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Lymph nodes.

Posted , 7 users are following.

emma55969
emma55969

Hi all, I am looking for a bit of advise really, and not sure where else to post. I know none of you are doctors but would appreciate it very much if someone with a bit of knowledge on the subject could shed abitnof light on this. First of all about 6 months ago I noticed a bean-ish sized lump on my neck at the top edge near the corner of my jaw just underneath. It it not painful. A little tender when pressed not overly hard and not overly soft, and can be pushed side to side quite easily. It has not grown in this time which I know of. I ignored it thinking its just a cyst but last night when feeling if it was still their I noticed another 2 on my neck, and 2 above my collar bone these to are all mobile, painless but sore when pressed. And all pea/bean sized. Now im unsure how long ive had these other lumps im pretty sure there my lymph nodes. I think i have one in my armpit low down but not entirely sure. I may have had them as long as the first but never looked for them or noticed them. I'm 23 years old. And have been googling (which I know is a very bad idea) but says Hodgkins, non Hodgkin. Which is worrying me very much now I'm am trying to get into see my go but its prooving quite difficult. I am also suffering with constant tiredness that does not go away at all. I still carry on with daily life but find it hard with the tiredness. I have had a blood test in Feb and that was normal. Other medical history these past couple of month various aches and pains lower back, legs shoulders. Not all the time but some days on and off. I am particularly worried a about Hodgkins as it states there's a peak of people between the age of 20-25 to get it, I know lymph nodes can swell up due to an infection or something but as far as I know I don't have one., is a prospect that I can move them and there mobile a positive thing? I'm just a little concerned why these been there so long. It's just worrying me and could do with some advise really. thank you very much in advance.☺☺☺

0 likes, 32 replies

32 Replies

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  • mitouback
    mitouback emma55969

    Posted

    I would seek medical advice as this mirrors exactly what I had last year, 13 months to the day!!'

    It turned out to be Non Hodkins Lymphoma but I never had the normal side effects like heavy night sweats and fatigue!

    Go to doctor to be sure!!

    I ended up with 6 sessions of chemo!

    Please see doctors. It might be an infection but just to be on the safe side!! Seek medical professional advice and have all the scans and the rest

    Mitou

  • emma55969
    emma55969

    Posted

    Hi mitou did your move around when pressed? How hard were they? I seen the doctor today and he said they don't seem that concerning and there not very big all pea and bean sized? What size were yours? Did they get any bigger? Sorry for all the questions. My bloods were all clear and I was told to book in for another. Does lymphomas show up on blood test? As my cell counts were normal range. I also have a low grade fever which I've had som weeks now. No night sweats, weight loss or anything that's why he didn't seem very concerned. And thought my fatigue is something to do with the fever. Can you tell me the story to your diagnosis please if you wouldn't mind. Like how you went from feeling the lumps to actually been told you had non Hodgkins lymphoma with having no symptoms ? and how long it took for the prognosis. Sorry for being so nosy, but I think it would really help me. Sorry to hear that you went through what you did and hope your doing well now. And thankyiu for taking your time to reply

    • emma93780
      emma93780 emma55969

      Posted

      Hi Emma, I have a lump on my neck to on my neck, mine is on the main muscle about half way down and I noticed it at Christmas last year! I went to the doctors who said he wasn't concerned but would refer me anyway for an ultrasound, I had an ultrasound done in January and it was normal they said it was just a benign lymphnode, I was happy at the time with what he said as I was worried sick and I forgot about it, I tried not to touch it and ignore it in the hope that it would go away but it still there, it feels like it has got a little bigger so I've been back to my gp and he said what I am feeling is not a node it's the bottom of my muscle!!! I don't know who to believe I know they have both told me that it's nothing but how can they tell it's not cancerous without a biopsy!! I want to go back but I have been through so much at the docs recently I am embarrassed to go back x
    • mitouback
      mitouback emma55969

      Posted

      I felt my lymph node in left arm pit and it was hard..It got bigger( 3 cm ) in about the space of 4 months...Then I got costochondritis ( pain in sternum) and thought I was going to die..as it was so very painful..That was last year Nov 2014. I thought it was odd that I suddenly at my age 65 should suddenly get costchondritis, but was fobbed off that it was nothing serious...In June 2015 I thought I could feel the lymph node getting bigger but everybody was saying it was nothing...I had had a flu as well 2 months earlier..but stilll--I know my body so well...

      The I found that I got pain in my left hip joint ( May 2015)...and that was unusual..I could not run on tread mill as it had ot very painful..

