please help, I need answers

NurseBunny · New User Joined: 17 Jan 2006 Posts: 2 Location: Ohio, USA

I have a question, and in all my research, I can't find the answer.

I have had immune system problems for almost 2 years now. Illnesses that they cannot figure out. Unexplained fevers, an unintentional weight loss of 20 pounds (I look like a skeleton at 95 pounds and I am 5' 6".).. swollen lymph nodes in my neck and groin. The ones in my neck are usually mobile, but the ones in my groin are always present, firm, nonmobile and nontender. My ANA titer was 1:320 so they were thinking possible Lupus, and I do fit most of that criteria, but nothing "convincing" enough for the Rheumatologist.

Then recently I began having drenching night sweats. First they were occasional, then they started every night. Now I haven't had one in a few weeks, so maybe whatever was wrong, has passed. (Edit: 1-21-06 -- the night sweats have returned.)

I have very painful migraines and headaches, usually several times a week. My head CT and MRIs have all been normal.

They keep repeating blood tests, CBC, thyroid and such. And they say everything is normal. They say I just need to decrease "stress." Yes, I admit, my life is very stressful.. I am a busy nurse, and single mom, and I work night shift, so I don't get much rest. But I am terrified that they are missing something. Am I being irrational? Is this really just all in my head?

Fevers, night sweats, migraines, pain, swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, unexplained illnesses to the point of liver damage... and they say I'm just stressed out? Is that possible?

And my real question is... if you don't reply to anything else I've written, please just answer me this. Can you have normal test results... CBC, sed rate, immunoglobulin panel.... all normal, and STILL have something like lymphoma? Surely it would have shown up on something, right?

They are going to do a cat scan of my abdomen, but I feel like they are just trying to appease me. I feel brushed off, and I feel like they're all laughing as if I am a hypochondriac. I'm not imagining these symptoms. This is very frustrating and frightening.

anjou · Experienced user Joined: 01 Jul 2005 Posts: 65

Your situation sounds similar to what I went through-- If you have enlarged nodes-- insist on a biospy-- and make sure the biopsy slides are read by a real lymphoma specialist-- my story is posted down below somewhere

anjou
_________________
Follicular lymphoma grade 3, stage 2 dx 9/99 CHOP x 3 3600 rads rituxan x4

rose · New User Joined: 14 Mar 2006 Posts: 3

Nurse Bunny,

I just want to let you know I am in your same boat. I have such similar things happening to me and no answers. I know something is wrong and it is not just stress.

I have the same question... Can blood test be normal with Lymphoma?

I really hope this will help with a response.

anjou · Experienced user Joined: 01 Jul 2005 Posts: 65

yes, blood tests can be normal when there is lymphoma
_________________
Follicular lymphoma grade 3, stage 2 dx 9/99 CHOP x 3 3600 rads rituxan x4

Orange Agent · Posted: Wed Mar 15, 2006 7:37 am Post subject: Re: please help, I need answers

My symptoms were similar.

My blood test were also normal.

The CT-Scan caused them to send me to an oncologist.

The biopsy confirmed the lymphoma.
_________________
Burt

ag2006 · New User Joined: 12 Apr 2006 Posts: 8

My symptoms are also similar. My blood test are normal even though I have stage 4B Hodgkins. Perhaps, it's time to find a better doctor or specialist. Don't give up on this. We all know our bodies and if you know something is wrong, you need to find a specialist. Take action for your life and well being.

Keep the faith.

Anne

	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