Tender swollen glands 4 months, chronic sore throat/fatigue

Hi all,

I'm a 24 year old woman who's been suffering from symptoms for almost 9 months now. The whole time, I've faced debilitating fatigue - after being diagnosed with anemia, I received an iron infusion in February, after which I feel only minor changes in my energy levels.

I went to the ENT in June after having persistent swollen lymph nodes in my neck - one is directly underneath my jaw, relatively flexible, but rubbery and tender. There is one nearby of similar size, rubbery-feel, and tenderness. Neither lymph node has grown/changed shape, size, tenderness, and remain rubbery, but they haven't gotten any smaller. Additionally, I have chronically infected tonsils, which are likely to be removed soon. 

All of this considered, I am absolutely terrified that these symptoms could be caused by something more sinister, as I know leukemia can often present as extreme fatigue and recurrent infections (both of which I have). I also feel pain randomly throughout my body. I've been worried sick for months but my doctors don't seem to concerned - should I insist on an ultrasound/biopsy if needed? 

Wishing good health to you all xxxx

  • Hi there - sorry you've got these symptoms I can understand why you're concerned. I think that the chronic tiredness you are experiencing could be any number of things. I've recently had a cancer scare & apart from a colonoscopy which I'm having next week all my results have come back clear. However, I too am extremely tired all the time but it's not cancer. I think quite a lot of it is anxiety (my GP thinks I might be a bit depressed) & that could explain your tiredness too given that you are clearly anxious about your health.

    You also say your tonsils are chronically infected and I do know infections can cause a number of very unpleasant symptoms which aren't related to cancer. I had sepsis a few years ago after a very nasty cat bite & I can't begin to tell you just how ill I felt. 

    When my GP & doctors who have looked at my test results say I'm ok I believe them. I do think it's important to have a bit of faith in their expertise. Maybe when your tonsils ar removed things will improve I hope so. In the meantime try to look at things more positively if you can & your symptoms might ease up a bit.

    Good luck & do post again if you feel you need to.