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Swollen lymph nodes in neck

Sallx
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Hello, 

 

I've been following these forums for a while, but this is my first time posting. I found a swollen cervival lymph node approximately 6 months ago, on the left side of my neck. I kept an eye on it but I was too scared to go to the doctors, which I know is ridiculous, but I have anxiety and I suppose I just wanted to block it out. It's about the size of a pea at its biggest. It hasn't got any bigger, if anything it sometimes feels smaller and fluctuates in size, however a few more small one's have now popped up. Also the lymph nodes under my jaw are now quite swollen and tender. I did have covid about a month ago, and I've only noticed these new ones since then, however they are still there and now I'm worried sick. 

 

I've just seen the doctor, who had a feel and has referred me for an ultrasound and also a chest X-ray as a precaution. I knew he was going to do this, from reading all of your posts on here, however as soon as he did I broke down, as it made it feel so real. I know that's the only way to find out, but I have convinced myself that it's something serious and I can't ignore it anymore. I'm just so scared. I don't know what I'm looking for really, but I know many people on here have had similar experiences. If anyone would like to share their experience or if you're going through the same right now, then maybe we can support eachother. Thanks for reading. 

  • Offline in reply to Danzieeeee

    Hi all,

    I'm so sorry to hear so many are struggling- it really is such a difficult time waiting for tests, results, consultations etc etc.

    I don't know much about these things in a larger sense but, if it's any comfort to anyone, although my diagnosis came as huge shock it really isn't the worst thing in the world. I'm not suggesting for 1 second that it's OK to have Hodgkin's lymphoma but I am saying that I'm choosing to concentrate on a few facts:

    My lymphoma is treatable, no matter what stage it is

    I live in a place where diagnosis and treatment is possible 

    My doctors are specialists and Google doesn't help me

     

    If anyone ever wants to ask me any questions please do reach out.

    This little thread has been a light during dark times and Danielle and Sally have been amazing support.

    My children took the news as well as can be expected and tomorrow is the day I get my dates to start chemotherapy, my final grading and full biopsy report as well as cutting my hair short! I'm shattered but optimistic, scared but positive and all of that's OK with me!

     

    Sending you all love and light xxx

  • Offline in reply to RoseDreams

    I think that's such an amazing mind set to have. Thank you for sharing this with us Rose and good luck for your final results. Please let us know how you got on. Will be thinking of you.xx

    If you don't mind me asking, how old are you and what symptoms did you have? Did you have more than one lump? I'm scared as I found another one yesterday on the other side of my neck. I didn't wake up sweating last night which was good though. I just hate the waiting game. It makes me feel so sick. 

    Hope you're all doing ok xx

  • Offline in reply to ljd62

    Hi! Thanks for thinking of me - all positive vibes gratefully received xxx

    I'm 41 and in terms of symptoms the only thing I had was a swollen lymph node on the right hand side of my neck. It is rock hard and about 3cm. It continued to grow over a number of months which sent me to the GP. Funnily enough the GP referred me as a possible thyroid issue rather than any thing else. It was the doctor who performed the ultrasound who first spotted something that wasn't OK and took biopsies immediately. 

    The only other symptom has been losing weight (which I'd attributed to grief) and tiredness (which I attributed to being a mum!)

     

    I hope this helps a bit but if not please do ask me anything else.

     

    Sending you strength and positivety xxx

  • Offline in reply to RoseDreams

    Hi Rose, 

    Hope you don't mind me messaging! I just wanted to say your positivity is truly amazing! I just know you are going to smash your treatment! 

    Did you receive your final staging/ treatment plan?  Onwards and upwards from here!

    I did want to ask how quickly your node grew/ was it a massive jump? I'm sure mine has gotten bigger over 7 months but not drastically. 

    All the best, Chloe 

  • Offline in reply to Chloefaye

    Hi Chloe, not at all! Thank you xx

    It was a steady growth but it wasn't me that saw it really as I suppose you don't always notice these things yourself! It was my sister and my best friend who noticed the changes between gaps in seeing them who noticed it growing.

    I did get my plan! Chemotherapy starts Monday for 2 months (ABVD) and after a clear PET scan I'll move on to radiotherapy for 2 weeks. Nothing compared to others but, in the words of my consultant, aggressive treatment for a shorter time span works best for my type of cancer.

    I hope that helps but please shout up if not!

    Xxxx

  • Offline in reply to RoseDreams

    Best of luck for Monday, Rose. Will be thinking of you. Hope it all goes well. Thanks again for sharing everything. You're so helpful.xxx 

     

    I have my scan at 8:30 tomorrow. Saw the consultant today who thinks they are reactive nodes. Scan will hopefully confirm this. Xx

  • Offline in reply to ljd62

    Thanks for thinking of me xx

    Good luck for your scan tomorrow. I have a new found love and respect for radiologists and radiographers! :grin: 

  • Offline in reply to RoseDreams

    Thank you so much. Getting anxious tonight xx

  • Offline in reply to ljd62

    I know it's a stressful. You could try your favourite film or box set this evening? Something comforting that you can half focus on while you try to relax?

    And a nice warm drink always helps me xxx

  • Offline in reply to RoseDreams

    Thank you for being so kind and thoughtful, Rose. I really do appreciate you taking the time to reply. Decided to watch The Apprentice tonight ️ Xx

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