Hello!
I have stage 4 Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma. Currently undergoing 6 months of NIVO AVD (12 treatments total). I just finished round 4 and I am now struggling with the feeling of something being stuck in my throat.
My tonsil is normal. I can swallow, eat and breathe totally normally. It is really annoying. My doctor told me to try Cepacol but it doesn’t seem to be helping. I am also burping a lot.
Why is this happening? What can I do to stop this feeling??
Hello lindseyhammar,
Thanks for getting in touch and a warm welcome to the Online Community. I’m Heidi one of the Cancer Information Nurses here on the Macmillan Support Line. We also have a very welcoming Hodgkin lymphoma forum that you might find supportive.
I am sorry to hear about the feeling of something stuck in your throat, particularly as so far you don’t have an explanation for your symptoms. I am glad that your tonsil is normal and that you can swallow, eat and breathe normally, but I can appreciate how annoying you are finding this.
We would always advise talking to your specialist team again as they may want to look into this further for you for your reassurance. Side effects from your treatment for lymphoma can cause a range of symptoms. A common side effect of Nivolumab can be thyroid problems and it may help to ask if this could be causing the sensation of something being stuck in your throat. Other symptoms may include swelling called oedema, caused by a build-up of fluid which can affect different parts of the body. Your hospital team may want to rule this out, or any other side effects contributing to your symptoms.
Burping, feeling full or bloated can be associated with the symptoms of lymphoma and so may improve as time goes on. Treatment such as chemotherapy and some drugs can irritate the lining of the stomach and small intestine causing gastric symptoms. Assessment to understand the underlying cause is important so that the right medication can be prescribed to help you feel more comfortable. Please do let your team know that the Cepacol is not effective.
It might help to keep a symptom diary to show your specialist team to help their understanding of your symptoms.
We would always advise with any new or worsening symptoms that you contact your treatment support line, or specialist team straight away.
I hope the information helps and that your team can review you about these symptoms soon. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch again if we can support you further.
With best wishes
Heidi
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 email us.
Ref/ /HC/KH
