Just an update in case anyone comes across this post. I will keep updating, as I know this forum has helped me so much and its always good to hear the final outcome, either way. 

So, I called the hospital and I'm booked in for a chest x-ray in a few weeks. However, the ultrasound of my neck is going to be at least 16 weeks! So I have called a private hospital and I'm going to have my scan done there to speed things up. 

I checked my notes from the GP on my online records and the GP is concerned and put the referral through as URGENT. However, there is also a comment stating 'doesn't appear to meet the 2ww criteria.' So although this is a good sign that the GP hasn't put it through as the two week referral, during my appointment he was concerned and said he wanted it done urgently. So on the one hand I'm thinking I should just wait as the GP can't be that concerned, but on the other hand, there is no way I can wait 16 weeks with this worry. So the cost of the scan will be worth it, even if just to save me 16 weeks of worry and give me some answers. Apparently I'll get the scan results there and then. X 

Hi, I am also playing the waiting game for a swollen lymph node diagnoses. My lump is in the right side of my neck and has been present for around 6/7 moths but getting bigger.

I had a GP referral (non urgent) for an ultrasound which happened just over a week ago. The Dr took two biopsies and said that my results would be fastracked and the the hospital would be taking over my care. 

I have an appointment with the haematology consultant on the 24th and the wait is really starting to get me down. I'm trying to stay busy and distract myself but it's tricky at times.

Sending you strength and support xxx

Ahh thanks Danielle. 

I have read about a lot of people getting them after the vaccine so I'm really hoping it is that. But I did have my vaccine ages ago and they only seem to have popped up now. It feels like every time I feel positive and stop worrying, I find something else. 

I'm just hoping and praying that the chest xray is clear. 

How are you feeling Danielle? Are your stomach issues any better? Xxx

Hi Sal,

My nodes didn't get enlarged until months and months after I'd had the vaccine, so I wouldn't link it to time. You'll get to the bottom of it I'm sure, and it's usually the simplest explanations in the end. Please keep talking to us if you feel worried, no need to suffer alone. fingers crossed for the chest x-Ray being clear. You are being a total trooper, not much longer to go til you get your results. 

My stomach issues seem to have eased a little. GP did more tests, all came back clear which is reassuring. So it's looking like IBS at the moment, which I can deal with. 
 

hope you had a lovely NYE, I went for a meal and a show with the family, it was lots of fun. We are going for a dip in the sea shortly (cold water therapy!) to see in the new year! 
 

Danielle xx

Hello both,

Just checking in to see how you're both doing?

xx

Hi Rose,

I've not been too bad thanks, my anxiety seems to be settling a little and I had a letter from the hospital to say they didn't think the results of my scan were concerning so I'm feeling a little more reassured. 
 

How are you?? Have you heard from the consultant yet or are you still waiting?? Xx

Oh Danielle, I'm so pleased to hear that - excellent news xxx

I do, finally!, have my biopsy results and a diagnosis.

I have Hodgkin's lymphoma.

It's hugely treatable which is great. I'm waiting for one final scan and then I'll be starting chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy. 

All is going to be well though and I'm so pleased to have a plan in place.

Sending lots of love and fingers crossed Sally's OK too xxx

Hi Rose,

I'm sorry the lump wasn't benign but I'm glad you finally have some clarity and a clear plan in place. I hear that chemo and radio are much less challenging than they used to be what with the advancement of medicine. Having done lots of googling on lymphoma I know that it is so very treatable, especially if contained to one area, so you're going to be treated and recovering very soon! Which is a positive in a negative situation. You have an amazing mindset and that is what's going to get you through this. 
My dad had lymphoma, stage 4b but his treatment was very successful and he has lived cancer free for many years now despite having the unhealthiest lifestyle ever! I have no doubt that your positive attitude and a great team of Dr's will see you through this, just like my dad, who is now living his best life!

Please let us know how you're getting on with your treatment. Hope all is well with the family and they are giving you lots of support xxxx

Hi Rose, 

I just came on to check how you were doing and saw your reply. I am so sorry to hear that, I truly am! You've had such a long wait and been so strong throughout. I'm sure you're relieved to finally have an answer and a plan for treatment, even though its not the news you were hoping for. I have no doubt that you will remain strong and show it the door. You're amazing! 

I have had my chest x-ray results and they were all clear, so I'm massively relieved. However the GP does want to see me again this week, as he isn't happy that the lymph nodes are swollen around my collar bone since its such a worrying place. So I'm still uncertain, but hoping for the best, especially since the chest X-ray didn't pick anything up. I am going on Friday so we will see what he says. 

I hope you're well Danielle. I am really hoping that it is due to the covid vaccine - that would absolutely be the best case scenario. And I'm glad your stomach issues have eased a bit. IBS is not pleasant but once you know what works for you it's manageable.

Sending lots of love to you both xxx 

Hi Rose, 

How are you doing? Thinking of you. Really hope you're feeling okay and staying strong. 

Lots of love xxx

Hi Sally,

Good luck for your doctors appointment tomorrow. 

Thanks for checking in :happy:

I'm OK thanks. I've got my PET scan on Saturday and then I'm back in clinic on Wednesday where I'll probably get my cancer graded and  hear the exact type of Hodgkin's I have. I have found another swollen node,  this time on my collar bone so I think it's travelled a little bit but nothing drastic. 

I'm having my hair cut very short a week today in preparation and so my children know it was my choice to have short hair before the treatment. 

They don't know about my diagnosis yet and we're telling them over the weekend. My heart breaks whenever I think about it but we'll get them through it.

Lots of love xxx

Hi Rose, 

Great idea to get your hair cut short, that way you are taking control. Pick a style you've always wanted and go for it! 
 

The PET scan and grading will be over with soon and you'll have a solid plan, and be on to treatment. The hardest part is the waiting for results I think, and telling people :-( 

I hope it goes well on the weekend. If your children are anything like you, they will have a positive outlook and maybe even be a good support to you? As much as our children can be anyway! They will certainly be a distraction! 

I have a friend who has just finished chemo for bowel cancer. He said it was nowhere near as bad as he thought it'd be. Tbf my dad said the same thing and that was twenty years ago. I know it hits people differently but I think you're going to get through your treatment and be done with this quicker than you think. 

How are you feeling in a day to day basis? Are you managing alright? 

And Sal, would like to know how you're getting on too. Great stuff that your ultrasound and x-Ray have both given some reassurance, but I like that your GP is on the ball :-)

lots of love, Danielle xxx
 

Hi Rose, 

Great idea to get your hair cut short, that way you are taking control. Pick a style you've always wanted and go for it! 
 

The PET scan and grading will be over with soon and you'll have a solid plan, and be on to treatment. The hardest part is the waiting for results I think, and telling people :-( 

I hope it goes well on the weekend. If your children are anything like you, they will have a positive outlook and maybe even be a good support to you? As much as our children can be anyway! They will certainly be a distraction! 

I have a friend who has just finished chemo for bowel cancer. He said it was nowhere near as bad as he thought it'd be. Tbf my dad said the same thing and that was twenty years ago. I know it hits people differently but I think you're going to get through your treatment and be done with this quicker than you think. 

How are you feeling in a day to day basis? Are you managing alright? 

And Sal, would like to know how you're getting on too. Great stuff that your ultrasound and x-Ray have both given some reassurance, but I like that your GP is on the ball :-)

lots of love, Danielle xxx