      Nothing showed up in blood tests or Xrays..I was sent home. Not to worry. A pulled muscle, I was told.

      In July it got worse and I went and had a private MRI and then took it to doctor. 

      Metastais in pelvis from Non hodkins lymphoma. 2 weeks later July 2015, I started chemo..

      CT scan and PET scan showed that lymphs behind breast bones were full ofg cancer and arm pit..( left)

      I finished chemo in December and Im in remisssion but I worry as it had sperad to my bones...and high risk of recurring again...

      They say: Look after yourelf, Know your body , tell doctors!!! I did and still, I was fobbed off. 

      I cry a lot because of this..I was furious..

      I hope you dont have to go through waht I went through. You have to push and insist on seeing specialists and not take NO for an answer...

      Im sure you are fin..Ask masses of questions...get all your test results ..Get a  second opinion as well.....

      ( Sorry for late reply to your message, but I have been out of the country and not logged in..)

  • JoyKF53
    JoyKF53 emma55969

    Posted

    Hi Emma. See a doctor NOW. It is possible that this is just some infection causing the lymph nodes to swell. But it is also possible that, like me, you could have Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma. If that's the case you need diagnosis immediately and treatment straight away. If it is NHL please don't panic, it is treatable, but the quicker it starts the better the outcome. If you can't get to see your doctor go to the hospital. Good luck.
    • JoyKF53
      JoyKF53

      Posted

      Emma I forgot to say that I had no other symptoms at all, no night sweats, fatigue or anything. Your doctor sounds a waste of time, get a second opinion or go to the hospital. My GP was brilliant, immediately admitted that he didn't know what the lump in my neck was so referred me straight away to an ear, nose and throat specialist.
  • phoenix664
    phoenix664 emma55969

    Posted

    Hey,

    A bit late to the convo, but hope you were able to go to the Dr. The lymphatic system deals with our immunity to illness, so nodes can enlarge for loads of reasons (infections, virus...even stress!) ....although the others are totally right - super important to get these things checked just in case smile

  • emma55969
    emma55969

    Posted

    Thank you all for you replies and your help and advise. I seen the doctor he said to book in for a full blood test this Friday, and to see him again the following week, but am I right in saying lymphoma doesnt always show up on bloods? I know the only way to properly diagnose lymphoma is through a scan or biopsy feel as I am a long way from that stage and just going round in circles. My bloods were fine in Feb and I've had lumps since at least Jan. Maybe longer. They've gradually grown the tiredness is constant and have had a low grade temp for 3 months on and off. Doctor couldn't find any sign of infection so surely this may possibly be lymphoma? Especially since I've had the enlarged lymph nodes for such a long time.. I'm just fed up. When my bloods come back ok which i know they will and the doctor will try to dismiss me again what shall I say to the doc? I don't know how to make them refer me. Thank you all again smile

    • JoyKF53
      JoyKF53 emma55969

      Posted

      You are going to have to be very assertive, as is your right. I would like to know where you live to be able to give you more advice. You need a biopsy as you are absolutely right, your blood test would not show lymphoma. And if it is lymphoma you need treatment now.
  • emma55969
    emma55969

    Posted

    Hi joy. I live in the east Midlands UK. I am having bloods done Friday, so the results will be back by mid-end next week then I can make an appointment with the GP I will not give up untill i get some sort of referal, its no use making another appointment until the bloods have been done i tried that last week and got nowhere I will not give up til I have an answer however long it takes.. Thank you

  • emma55969
    emma55969

    Posted

    JoyKF53 if you don't mind me asking what's your story behind your lymphoma. Like how did it get diagnosed considering you didn't have symtoms.. And how long did it take ? I completely understand if you wish not to tell me as its a very personal matter, I am sorry to hear you have non hodgkins lymphoma and hope your on your way to recovery ☺
    • JoyKF53
      JoyKF53 emma55969

