Hi all,
I haven’t had a cancer diagnosis and there could be other explanations for my symptoms but I’m so worried after looking on the internet, it keeps coming up Lymphoma
I know Dr Google is not a reliable source and to be honest wish I hadn’t searched my symptoms but I think all the waiting for appointments, results drove me to do it..
I spoke with one of the nurses online a couple of days ago about upcoming ENT appointment and she was really helpful but I wondered if there was someone I could chat to who has gone through or is going through similar to what I am? 
I'm 30 year old female and I went to my doctor beginning of November about a lump on the back of my head/top of my neck. It's not painful and only noticed it when I scratched my head one day then felt a hard lump which hasn't always been there - Doctor confirmed it is a swollen lymph node.
I have night sweats on and off, when it does happen I am drenched, through to the sheets. I used to have a good immune system but recently I seem to be catching all types of illnesses (could be to do with covid and being in a bubble for so long though). I am tired all the time and feel weak. Itchy skin and lower right back pain (a dull ache). I also noticed after having alcohol at Christmas and new year I have pain around the swollen lymph node afterwards which I have never experienced before.
My doctor took bloods and referred me for a chest X-ray. Blood results were that my count was at the low end of normal and I am borderline anemic (low iron). Chest X-ray was clear which is good!
However, it's been 2 months and my lymph node is still swollen, no other ones are as far as the doctor could feel. I've been referred to ENT and have an appointment on Thursday.
I’m not sure what I’m looking for maybe just a chat and advice from someone who has gone through this? I’m struggling to sleep at night, my mind is on overdrive. I think the worst part is the waiting.
Thanks,
Holly x
Hi Holly Hollybgamer and warm welcome to the Macmillan Online Community although sorry that you had to find us and sorry to hear that you are being investigated for Lymphoma.
I am Mike Thehighlander and I help out around our Lymphoma groups. I was diagnosed back in 1999 with a rare incurable Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma so have been on this journey rather a long time so do understand.
Random Dr Google searches are not helpful when you are stressed and confused. If you want to search reliable Lymphoma information stick to Lymphoma Action, a small but very active UK Lymphoma Specific Charity who have lots of good information, videos etc.
We do have a few specific Lymphoma support groups but as there is over 60 types and subtypes of Lymphoma it’s best you stick with this discussion for the moment as you could end up in the wrong group and this will just confuse you even more.
The ENT appointment is a normal first step in the Lymphoma diagnosis. Your lower than normal bloods are pointing to ‘something’ not being right and may not point to a lymphoma. In all my 22 years I have never had a blood tests that said Lymphoma, I actually never had any symptoms like sweats, lumps and bumps……. just a small skin rash on my back.
If ENT thing there is the chance of Lymphoma being present they will want to take a biopsy and based on these results and if Lymphoma is identified you will then be referred to a Haematologist.
You will see that this is going to take time, a few weeks at least but the one thing I can say is that if this is a type of Lymphoma, it is all very treatable with great results.
I will also point out that I ha e talked with many people like yourself come through the community thinking that they have Lymphoma and I am happy to say many did not,
The Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 or via web chat. This service provides cancer information, emotional support or just a listening ear.
Happy to talk more and answer questions if I can ((hugs))
