Hello klyds,

I'm sorry to hear you're feeling and can understand waiting is difficult, especially when you're not at home. It's important to look after your wellbeing at this time and mindfulness can help calm anxieties. You can read more about referrals here and there are also some tips here that can help, whether you're waiting for an appointment or results.

I hope this helps,

Moderator Anastasia

Hi Kylds,

The first most important thing is that you've had your referral! If there is anything that's a concern, you're now under the right people!

I'm in my late 20s so hopefully a bit of my experience below can help prepare you or ease your mind.

I was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkins Lymphoma earlier this year (now in remission!!). after finding lumps on the left side of my neck, just above my collar bone. I also had night sweats, sickness and fatigue for a while. After speaking to haematology, they advised it was highly likely I had lymphoma, this was confirmed after a painless biopsy, a PET scan and CT scan.

Between finding the lumps and my diagnosis, I was super anxious and it helped researching and preparing myself 'just in case'. Managing my mindset and assuring myself there's not much I could do except carry on having fun and let others do their job really helped.

At the moment, I'd advise staying vigilant, keep an eye out for any other swelling, side effects or symptoms. Night sweats, weight loss, pains, sickness, itches - as small as you might think.

Speak to your university as they can be really supportive

Discuss with haematology that you may also consider heading home if you do require treatment as you might be transferred between NHS trusts (I'm not sure how I'd have handled chemo without my parents support). With that said, Chemo hasn't been as terrible as I expected, its a few rough days but pretty much all the side effects are managable

With all that said, as above, swollen lymph nodes aren't always cancerous! Hoping all goes well and happy to answer any other questions you might have about my experience 

Hi, 

Thanks so much for your reply. Sorry to hear about your diagnosis but sounds like you're dealing with it as well as you can, glad to hear chemo hasn't been as awful as you expected. 

Yes I'm driving myself mad with the waiting! So was the haematologist able to advise you that lymphoma was likely just from a quick chat and examination before the tests were done?

Like you said though, I am relieved I've got this referral even if it does take a while. I've been in constant discomfort with various sore throats, coughs, congestion, ear aches on and off for months now so will be good to get anwers even if they're not the answers I want. Thanks again :)

He said based on the location of the lumps (left side) above my collar bone,  and the night sweats it usually turned out to be HL - but they needed the biopsy results to confirm, turn around was really quick!

Hi

just thought I'd write an update on here

saw ENT today finally. He felt my neck and said he thinks they're probably benign lumps. He also stuck a camera up my nostril (which was not pleasant lol) and said that looked fine too. But he's organised an ultrasound too just in case. So overall feel reassured but still a little stressed.

hope you're doing ok

Hi 

I hope you both don't mind me jumping on here. Just wanted to ask how you're doing and the outcome of the tests you had done?

I've had my first appointment with haematology today. I went to the doctor about 5 weeks ago with the awful night sweats I am having, he did bloods and I went back last week. During that time I have developed a swollen lymph node above my collar bone and have them on my groin too.

I have been feeling really run down lately, just not able to fight off colds, sore throat, ear infection. I've just put it down to being a teacher but obviously I'm now worried it's lymphoma.

This past week im feeling nauseous a lot but I'm not sure if that's just down to the stress and worry?

Waiting for ultrasound, biopsy and CT scan.

Hi 

I'm in same boat as you , I'm in my 30s have night sweats , sickness , bone pain and enlarged lymph nodes in left side of neck and groin , dr did bloods including proteins and (globulins) I think , em bloods all abnormal doctor did check me and thinks is lymphoma so been referred to hematology urgently (2week cancer pathway) I'm very anxious but what ever it is I will fight it 

That's good that yours are nothing suspicious and definitely reassuring that they could tell you there and then. It's so hard not to Google everything or think that everything is because you have cancer. 

I'm currently really nauseous and can't face eating but I think this is probably more down to worry but I'm still questioning it. 

I read last night that the covid Jab causes swollen lymph nodes and I had my booster 2 weeks prior to mine swelling so I was reassured by that however the night sweats started a few months ago. I really hope it doesn't take too long for the appointments to come through so I can get some answers either way.