      Posted

      In about early March 2015 I found a small business lump behind my left ear. I saw my GP who, being a good doctor, admitted he didn't have a clue what it was so referred me to ENT at a hospital. The waiting list for a first appointment was quite long and my husband had private health care through work so we contacted them. They saw me within a couple of weeks on a Friday, I had the lump removed the following Friday and was told the Friday after that that I had Lymphoma. I was then referred back to the NHS, a local hospital in Woolwich. I have a wonderful consultant who explained that I had Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma - non Hodgkin's Disease. Because I had sought treatment straight away I was diagnosed as Stage 1a. Stage 1 means the cancerous nodes are above the diaphragm, only in one place and the a means there were no symptoms. Because of this I only had 3 rounds of chemo therapy, R-chop, and 17 days of radiotherapy at St Thomas's Hospital in London. I am now in remission though it is 5 years before you are considered cured. Most cases of cancer that comes back after treatment come back within the two years following the end of the treatment. So, for the next few years it's a game of watch and wait. A lady I know was also diagnosed with non Hodgkin's 10 years ago before the treatment was as good as it is now. She was young with very young twins and a husband who was no help at all. She was Stage 4 B which is as bad as it gets. Today she is fit and well and working full time. So whatever your outcome stay positive. Now, back to your useless doctor. How lucky you're in Britain with our NHS. Contact PALS - patient advice and liaison service. Google it for contact details. They will help you and advise you how to get another opinion and treatment. It is your right to ask for a second opinion. Please let me know how you get on.

    • JoyKF53
      JoyKF53 emma55969

      Posted

      Emma, I have replied but it has gone to the moderator because I have given you the name of a service to contact to get help with a second opinion. If my reply is not printed I will give you my Facebook details so you can contact me.
    • emma55969
      emma55969 JoyKF53

      Posted

      Ok Thank you very much Joy, I will have a look tomorrow ☺
    • emma55969
      emma55969 JoyKF53

      Posted

      I just want this all sorted I have a 4 year old daughter and its worrying me so much.

    • JoyKF53
      JoyKF53 emma55969

      Posted

      I can only begin to imagine how worried you must be having a daughter so young. I will send a separate message with my e-mail address in case the moderator dies not allow it, just so you know I will keep in touch. Non Hodgkin's is a very curable illness nowadays but I won't tell you not to worry because it's only natural that you will. Keep in touch with me.
    • emma55969
      emma55969 JoyKF53

      Posted

      Thank you very much Joy. For all your help I really appricate it. I just wish I started this all at the start of the year when I found the first one I feel so stupid now but thought nothing of it at the time. Talking to you has really helped me so much as I can't share this fear with my partner or anyone as I don't want to unnecessarily worry them so Thank you. Fingers crossed. I will keep in touch with you through here if no other way, and will post end of next week when I've seen the doc again... Thank you again ☺
    • JoyKF53
      JoyKF53 emma55969

      Posted

      One of the things that upset me the most was feeling so isolated. My husband did his best but didn't (and still doesn't) really "get it". I didn't want to watch my family and my friends worrying so put on a good front but inside I was screaming. The not knowing, waiting, fear and anger has been overwhelming at times and only being able to cry when I was alone made me feel even worse. Now I have also been told that I have a small brain tumour (meningioma) and have to go to King's College Hospital in London in November! More waiting, more worry. But, what I do know, is that if I look around me I can always find people who have far greater problems than me so remember, that glass is half full, not half empty. Contact me any time, I'm always happy to chat.
    • emma55969
      emma55969 JoyKF53

      Posted

      I am sorry to hear that and that you get everything sorted, waiting is horrible. Here's me going when I don't even know what is wrong andnyouve been through this horrible ordeal I feel silly now. You seem like a very strong woman and have given me some very good advise, so Thank You for that. I will bear you in mind when I need a chat. I will post on here with an update at the end of next week when I've Seen the doctor. Thank you very much again Joy. ☺
    • JoyKF53
      JoyKF53 emma55969

      Posted

      Don't you dare feel silly - I know what's wrong with me and it's getting sorted, that is far easier to bear than going through the "not having a clue" phase! It seems that the moderators don't want my message to be shown possibly because I have named a link for you, so I'll try to put it in a way that they don't object to. If you go online and ask for help getting a second medical opinion the NHS will direct you. I hope this message gets shown! Keep in touch, I'm here for you.
    • mitouback
      mitouback JoyKF53

      Posted

      Hi Joy..On another note, did you get any aches and pains in bones, muscles and joints long long after you finished you chemo? Its 7 months now since my last session( Nov 2015) of R-CHOP and I still get some aches and ains in bones, joints and muscles/ fascia. It comes and goes....Is this something that is common? Im in clinical remission and docs doesn't want me to worry??

    • JoyKF53
      JoyKF53 mitouback

      Posted

      Hi. I finished treatment 8 months ago and yes I do still get aches and pains and panic every time lol. Your doctor is right to reassure you, chemotherapy can affect your body for ages after treatment but that doesn't mean your cancer is back. I have arthritis as well so every joint pain I get I immediately think it's cancer, then I give myself a good talking to! Stop worrying, trust your doctors, we'll both be fine.

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