Lymphoma or something else?

Early 2020 - I was displaying symptoms that concerned my diabetes team and was tested for a carcinoid tumour but everything was clear. 
 

Throughout 2020 - symptoms changed and developed. I had night sweats, felt tired, generally unwell, left side and back pain and fluctuations in blood pressure. They found blood in my urine and continued to do so. 
 

July 2020 - Treated me for a UTI - didn't work. 
July again - Treated me for kidney stones - didn't work. 
 

August 2020 - I had a CT scan that showed up enlarged kidney & swollen lymph nodes in stomach. Repeat CT done, bloods showed increased inflammatory markers and I was refered as suspected cancer & seen a haematologist 8 days later. She explained that she thought the lymph nodes were fine and within normal parameters and it was just a bad infection and give me antibiotics. Hardly in with her felt like she just wanted me gone. 
 

I actually had a long good period of time where things settled and I don't know if the antibiotics helped or if it was a coincidence. 
 

I say that because I now have all the symptoms back and the night sweats are bad, I wake every night, drenched and dripping and my bedding soaked too. 
 

GP has ordered bloods and refered me for another CT, has said she may do a chest X-ray too and has given me antibiotics just in case. She's speaking to urology about the continued blood in urine and has said if she has too she'll insist haematology see me again. 
 

Im left fed up again now. 

  • Hello GeordieMark88

    I'm sorry to hear about the ongoing health problems that you've been dealing with. It's understandable that you're feeling fed up with things. The lack of sleep and anxiety about what is causing these symptoms will undoubtedly be taking a toll on you. 

    It sounds like your GP is quite supportive and is determined to try and get to the bottom of this. I hope that you don't have to wait too long for your tests and that this time you get some firm answers and a diagnosis. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Thought I’d add an update. 

    I started taking the antibiotics as advised just in case it was a bad infection again. I got quite unwell and vomited all food back up so I’ve been prescribed an alternative. 

    I had my bloods and rang surgery yesterday, the receptionist said the doctor had noted I had a high platelet count and had spoken with the on call haematology registrar at the hospital and he is putting it down to an infection too. 

    Still waiting for the CT scan appointment to come through.

    Is there anything else I should be asking? 

    If they are so insistent it’s a bad infection should I be asking for the bloods to be repeated after the course of antibiotics?

    My thinking is if it was an infection then surely the high platelet count should come down? 

    So if it’s still high when repeated it would either be the infection is still there or it has to be something else?

  • If you can afford it, I'd consider getting a private consultation with a haematologist. Tell them your clinical course and show them all your test results. That way either you get another reassuring opinion or, if the private doctor is worried, then you can investigate your symptoms further.

  • Thanks for the suggestion, just not sure if I would be able to afford anything like that and wouldnt even know where to start.