38 and scared

Kika · New User Joined: 19 Feb 2007 Posts: 3

Hello, everybody.
Yes, scared but not yet diagnosed... Had a fever+chills, malaise 3 days ago and, to my surprise, found a small hard lump on the left side of my neck (i'm no doctor but from images I found on the Net, it's exactly on a lymph node) almost at the same time the fever started. Also have night sweats but I've been having them on and off for 4-5 months. Due to low progesterone levels, they may be due to the beginning of perimenopause.
I had mononucleosis when I was 20, which I read increases the chances of getting Hodgkin's by 4 times. I also have a small bump on my cheek a bit below the high cheek bone.
I am seeing an oncologist asap but, as I'm living alone in a foreign country, I feel scared about it all...
I'm pretty independent, always have been, but the possibility of cancer feels daunting right now.

jfkbluecircle · Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 3:22 pm Post subject: Re: 38 and scared

Hi, Kika:
It may sound like a cliche, but I think we most greatly fear the unknown. I am glad to know you are going to the doctor. That is a difficult but very brave step.

Do you have a friend who could go to the doctor with you? It is a good idea to take another person, go with your concerns written down and ask whomever goes with you to take notes on what the doctor says. It can be hard to think and listen when your heart is in your throat with worry and fear and the risk of misunderstanding/miscommunication is high in that kind of situation.

I am sad for you being away from your home-country and seemingly alone without family. This forum might provide you with a different type of community where folks are going through (or have gone through) illness or love someone who is. I hope your prayer of 'hypochondria' is answered. That is a diagnosis the doctor may not write in your official chart, Wink

but I know you would be most relieved if that where her/his conclusion.
My best to you,
Jessica

Kika · New User Joined: 19 Feb 2007 Posts: 3

Thank you for your answer. I am going this afternoon, to a GP first. I need basic examinations first. I don't fear the unknown, though. I fear disease, suffering and... . Right now, I still have some hope but it can soon be crashed down. I'm not alone in this: every moment around the globe someone finds he/she is very ill. And some are able to fight it and beat it. I have some friends here but they're all either busy or away on vacation.
I still have to wait a bit. I'll try to be brave.

	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