Worried I have cancer

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Hi All

New here, I am so worried 

I have been experiencing infrequent night sweats for around 9 months, only a couple of times where they drenching night sweats, most were mild and didn’t happen often, I’m  47 and have high anxiety so I put it down to stress and peri menopause as had no other symptoms , about a month ago my neck hurt a little, I naturally felt about and discovered a very small lump, I left it be for 2 weeks as I had covid the month prior.  After two weeks I noticed it was still there, went to GP who gave my physical inspection, but advised it was so small it was outwith the parameters for a referral to scan, but sent me for blood tests, about a week later, doctor called me full blood count was fine , but it was a liver enzymes test they done  LDH which was elevated, normal range 250 and my marker was 263, GP didn’t seem concerned and advised me to retest 2 weeks later, however, I naturally googled and this sent me into extreme anxiety mode, I could feel my whole body break down with sheer stress.  When I went for my blood tests this week, I was in high anxiety mode, doctor called and my LDH is up again now at 271, my white blood cells are a little elevated now, where fine two weeks ago, even doctor is confused, could stress increase both tests?  in between time I went private to ENT specialist to check my neck, he found three more swollen nodes on both sides, he said they measure around 4-5mm each and felt they are reactive lymph nodes left behind from a previous infection perhaps, he has now referred me for scan as he seen how anxious I was and said it will put your mind at ease, whilst I wait this scan, I’m struggling to cope, my body is in stress mode , this LDH number increasing is sending me into turmoil.  I can’t help think it’s cancer and I’m petrified 

  • Hello  

    A warm welcome to the Macmillan Online Cancer Community. It's a natural reaction to worry about things when you have new "lumps and bumps" and test results are not in the normal range.

    Here's a link to some information which may help reduce your anxiety

    https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/worried-about-cancer

    Remember you can also call our support line for free on 0808 808 00 00 (8am to 8pm 7 days a week) to chat to one of our great team about your worries.

    I do hope the above helps - if I can do anything else for you feel free to come back to me.

    Best wishes - Brian.

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