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I’m sure I have lymphoma!

MissMac92
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Hello everyone. This is my first time posting and I’m hoping I may get some answers or at least similar stories. Anything is appreciated! 

So, over a year ago, nearly 2 years, I found a rubbery lump just under my jawline. I can move it so it sits on my jawline, and when I let go it hides right under. However I can still feel it, and the area around it feels different to the right side of my face. (The lump is on the left) 

during these 2 years I have gained the following symptoms: 

weight loss

fatigue

night sweats

chest pain and can’t catch breath

itching all over 

aching around the lump

 

i have been to the doctors, and referred to oncology after I had quite a few swollen nodes, this was all last year. They gave me a CT scan and said it was clear. However, they did it from the chest down and I’m convinced they missed my neck. I have been going back and forth after receiving no help or guidance to treat all the symptoms I have. I went back yesterday after night sweats are becoming too much for me, and she felt the lump. She also looked through my notes and history and noticed some blood results weren’t clear. She has now booked me in for an ultrasound of my neck and blood tests. Am I finally being listened to?! I know those symptoms are lymphoma symptoms and I’m so drained and sick of feeling so poorly!

Will they see the lump on the ultrasound and will the know if it’s malignant or benign from it?

many thanks. Miss Mac. Ps I am 27 with 2 children.  

  • Offline

    Hi Miss Mac.  Welcome to the forum.

    I am not a doctor, but I am a cancer patient and I've been around the block a few times.

    It is very common for lymph nodes to swell up as a reaction to infection, and they can stay swollen for up to 6 weeks before going down.  But what is less well known is that some lymph nodes never go down, and remain harmlessly, permanently swollen.  After 2 years, I think there is a good chance that's the situation with your neck lump.  The ultrasound is the standard scan for suspicious lymph nodes and it should give you an answer. 

    There are any number of reasons for the other symptoms you describe, and most are harmless.

    Fingers crossed that the ultrasound will not find anything sinister. 

  • Offline in reply to telemando

    Thankyou for your reply. Iveforgot to mention that I have lost weight rapidly and have gone from 11stone to 9stone in these almost 2 years. I eat more than most women and I’ve never had this problem before. Sometimes I cough up blood mixed with my phlegm, and my stomach is in constant pain with indigestion/cramps/constipation and diahrhea. The night sweats are the worst. I’ll be glad to know it’s notjing sinister but I wish my doctor would help me treat all the symptoms I have!! I have a newborn baby too so it’s very exhausting. Thanks again 

  • Offline in reply to MissMac92

    Hi! Stage 4 lymphoma survivor here! 

    While I can't offer any medical advice, I know my cancerous lymph node wasn't movable. I also know that these scans can seem... Odd? In how they're done. I had scans done that I felt missed areas, but that was the standard procedure - the doctors do know what they're doing, but if you're genuinely concerned that they missed it, chase it up. Pester them! It's important to be heard, especially if it'll put your mind at ease. I had to go to four doctors before anyone suspected my cancer, and even then it was only after my lung collapsed. Don't feel bad about chasing answers! 

    I also know that night sweats can be caused by cancer, of course! Firsthand experience - they're terrible! But, they can also be caused by medications and hormones, and I can only imagine being pregnant/having a baby probably messes with your hormones.

    My best advice is, try not to worry too much until you get a proper answer - It's so hard not to stress, I know easier said than done! But there's a good chance its something much more benign than lymphoma.

    Much love and I'll keep you in my prayers! 

  • Offline in reply to MissMac92

    Hi I was just reading your symptoms I'm going through something very similar,  I've had a lot of symtoms starting from june 2020 it started with breathlessness but just thought I wasnt as fit as I was lol then started to feel realy rundown fatigue was like nothing I've experienced before then ended up in a&e with heart palpitations was sent home after tests said I was ok , then i started getting realy bloated,constipation and diarrhoea and severe pelvic pain ended up in a&e again was referred to a gynecoligst which I'm still waiting on, then I noticed a lump under my neck and blood in my phlegm just the once and throat is so dry but doctors have prescribed me antibiotics which I am on now, I'm so worried its lymphoma my dr said not to worry my bloodwork was realy good, was just wondering what your outcome was as I no this was 2019,hope your well x

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