Lymphoma scare - awaiting biopsy results

Hi, so just some background info. I have been unwell for about 2 years now with ongoing issues with my bowel function, this came to a head when i lost 3 stone in about 6 weeks. I was referred for a colonoscopy which was fine, then referred to a gastroenterologist at my local hospital. She conducted a number of tests, and whilst having an MRI scan on ym small bowel, enlarged lymph nodes were found in my abdominal area and groin. I was the referred to a hematologist who felt in my neck and under my arm. Bloodtests showed my kidney function is low and i am very anaemic. Then to a CT scan which confirmed the ones in one side of my neck and under the other arm, along with in my spleen, my lower abdomen, and between my lungs. I went for an excisional biopsy on wednesday and had one removed from my groin. I asked the hematologist what else this could be instead, and he was very direct and said the number one thing we are looking at is lymphoma. I am so scared, and i guess i am looking for some advice/support and other peoples stories perhaps? Thank you… X

  • Hello veranic, 

    I hope you won't have to wait too long for your biopsy results.

    I know it is really hard but try not to worry too much or anticipate what it might be. The best thing to do to avoid thinking too much about this is to keep busy and distracted if you can and avoid looking things up online. I can imagine it is hard for you to do this at the moment but it will help you feel a little less anxious. 

    I hope you will also hear from others here who have been through this before and that they will be along soon to share their story with you. 

    Keeping everything crossed for you that everything turns out fine. 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi, I was diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma last year, I do understand the worry you are going through. The only way to diagnose lymphoma is with the biopsy, it tells them the type of lymphoma you may have. You are already thinking the worse,   you will have a few weeks to wait for results, I also had to have a bone marrow biopsy after my results came through, more wait. When they eventually got round to deciding what treatment I was given, I was more than ready for it, it takes a while for it all to sink in and you are at the worst stage, the waiting is torture but if it is lymphoma they have to be accurate for the right type of chemo to treat you with, there are loads of different lymphomas. All I can say is the team looking after you are dedicated and will look after you. I found the six chemos go in quickly and coped well on it, taking each one at a time and the doctors dealt with even minor problems quickly. I hope you don’t have to wait long for your results, good luck and keep us informed.