23rd but rang them and was seen two days ago. The consultant examined me and they did more blood tests, two of these are cancer markers.  I'm seeing them again in 4 weeks time. I agree the wait is a torture especially if you are having all these symptoms. 

    Let us know how you are getting on xx

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