Hi everyone
Hope you are all doing ok
I don’t know what I’m set to gain from typing all of this maybe just abit of a vent and if anyone replies then it will be a bonus
Basically ive been dealing with some ongoing symptoms for a good 6 months. Constant itching especially on my arms top of my legs and behind my neck, some petitche spots on my chest,persistent cough with no real reason, deep joint pain in my hip and thigh, extreme fatigue, pain when drinking alcohol l, breathlessness and pain in my chest. I also found a small pea sized lump in my neck near my collar bone and then a lump in my right armpit. I went to my GP when I found the lumps in early March as my family have a history of breast cancer. Luckily she referred me and I had my appointment at the breast clinic last week as I had also felt tightness in my right breast (where the lump is in my armpit) and shooting pains.
I had an ultrasound where I was told my breast looked fine however the radiologist was concerned about the enlarged lymph node in my armpit and I also had 5 other lymph nodes up in the same armpit. She did a biopsy there and then in the larger lymph node. I’m not sure how big it is I wish know I had asked more questions but at the time I was so shocked that the biopsy was happening I don’t think I really took in what was going on. I know all these symptoms can be a sign of lymphoma but I’m trying to tell myself it could be something less sinister
I’ve now got to wait 2-3 weeks for results which I know is protocol but it is so excruciating just waiting. I’m trying to distract myself and not Google. As I say I’m not sure what I’m doing here other than just wanting to speak to someone who has been through something similar. If you have got this far thank you so much for reading
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Hello there @Mols93, welcome to the forum at this worrying time. Hopefully joining will come to feel like great self-care as you’ve come to just the right place to share concerns about blood cancer.
I’m sorry to read of those symptoms that took you to your doctor, but well done for getting checked out. That can’t have been easy, especially with the surprise biopsy! You’re now in the anxiety-provoking waiting stage in between tests and results and my advice would be to find some healthy distractions. What do you like to do to occupy yourself? Can you share these concerns with a loved one? Like you say, Dr Google is not worth it right now as it’ll only generalise. Keeping active helped me, and watching lots of old favourite films and TV.
Although I’m not a doctor, I’ve read around the forum from @BloodCancerUK_Nurses that enlarged lymph nodes are not necessarily due to blood cancer, and in fact can often simply be a sign of infection from something else. I’d say it’s great that you’ve had a biopsy taken to be sure.
Would it help to speak instead with the lovely specialist nurses at Blood Cancer UK? Their number is 0808 2080 888. Do please let us know how it goes, and be kind to yourself in the interim @Mols93.
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Hello @Mols93
Welcome to the forum - and thank you for taking time to reach out.
I’m sorry to learn of your circumstance - my heart goes out to you.
I can see @Duncan has already left a very kind response and i echo his words.
Whilst i don’t have the symptoms you mention, i am a Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia ('CLL') patient and on active monitoring - and having just had bloods taken three weeks ago yesterday - i have another nine weeks or so to wait for the results to come back (although i check for the results every day) so, if i may say, i feel i can relate a little to your feelings with regards to waiting for results to come back.
I hope everything goes well, do feel free to let us know how you get one
Take good care of yourself
Kind regards
Mike
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Hi @Mols93, I’m glad you found your way here, even if you weren’t sure why - sometimes just ‘putting it out there’ is reason enough, I think?
The waiting is difficult, and it sounds like you’ve had a lot to deal with already just getting to this point. I hope Duncan and Mike’s replies have helped a little, and please do keep posting as things progress - there are lots of people here who’ve been through this kind of limbo and will want to hear how you’re getting on.
We put this list together from our mind and emotions pages - it’s written for people with blood cancer, but I think the advice holds for anyone navigating uncertainty, to be honest.
And, as lovely Duncan has mentioned, if you ever want to talk it through with someone from our team, the Support Line is there for you: 0808 2080 888 (option 1) or support@bloodcancer.org.uk.
Ceri - Blood Cancer UK Support Services
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