Please never feel bad! I've just been last week to have a look at a lump (smaller than a pea and hasn't grown) which has been on my neck for months (I've actually lost track of how long) but I didn't want to bother them, especially at the moment however, the nurse said life goes on and these things still happen so always best to get checked. I am awaiting an ultrasound as my inflammation markers were slightly raised from blood test but they have nothing to compare it to so I am back on Friday for more blood to be taken! Hopefully in both our cases it is nothing, but always best to be checked! 

Hey,

So sorry to hear you are going through this situation... it is very scary and I wanted to reply as I am currently going through something very similar to yourself. 
Mine all started in October last year, had some acid reflux, a lot of anxiety due to Covid situation etc. I started to feel like there were lumps in my throat and that I couldn't breathe properly. Then I felt lots of lumps on either side of my neck. The bigger ones on the right side. All different sizes, movable and some feel tender to touch others don't. Was just a terrible experience trying to be seen by a doctor as he kept telling me it's my anxiety and to just take some anti acid tablets like Rennies. I went to a walk in centre, he prescribed me anti acids for a month. But I still felt like it wasn't right so I pushed to see my GP - had a full blood count, came back with high IGA levels which they think could mean I have IBD or something. This all took months to be sorted and numerous phone calls it's been a long journey. Still felt unwell and stressed so my GP finally referred me for a Ultrasound scan which happened within 2 weeks on the emergency referral scheme. Was terrified and but it came back as reactive lymph nodes maybe due to an infection, which I'm not sure about but my GP also referred me to the ENT department as I can see a growth on the back of my tongue. They called me and didn't want to see me as I'm quite young and no history of cancer in my family. So they've now put me on gastro resistant tablets for 8 weeks if there is no improvement then I will need to come in for an endoscopy. 

Sorry for the long post just thought it might take your mind off your worries while reading all of mine.. 

number one thing is to make sure you tell your doctor all your symptoms, worries and try not to let them fob you off or take to long with getting back to you. I feel like I was too soft at the beginning just letting them say whatever they needed to get me to go home and out of their hair. 
 

Also try and relax as much as you can, stress really does make everything worse! Stay off researching things on google it has made me feel so scared at times and doesn't do is any favours. 
go for walks, do things that make you happy and keep you busy. Talk to people about it all, how you feel just get it out in the open. You are not alone, I'm still going through this and I still have bad days where I feel lost and hopeless.

If you ever want to talk I am here, and remember that most likely is not cancer, could be sooo many other things so keep that in mind. 
 

Take care xx

Thank you, that makes me feel better! And good luck with your second blood test and the ultrasound.

Thank you Bec, I appreciate your reply. I haven't told anyone about it really (honestly I don't want to make a fuss, hence being on here!). I'm really sorry you're going through it too.

I have had heartburn for the last 3-4 months which is unusual for me, but I didn't think to mention it. Is that a thing? I've also had bowel problems for about the same about of time, but I'm newly divorced so that's probably down to stress.

I'm glad they're finally looking into things for you, but you shouldn't have to fight for it. I wonder why some of your lumps hurt, and some don't? I have to confess my doc has been great so far. He said he's sure it's nothing but did the blood test for the same day and sorted the scan for March. I think I'll feel a bit more easy once I hear about the bloods on Friday.

The waiting is horrible. Here if you need to chat, too. x

Hey, 

that's okay, I find it really helpful talking to people on here going through similair things. Makes you feel less isolated. I totally understand not wanting to tell people and worry them, I felt the same for a little while or that everyone though I was mental. 

That would definitely be something to look into, if you are having heart burn you could potentially be having some acid reflux yourself but I'm hoping they will be able to pick these things up in your blood tests. I really hope the results come back good for you and you can start to feel better and move forward. I'm so glad your doctor is being helpful.

My doctor has been very understanding I just think when you don't know how to explain your symptoms properly etc they sometimes don't know what to do with you. But he has given me every test possible it's just been very slow with the Covid situation. 
 

I'm not sure what my lumps are doing to be honest haha, I just worry that they haven't gone down in so long now but I guess if my stomach is still inflamed it may take some time. 
 

How have you been feeling in yourself? Did you get up to much at the weekend??
 

thank you for replying and taking the time to read through my messages. Speak soon x

Wondering how you're both getting on?

I had my ultrasound today, and they said it was atypical / abnormal. It's being passed back to my GP for more 'investigation'.

Feel a bit overwhelmed tbh.

Hey, 

Did they not take a biopsy or anything? When are you going to see your GP? I hope you are okay I know how scary and stressful this all is and the frustration of waiting for an answer. 
how are you feeling in yourself??

I'm still on gastro resistant tablets, coming up to my last 2 weeks then they want to put me on them for a further 3 months. I feel a lot of improvement I was so unwell but I still have the lump in my throat and on the side of my neck so my body is still reacting to something just not sure what yet and I don't know when the day will come that I get a diagnosis.

when I had my ultrasound he literally just said they are 'reactive lymph nodes' meaning my body is flaring up because of something going on like stomach flare ups etc and he sent the letter to my GP which said it's 'borderline and will need to speak to Doctor' and then they have put me on these tablets for 8 weeks to see if it improves but it has slightly but not fully yet. 
 

Hope you are okay - keep us updated and here if you need to speak x
 

Hi Bec, thanks so much for replying.

No. The ultrasound was done at my GPs surgery, so they just do the scan and then pass the report back to my doctor (which takes another 7 days). I think if they do it in a hospital then they do the biopsy straight away if there looks like there's a problem?

I feel a bit numb tbh. There was a mix up re where I was meant to wait (it's quite a large practice with three levels). By the time they realised they'd sent me to the wrong waiting area, they were switching off the machine but squeezed me in. When I left, the nurse said they were very glad they waited. Just that comment alone made me feel nervous, and I have to confess I burst out crying the moment I got outside. Other than the lump and it aching once in a while, I don't really have any other symptoms other than tiredness.

Do you have any idea what's causing your flare ups? Really hope the tablets work. It's horrible not knowing!

x

Hi Bec,

My GP called this afternoon. He's put me in a 'fast pathway' to be seen by an ENT at my local hospital. Apparantly they'll check if there are any obvious reasons why my lymph node is still enlarged, and might do a biopsy to rule out lymphoma etc. Should get seen within two weeks, which is a relief, but I'll be glad to get it done and dusted. Also trying hard not to think of the worst case scenario!!

How are things your end?

x

Hi Georgie. I was wondering how you got on. I have a lump in my lymph node on my neck. Noticed it about 6 weeks ago. Had a biopsy today and am now waiting for the results. The radiographer said it's solid and 2cm wide. He managed to extract lots of cells but I am so worried. He mentioned I will need a MRI and CT scan but no-one is confirming anything to me. I'm a single mum with a daughter about to go to uni. I have no family nearby but a couple of very close friends. I'm already thinking the worst but praying they'll come back and say it's benign. The wait is awful.

Any advice from anyone on this thread would be appreciated.