angryt
New User
Joined: 18 Nov 2008
Posts: 1
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 Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2008 2:16 pm Post subject: Leukemia and lymph nodes |
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Hi, I found a hardish swollen lymph node under my right ear about 4 months ago, the doctor gave me antibiotics but they didn't help. In fact I started getting chest and upper back pain. He did some blood tests, and repeated my wbc and liver test but said everything was ok.
I began feeling exhausted along with my almost constant chest and back pain, and then had a horrid nagging pain in my left side under my ribs. The lymph node didn't go down so he did more blood tests, again I was told they were fine. So i went back to tell him I'm feeling really unwell, and the doctor said that the tests, (both the recent ones and the last one) weren't fine at all, and he has no idea why they said they were, as my white cell count is high (he wouldn't tell me how high) but that it usually indicated infection.
He sent me for a chest xray and put me in for an ultrasound of my spleen, apparently it wil take 8 weeks. Meanwhile my lymph node has got bigger and harder, there seems to be more than one in that area now, and a swelling in my collar bone area that is quite soft, also the nodes on the other side of my jaw seem to be swelling too. He's tested me for mono so its not that.
Somtimes they ache, sometimes not, but I am so so so tired, all the time. And my chest and back ache reguarly.
My question really is, while I wait for my scan, does this sound like something like Leukemia? I don't bruise easily and I haven't lost much weight (i'm am dieting) but if it was chronic, and I was in the early stages would I have bruising and weight loss already?
Do lymph nodes ache with leukemia?
Thanks for everyone who helps, i'm very worried. |
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ChemoMan
Moderator
Joined: 04 Jun 2008
Posts: 1061
Location: South Australia
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| Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2008 3:05 am Post subject: Re: Leukemia and lymph nodes |
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Hi angryt
You need to get an excisional biopsy on the node. You have had this for 4 months now so that is enough time to wait. The doctor may ask for a fine needle biopsy, but you must insist on getting the node excised. If your doctor has problems with this advise him to seek counsel from an oncologist or a hematologist and they should be able to convince him/her to do it. If not get another doctor but do it quick.
Don't panic most enlarged nodes are due to infection and a high white cell count could be an indication that that is what is causing your problems. It could also be leukemia or a lymphoma. Speed is of the essence here as all types of blood cancers respond well to treatment if caught early. If the node is suspect they will do a bone biopsy to test for leukemia.
The Biopsy is a minor procedure which you will quickly get over and even if it is nothing it is worth the peace of mind getting it done. Also do yourself a favor and avoid the internet health sites until you get a diagnosis , this will help avoid your stress getting to unbearable levels.
Good luck and I'm hoping this is a false alarm.
_________________
Age 52
Diffuse Large B cell Lymphoma
Stage 2a
Finished six cycles of R chop 21 26th May 2008
Officially in remission 9th July 2008
Remission confirmed 1st October 2008
Remission confirmed 17 June 2009
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=9620
RULE NUMBER 1.....Don't Panic
RULE NUMBER 2..... Don't forget Rule number 1 |
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