I've been reading this forum for weeks unsure whether or not to post my story but Im starting to worry and I really don't want to search Google. I'm a 27 year old female ex smoker quit last year due to falling pregnant. So I've had a painless swollen lymph node below my jaw for about a year and a half didn't really think anything of it for the past 2 years I've been suffering from my right ear blocking that last for weeks then pops and all is well but this time round it started leaking fluid so decided to go to the doctors was prescribed 3 different types of antibiotics none helped at all so was then given antibiotic ear drops they seems to clear the discharge but my ear still feels slightly blocked and I'm suffering tinnitus in the ear. I've now noticed the lymph node has gotten bigger no pain and obviously hasn't went away I have another one on the same side of neck but just above the collarbone and 3 more on the left side. I've also been getting facial numbness and tingling on the right side of my face. This has been ongoing for 8 weeks since my first doctors appointment about the ear discharge. I've noticed I have 3 swollen lymph nodes on my groin I've lost a lot of weight but put it down to having my baby 6 months ago and just assumed it was baby weight I was losing I have no appetite and don't feel hungry. I'm exhausted all the time but I put it down to having 2 kids but both my kids sleep all night so I'm getting my full 8 hours I could literally sleep all day if I had the chance I've never been this tired. Now the bottom of my back is really sore and I feel asif I'm getting nerve pain around my vulva, thighs and buttocks. I've started getting cramps that feel like period cramps in my abdomen near the bottom. My left knee has started flaring up and becoming painful for no reason every 3 weeks or so started about 4 months ago and the pain travels down my calf and up my thigh. I get really hot at night not to the point I'm soaking but I do seem to sweat a lot more than usual. The bone in my left arm starts to ache every now and again it's hard to explain the pain it's like cramping but I can feel it in my bone. I've had my bloods taken results should be back possibly Tuesday and I've been referred to ENT just waiting on my appointment coming through. I don't know who to talk to about this my partner thinks I'm being silly and over reacting but I'm just really worried its cancer. My family aren't very supportive either their not exactly the most supportive. Am I over reacting? has anyone else suffered similar symptoms and it being cancer or something else that's serious. I know no one can say it's definetly cancer I just need some advice I have 2 kids and I'm scared.
Thanks for listening.
Laura x
Ps. Had a follow up appointment after my antibiotics and there's nothing wrong
Hi Laura , thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the Online Community. I am Mike Thehighlander and I help out in our blood cancer forums.
So sorry to hear the issues you have been having, any health related problems can bring a lots of questions and stress.
Your question - "Could this be Lymphoma?" - no idea, but there is something that you need answers for.
Your GP has done what they can do so It's good that you are now going to ENT as these are often the next folks that are in the investigation journey.
Should they find anything that needs further tests you would most likely get a CT/PET scan of some sort and even a biopsy and with this done and results back, if Lymphoma is suspected a referral to a Haematologists, a blood Specialist would be next - so this can take time.
I was diagnosed with my rare Lymphoma back in 1999 and apart from a small skin rash I was vey healthy. The health problems you are having may or may not point to Lymphoma and lets hope its not. But you do need to find out what your body is doing.
You need to trust in the system that they will work through the tests looking for what the answer is. Please be assured that if it is one of the many types of Lymphoma that on the whole, this is very treatable.
You may find our various Macmillan Support Line Services to be helpful - call them on 0808 808 00 00 This free service covers Emotional Support, Practical Information. Clinical Information, Financial Support and Work Guidance mostly open 8.00 to 8.00 but check the link.
Keep posting as we are around to help you through this ((hugs))
Hi Laura, yes, stay away from Dr Google - it is not a supportive place to go. After all my treatments I am left with a lump on my neck that I know is not an issue - Dr Google tells me that I have 6 months to live - not!!
The timing on your ENT referral will depend on what 'weight' your GP put on the referral. If its a two week referral then it could be done rather quickly. But if you have been put into the waiting list 'system' - no idea - sorry :( but you could ask your GP what 'weight' they put on your referral.
Keep posting as we are around to help.
Good that you are going to see your GP as this will help you get some answers including asking about your referral.
As I said, the problems you are having may or may not be related to Lymphoma but at the same time the more you stress yourself the more your body will kick back at you as some of the issues you are having can actually be stress related.
Simple for me to say this, but remember I have been on this journey a long time - try and not over stress yourself, all the stress in the world will make no difference to what will be found out, but stress will pull you down and make you more ill.
((hugs))
Good morning, "satisfactory no action required" blood tests are good but does not answer your ongoing questions. This is most likely as much as your GP can do. In all my first 14 - 15 years living with my rare Lymphoma I never had a unsatisfactory blood test.
Yes, you can see your GP and explain your concerns. Your GP will work through a set of tests that will highlight issues or not as the case maybe. But you have been referred to ENT and this shows that your GP is being proactive. You could ask your GP is they could push for an early appointment as you are stressing and a date would be something to work towards.
It is not wrong to be concerned about your health and you are doing the correct things to move this forward.
((hugs))
