Concerned over symptoms

Hi everyone,

I am awaiting blood test results that were taken on Wednesday. I just wanted to get a general feel of time frames for hearing from your own GPs/getting results.

I've had a large lump on my neck for a while now, suspected its a swollen lymph node (its pretty large I haven't tried to move it around as I get a bit squeemish touching it.. I know!) 

Around 2 weeks ago I suddenly started to experience severe pain in my left knee, which then by the next day had spread to both knees, and then the right elbow. The pain is still here, but has moved to ankles and shins. When it flares up I am unable to walk properly, and getting up and down the stairs is extremely difficulty. I am a previously active 27 year old with no other health conditions or injuries. I have been having fevers, and just generally feeling very tired and unwell. 

Did anyone else have symptoms that sound like this? How long did it take to get referred for more tests or to hear from the GP? 

For context, I am particuarly anxious about these symptoms as my mother passed away due to leukemia and it presented as symptoms similar to these. 

Thanks in advance,

Yas 

 

  • Hello Yas and a warm welcome to Cancer Chat!

    As mentioned on our blood tests page here,  the best thing to do would be to ask the phlebotomist, doctor or nurse when and how you will get your results. Some results might be available quickly, such as a full blood count. But some other tests might take several weeks. So do check with your surgery - they will know for sure how long it takes for the results of your tests to come through. It's good that you are getting these symptoms investigated and it may be a bit of a long process to first wait for blood tests results and then see whether further referrals are required, but the only thing you can do really is to wait. It certainly isn't the easiest thing to do though. 

    I know it is really hard but try not to worry too much or anticipate what it might be. The best thing to do to avoid thinking too much about this is to keep busy and distracted if you can and avoid looking things up online. I can imagine it is hard for you to do this at the moment but it will help you feel a little less anxious. I am really sorry to hear though that your mum passed away due to leukemia. This is something you should perhaps mention to your doctor if you haven't done so already just so they are aware of your family history. 

    I hope you will also hear from others here who have been through all this before and that they will be along soon to share their story with you. 

    Keeping everything crossed for you that everything turns out fine. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator