Worried and need some advice

elvynd · New User Joined: 03 Nov 2009 Posts: 2

Hi guys, I stumbled upon this forum while browsing for certain symptoms of lymphoma online.

I'm currently 21 years old and am still studying.

Recently, I've found myself with 4 lumps on the left side of my neck that I thought were enlarged lymph nodes and could be a cause for worry. Shortly after, I went down with fever which forced me to visit a doctor. The doctor told me that it was a bacterial infection and prescribed antibiotics.

The fever went down shortly after. However, the 4 lumps are still present and seem to show no sign of shrinking or disappearing. I'm not sure what could be counted as big, but they are about 1+ cm in length, and 0.5cm in width. They are sort of movable and very slightly (so slight, I can't really tell if it's painful) painful to touch. Aside from that, I am experiencing itchiness all over my body which I attributed to the side effects of clarithromycin, the antibiotic that I am still taking. The itchiness usually lasts for a few hours before dying down and at certain points, there were red mosquito bite-like patches that eventually disappears. But the fact that it could be symptom of lymphoma makes me worry.

All of this has made me very stressed for the past few days and has affected me very much, I really don't know what to do from here, so I decided to register myself with the forum to seek advice from people like you guys who might have gone through such an ordeal.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

ChemoMan · Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 1:56 am Post subject: Re: Worried and need some advice

Hi elvynd

My first bit of advice is don't panic. There are over 300 causes of enlarged lymph nodes and chances that this is caused by Lymphoma is not likely. You need to take your concerns back to the doctor and be prepared to watch and wait since this is the action most doctors will take. We have had well over 100 people post here with stories similar to yours since I have been onthis forum and only 2 had positive test results for lymphoma. By all means follow this up as it is always wise to be proactive as far as your own health is concerned but don't get too worried. Try and stay away from websites trying to diagnose yourself as this will only make you more worried and self diagnosis of lymphoma is impossible anyway.

Good luck and keep us posted.
_________________
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

elvynd · New User Joined: 03 Nov 2009 Posts: 2

Hi! Thanks for the reply. The amount of support people get here is indeed tremendously amazing. I don't see great communities such as this often.

Thanks for your advice, they were rather assuring. I guess I'll wait and see if my symptoms go away, if the nodes themselves are shrinking, and whether indeed it is a bacterial infection. Is this a good course of action?

I guess for now, I need to put less stress and worry on myself, and concentrate on other important stuff as well. Besides, I realise I'm really much luckier than some people, especially since I've a really supportive family and girlfriend.

I hope the next time I drop by this forum, I'll be posting that it is indeed a bacterial infection, and I'll give my blessings to all the strong people here who might be going or have gone through all of this.

Oh and, I'm currently majoring in Pharmacy, so if by any chance I'll be able (or qualified enough) to offer any help or advice, I'll be sure to drop by.

Thanks, once again, and cheers!

aisha1 · Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 9:51 am Post subject: Re: Worried and need some advice

Hi,

I am also taking clarithromycin, as an alternative to augmentin (I'm alergic) and I have also noticed the rash that you are talking about. I knew that it was the anti-biotics, and I didn't worry much about it.

I don't think that the rash has much to do with your nodes, I think it might be the tablets, and I wouldn't worry if I were you.

Good luck with your studies.

Aisha.
_________________
Diagnosed Hodgkins lymphoma, nodular sclerosis, grade 2.
Stage II/IIIa.
Chemotherapy ABVD started August 2009.
Still looking young Wink

ChemoMan · Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 3:26 pm Post subject: Re: Worried and need some advice

Hi elvynd

I would go back to the Doctor with your concerns. Its probably the best thing you can do. Your nodes are not really enlarged anyway but as you are concerned perhaps a visit is in order. Let the doctor monitor your nodes progress as well, this would be the safest course of action. Really its up to you, but do keep an eye on things for a while. Vigilance is good, worry is not

Good luck Smile

_________________
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

	Cancer Forums Forum Index -> Lymphoma - Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Forum	All times are GMT - 5 Hours
Page 1 of 1

A website for discussions about any type of cancer, including lung cancer, breast cancer, mesothelioma, prostate cancer, laryngeal cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and others