Aching Lymph nodes

Hi Adam

I have enlarged nodes in my groin which twinge and twitch from time to time but I had a biopsy of an enlarged node in my armpit and that is quite painful all the time. I also developed pains that I was sure hadn't been there before my diagnosis.... I did become super aware of aches generally.

How are you feeling Adam, apart from the node pains? Actually, that's a huge question, I realise. I guess your emotions are still all over the place.

hugs

sparkler x 

Thanks for getting back sparkler. Today is the first day that I haven't cried, so that's a positive thing for me. It's just such an enormous thing to adjust to and all I want is to go back to normal but i can't. I suppose that I just have to wait until living with CLL becomes the norm. I just can't believe this has happened to me x

You're very welcome Adam and now that you've posted here, others will find you too. It is a huge thing to take in and just takes time. Nick (hairbear) says it's a case of adjusting to a "new normal" and that's exactly what it is really. At first though, it's a massive shock and just a struggle to get through each day. I felt like the ground was shifting hourly. 

That you've not cried today is progress, even if you cry later or tomorrow; I think between us here, we could fill an ocean with our tears. It is something that you don't ever think will happen to you.

Have you been told anything about the stage you are at?

Please feel free to ask anything here, or use this place as a safe haven, where you can let out any feelings you want, no matter how bad. Often, just writing down how you feel can be really helpful. I read your profile and it's great that you have such good support but we're all here for you too.

hugs

sparkler x

Lovely to meet you Ju, and thank you for your calming words. I think I'll find out what stage I'm at when I next see the consultant on 30th Oct. Until then, I have a bone marrow biopsy and full CT scan arranged. So, on top of not knowing what the stage is yet, the only thing I can keep hold of is that my blood results came back good. So fingers crossed! 

I used to enjoy a glass of wine or two each evening, but some things I have read on websites say to avoid alcohol if you have CLL. I gave up smoking 12 years ago, not wine too!

Adamx

Hi Adam, Glad you've found this group, you'll find lots of support and hopefully some info that will help you in the future. I've been diagnosed for nearly 2 years and on watch and wait. I have a lot of smallish nodes in my neck and find that they do ache a lot at times. I find the wind and cold really makes them worse - so a scarf is a new accessory to my wardrobe. I've not had a biopsy on any of my nodes so can't comment if that makes them painful. My consultants don't seem to be to concerned when I've previously mentioned them hurting - maybe if you're worried you could ring your doctor or nurse - some times a little re-assurance from them goes a long way. Take care Louise

Forgot to say - I still enjoy a nice glass of wine - not planning of going tee-total yet! Louise

Oh please please someone tell me I don't have to give up my glass of wine each evening - I absolutely look forward to it and wine is one of the lovely things in life. Haven't heard of this before but must admit to not reading all the do's and don'ts.

Best wishes to all - has anyone else got the heating on? xx

Hi Adam,

I see you've had a nice warm welcome from our Sparky and Jue and I add my own.

You will, in time, come to terms with the diagnosis and it will become the 'norm'. I don't think much about it in between hospital appointments. I have a few enlarged nodes but they don't bother me.

I had a bone marrow biopsy 2 1/2 years ago and it really is nothing to worry about, a bit like having a tooth out, you can feel a bit of 'digging about' but no pain!

I had been a blood donor for over 30 years before I was diagnosed and very fit and, like many, couldn't believe that I could have leukaemia. I have since diagnosis completed the Great South Run twice and try to keep up with the exercise and as much as possible, an alkaline diet.

I do still drink red wine but no other alcohol (which is 'acid').

My haemo doesn't even check me for enlarged nodes, she goes purely by the blood results and how I feel in myself,  which is fine by me.

As you have heard, there's lots going on in the way of research which you can read about here and at CLLTopics and other sites. CLL Topics is a good place to start and to get to 'know your enemy'.

I hope, having found this place, you will feel a part of this 'extended family'.

Best Wishes,

Mikey