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serious chest pain

MelissaM
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I have advanced diffuse b cell lymphoma, i was diagnosed on friday and i start chemo on thursday (tomorrow). my health has been improving since leaving the hospital and im on a steroid regimen until i start chemo tomorrow. 

today i had to go to a fertility clinic to discuss my options, so i was walking around a ton today, when i have pretty much been on bed rest since leaving hospital. i also found myself crying a lot today due to the nature and stress of the visit to fertility. 

as i got ready for bed i started noticing chest pain, it wasn’t that serious and was only when i was walking around, it is now 3 am and ive taken paracetamol (once at 10pm and then again at 245am) and the pain is not stopping. it is far better sitting or standing up but i have not been able to sleep whatsoever and am considering going to the hospital for this.

i know chest pain is a side effect of my lymphoma, and i know that i have a 15cm mass in my chest that is causing this pain, but will it get better as i progress through chemo because i cannot take it  

  • Hi ,

    My name is Amy and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

    We’re sorry to hear about your advanced Diffused Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) diagnosis.

    How are things this morning, has the pain in your chest settled? Regardless of whether the pain is still there or not, it’s important you get reviewed. I would recommend getting in touch with your haematology team straight away. If you are unable to get in touch with them, give your GP a call or alternatively call 111 or go straight to A&E.

    Any new, changing, or worsening symptoms should be checked out as soon as possible.

    Especially chest pain, with a known 15cm mass in you your chest. It may well be related to the tumour in your chest and the hope is this would improve once chemotherapy starts.

    You may also be able to get stronger pain killers to better manage the pain in the meantime.

    It sounds like yesterday was a really challenging day, both physically and emotionally. It’s only natural to feel emotional about discussing fertility and preparing for chemotherapy. Once you have been check-out regarding the chest pain, please do reach back out to us, we’d be more than happy to chat through how you’re doing and answer any questions you may have.

    If this is something you think would help, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch via our support line on 0808 808 0000. We are available 7 days a week, 8am-8pm. Or you can reply to this chat and we aim to reply within 3 working days.

    Take good care,

    Amy C, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

    Ref: AC/RH

     

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