Hello,

I'm sorry to hear of the anxiety your issue is causing you at the moment, but at least you now have a referral. The anxiety can become self-perpetuating, and the internet seems full of mis-leading info albeit with good intentions. 

The key to going forward is clinical diagnosis from experts, beyond a GP. The process may take some time, but bere with it.

I had a lymph node on my neck, about the size of a large peanut, which I never thought anything of. About a year later, I noticed that it had slightly increased. I went to the GP and saw a locum doctor, who was brilliant. He examined my neck, consulted his book and asked whether I had any other symptoms, which I did - fatigue. I assumed that it was due to stress, as I was working on an important project. I was sent to hospital for numerous blood tests, which showed no issues. I was told that the lump was probably a fatty deposit around the node. After more blood work, I was sent for an Ultrasound test. Then, I was sent for a FNA (Fine needle aspiration) biopsy, basically taking cells from the node. The result showed some cancer cells so I then had to have one of the lymph nodes removed from my neck to determine what type it was. The reason neck node was bigger was due to some of them fusing together to make a larger clump. So, the day after my 45th birthday I was told that I had Follicular Lymphoma, a cancer seen typically in the 70+ age bracket.

That was over 5 years ago. I still have Lymphoma but it is indolent (slow growing) incurable but treatable. As yet I have have not had to have any treatment. I still feel pretty much as I did 7 years ago, so I would be none the wiser without the diagnosis. The difference is now I have a fantastic medical team monitoring my health. I have regular screening and consultations and I can live life to the fullest, knowing I'm not in this alone through the process. I had a full body CT scan so they can reference the sizes and a bone marrow biopsy to check if it had spread to my blood - no signs yet.

I am asked during consultations whether I have experienced any, what they term B symptoms, being weight loss, sweating and itching. I do occasionally get itching, which feels like you are covered in crawling insects. I'm sorry to hear that you are suffering several other symptoms. Make sure you cover every concern during your referral.

Do you have any other enlarged nodes? I have them also in the armpits, side of the rib cage, chest and groin. It's worth a general check, they're not the sort of thing that you are normally aware of, especially as they don't tend to cause pain, unless they impinge a nerve of something.

Sorry for the war & peace epic, it's difficult to condense into a few lines, you'll probably need a cup of tea and a biscuit now!

I'll check in regularily to see whether you've had your review. I know it's the old cliché, but try and stay positive. If the result is good, you can move on with your life, if it's not so good, you can move on with your life - you just have to take a slight detour on the way

I wish you health and happiness for what lies ahead.

Kind regards

Dean

Hi Dean, 

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my post and to reply with your own experiences. 

I'm truly sorry to learn about the challenges you are going through. It sounds like you are thriving despite your diagnosis, you seem so strong and secure with everything, but I appreciate it can't have been easy and really admire your strength and determination.

I've woken up this morning feeling really emotional. I had really unsettled sleep last night, and had all sorts running through my head, and bizarre dreams....

I just read through your post a couple of times, and I keep trying to write a proper reply to you, but then I keep doing the old "type and delete" thing... 

I just can't get my words to convey what I want to say. 

Up until now, I thought I was gonna be pretty cool, calm and collected through this referral.

I really didn't think I was that worried about anything, and I was telling myself "what will be, will be..." 

And I do still feel that way. What will be, WILL BE... 

But it kinda feels like its not the diagnosis I'm concerned about right now, its more the waiting for it happen that's stressing me out... 

Right now, it feels like getting a diagnosis would almost be some sort of relief.... that sounds really odd, doesnt it... 

Odd, but true....

I'm feeling hopeful that I will get a call in the next day or two, maybe even today if I'm lucky.....

Hi Lizzy,

My advice would be return to your GP and explain that the issue has not gone away and that you would like further tests. I had blood tests for nearly a year (before diagnosis) and ALL were negative.

The only way they could conclusively determine whether the lumps were benign or cancerous was to first have an Ultrasound scan then have a Fine Needle Biopsy, where they remove cells from the lymph node (mine was taken from the neck - simple quick and painless).

This, for me, unfortunately showed that I had cancer cells in the lymphatic system, to to pinpoint exactly which type, they need to remove a lymph node (typically the neck as there are at least 5 on either side).

Each person is different, so your symptoms may be nothing,, but seeing your post regarding the pain in the breast, groin and armpit areas is of concern. My lymphoma was indolent (slow growing) for over 5 years but in February I started getting pain across the chest and it was painful to sleep on my side due to the lymph nodes in the armpit.

A had a consultation with my oncologist in June. A CT scan, Bone Marrow biopsy and a PET scan later, confirmed the situation had become high-grade and I started Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy treatment on the 1st of July, and am currently 2 cycles into a 6 cycle treatment.

I hope that you can get a referral so that you can get some clarity (and peace of mind)  - whether it be good news or bad. If it is bad news be reassured that there are incredible Doctors and Nurses and treatments that will get you through it. If it's good news, enjoy every moment - as they say "life's too short for regrets".

I wish you all the best for a healthy and happy life - fingers crossed.

Dean.

Thanks for your fast reply. I have been referred to breast clinic and gynaecology for one in my groin so awaiting to hear when these appointments will be. I also got referred to go to haematology for more in depth blood test so hoping for answers soon. Sorry to hear that was the outcome for you but glad to hear how positive about it you sound. I wish you all the best with your treatment. Thanks so much for taking the time to reply to me. 

Hi, 

I know this post is dated last year but I found it as I am currently experiencing the exact same symptoms: fatigue, night sweats, weight loss, and lumps in neck armpit breast and groin. I was hoping you could give an update on the outcome. 
 

At the moment, I have had scans, biopsies, sample swabs etc, and I don't seem to get a clear answer at al. I have been put on 4 different antibiotic courses which have no effect on the lumps at all. I had an appointment last week to discuss biopsy results and was told by consultant  "it's bizarre because by the look, feel and growth rate of the lumps I was completely convinced this was a developed case of lymphoma but the biopsy isn't too clear so.... let's do more tests".

It's the waiting, the worry and the anxiety during the last while that's a struggle. I have just been given another scan appointment for...... July!! 
 

so I'm hoping you could maybe give me some insight into how it's going your side. 
 

hope you're doing ok now