Lymphoma

This is my journey sorry if it seems long winded!!

April 12 2019 is when things started to happen, Both my anlkes swelled up and were really sore I went to see the GP who had no idea what it was so gave me Naproxen which made me feel ill so i stopped taken them after a few weeks the swelling went away happy days, Then i started to get really bad leg ache like growing pains which just got worse and worse as the weeks went on i ended up taking pain killers until i was told i was low on Vitamin D then again the pain went away. After this i developed Bells Palsy in the right side of my face i was pescribed a strong steroid after 2 weeks i went a week later i developed Bells Palsy in the left side of my face to which the consultant was shocked as in his words this should never happen so soon, the real problems started when through all this time the weight seemed to be dropping off me i was 23 stone ex powerlifter who knew i had to lose weight at some point but the loss was rapid and i was having really bad stomach cramps and drenching night sweats i saw many GPs who seemed liked they were not listening to what i was saying until 1 of them did and started testing me for cancers, It seemed like all i was ever doing was giving blood and having things shoved where the sun dont shine to no avail everything seemed ok all the test came back fine, I was sent for an endoscopy (horrid my advice go for sedation lol) results came back i had gastritis all this i thought for an upset belly i ended up putting the weight loss down to stress, The doctor also sent me for a CT scan and i was called back in to discuss the results. The comsultant we spoke to informed me i had swollen lymphnodes on my left side below my collar bone he said they should be 1cm mine are 3cm he then went on to tell we what could cause this lymphoma,TB and something else that i cant even remember which he ruled out anyway my wife then said could it be TB he said NO its Lymphoma but dont worry i can fix you !!! I was then refered for a needle biopsy to which i have had and i am now awaiting the results, from April to now i have lost a total of 5 stone still have night sweats im always feeling tired and to top it off my mind is doing 100 miles an hour all day every day, I just cant wait till the results come back to give me a definate answer so i can plan the next steps, Im 41 yrs old with a wife and 3 kids i never expected to be having conversations like thistill i was alot older just goes to show you never know whats around the corner.

Id like to keep you updated if anyone is intrested and let you know what happens next.

 

 

  • Hi Keni. 

    Welcome to the forum and thanks for sharing your story with us. It sounds like it's been a difficult few months of symptoms and tests to rule our possible causes for your problems. I'm glad to hear that hopefully you'll have some definitive answers soon and as you say you'll be able to start planning the next steps. 

    I'm sure that lots our members here will have experienced similar thoughts and feelings around "I never expected to be having conversations like this". Being diagnosed with cancer or another serious health issue can raise all sorts of "Why me?" type questions but it sounds as though you're approaching this with a positive attitude and that will definitely help you through whatever comes next. 

    If at any point you feel it would help to talk to one of our team of nurses then you're most welcome to call them. They're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    In the meantime keep in touch Keni and let us know how you get on at your appointment. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Hi keni,

    Wecome to Cancer Chat.So sorry you are going through this, I know from my own experience how stressful this all is. It doesn't heip when the medics don't seem to be listening. I was lucky in that respect when I went to my GP 13 years ago with a lump in my groin. She put me on two weeks antibiotics and when no improvement sent me straight for a biopsy. They diagnosed Follicula Non Hodgkins Lymphoma. There are many types of lymphoma both high and low grade your biopsy wil tell them what sort you have. Most are treated with chemo and very successfully too, sometimes they relapse like mine does and sometimes they do not. Do come back if you would like to and tell us how you get on with your results. Once you get a treatment plan things will start to become calmer in your mind.

    I have a PET scan next Wednesday, so I too will be waiting for the dreaded results. I hope you don't have too long to wait.

    Thinking of you and your family,

    Christine.