Teenager in need of advice

bbbb1 · New User Joined: 12 Jul 2007 Posts: 6

Hey everyone, I'm sorry to hear some of you have had cancer, and I am also glad to hear that some of you are cured. I will say right off the bat that I am a hypochondriac (even though sometimes I think it's a good thing). I'm 16, 5.9", 145 lbs, and caucasian. I noticed 2 swollen lymph nodes on my neck (I really, but can't confirm, think that it was after a pimple in both places). I went to a pediatriction who said my blood test was perfect and that because I have acne is why I most likely have lumps. I have had a few more since then, and some get hard, and then get soft and smaller, and return to being hard or to their original size. I don't feel like anything's really wrong with me. I do get twitching in my fingers lately (but I think it's because I type a lot) but I have for a couple years had this thing where I get tired easily, sometimes in the shower, I kneel down to catch my breath and hear my heart racing. It doesn't happen much, though. I do have allergies pretty much year round. I have had 2 migranes before. I do sometimes have really bad chest pains where it's hard to breathe (usually after I eat or stretch my chest awkwardly) that last maybe 5-10 minutes. Sorry, just trying to get every little thing about me out there. It's been now almost 2 years since that appointment. He said they may go away or never go away after my acne clears up and that I may get more (like I do). None are getting larger and none are fixed but it does seem like more seem to show up. I'm just really worried but, he said I was fine, so I'm not sure if getting another appointment is necessary? I've had the nodes for about 2 and a half years, so, I'm really not sure. None are painful and they are in many parts of my neck, but just my neck.

I would really appreciate your help!

jfkbluecircle · Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 9:21 am Post subject: Re: Teenager in need of advice

Hi, bbbb1,
I don't know exactly what makes one a hypochondriac, but if you haven't been to the doctor in two years and have been living with this uncertainty, I don't think you are one.

Have you talked to your parent(s) about your concerns? Have you seen another doctor in the meantime? If I can remember when I was sixteen (about a million years ago Smile

, I was tired, too; teenagers need lots of sleep.

I wonder about the symptoms you are having, however, with noticeably rapid pulse and sudden weakness. Have you ever had a panic attack? These symptoms might be increased by stress brought on by worry.

I am glad you found your way to this forum and I wish you only the very best of health. My advice to you would be to tell your mom or dad as soon as possible and get to a doctor so that a certified medical practitioner will put your fears to rest.

Best,
Jessica

bbbb1 · New User Joined: 12 Jul 2007 Posts: 6

You bring up an interesting case. In all actuality, I recently (a couple of weeks ago) DID have a panic attack. This attack was brought on by stress of exams, mixed with my constant fear of something being wrong with me. For the last two days my nodes have (two) seem to be harder. I think I'm going to ask my parents to schedule a doctor's appointment.

The harder node up my upper neck I noticed there is recently (like, the last couple of days) a very, very tiny little bump directly next to it. It is quite deep into the skin, most likely because it is so small. It is rather firm like the one it is next to. Could this mean something?

jfkbluecircle · Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 11:49 am Post subject: Re: Teenager in need of advice

I wish I could give you some advice about nodes that are sensitive/swollen. It seems that there are many reasons for this, not just the c-word.

I did not notice changes in my lymphnodes until my surgeon started poking at the ones in my neck for a potential biopsy, shortly after an x-ray showed a large mass in my trachea and further testing revealed other tumors elsewhere.

The main symptoms I had prior to diagnosis were:
1. Weight-loss (which I attributed to my loss of appetite)
2. Severe fatigue: I slept 12 hours a night and was still wiped out.
3. A persistent, non-productive cough that I had for months.
4. A blistery rash on the back of my left hand that would not go away and was itchy.
5. Night sweats
6. Chest pain when laying down (probably from the 13 1/2 cm tumor in my windpipe).

This list is by no means indicative of cancer, and I don't want to fuel any worry you have. I am sure your mom and dad want to know what's going on with you and a doctor will be able to tell you more than a website or chat-group. Keep a good thought; I am sure you are just fine.

Best,
Jessica

bbbb1 · New User Joined: 12 Jul 2007 Posts: 6

Thank you for being so helpful and supportive. One of the main things that recently caused worry was how frequent it seems that there are problems in the lungs. I do get chest pains when I lie down as well. But my chest pains are like, this stinging pain when I breath, and it tends to be when I'm in a certain position. My mom said that is what anxiety does (the main is usually right over my heart, but I know it's in my chest, not the heart). I do have a cough but I'm not sure if because I do have flem from allergies that may be the case. If I try to take a deep breath, more often than not I end up coughing (it's like this tickling sensation in my lower throat). I am going to ask my parents to schedule an appointment for me, and I'm going to hope for the best. It's just gotten to the point where my anxiety and worry over this prevents me from functioning properly. Cancer is a scary thing.

bbbb1 · New User Joined: 12 Jul 2007 Posts: 6

I've spoken to my mom and she's going to schedule an appointment for me for either next week or the week after. I'm really scared, and I think it's because I'm spending so much time googling about and freaking out and being anxious. 2 years ago I had a blood test and all counts were normal. Would that mean it wasn't possible for me to have cancer 2 years ago? I'm just really scared. Has anyone ever heard of acne being a cause for swollen lymph nodes, especially more showing up over a period of time? (They are all really sporadic).

bbbb1 · New User Joined: 12 Jul 2007 Posts: 6

My anxiety is easing but it is still pretty high. I have allergies, and what the doctors used to say was that my allergies would get me sick. I have been coughing and some produce flem, it's like a tickling feeling under my collarbone. When I don't think about it at all I don't cough but it's just, I can't help but expect the worst. I've definitely slipped into a depression about the upcoming appointment on Tuesday. The hard lymph node has decreased significantly (smaller than usual) but is still fairly firm. Directly over it is a very, very tiny one that is fairly firm, it's hard to even feel sometimes. It's like the lymph node is in a "hole". If I feel around it, it's like the node is inside a groove or something. It's firmer around that area. Does anyone know what that is/what could it mean? I just really need to lower this anxiety and the sooner I can start to believe that I'm fine/not going to die the better I think I'll function. I'm sorry to bother anyone, but I'm just going through a really hard time. I don't want to be depressed on my 16th birthday on Tuesday. I really, really don't.

jfkbluecircle · Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2007 10:18 am Post subject: Re: Teenager in need of advice

Hi, bbbb1,
I am sorry that you are still stressed out, but am very happy that you made an appointment and shared what you are feeling with your mom.

The worst thing, I think, about anything health related is the uncertainty. It's hard not to let our minds wander to the worst case scenarios. I might suggest writing down your symptoms, any changes, etc., so that when you go to the doctor, you will be armed with a list of things to tell her/him and you won't have one of those "I wish I had remembered to tell the doctor about . . ." moments afterwards.
It will also help you feel a bit more in control.
Hang in there; try to celebrate your birthday in true teenage style (friends, laughs, movies, junk food etc.) and keep me posted on what happens at the doc.
Best,
Jessica

bbbb1 · New User Joined: 12 Jul 2007 Posts: 6

Hey all! It's my birthday and I just got back from the doctors. She said she's quite sure they are just shotty lymph nodes, but she said that if it worries me I should take another blood test (which I did). I've read that they can't spot lymphoma through a blood test but she seemed sure that with the type I was being tested for that it would tell me what was up. I didn't tell her about my chest things because of my anxiety and most of it really being in my head.

Now, before I left I said out of curiousity what a blue spot on my back meant. She looked at it, and she said she didn't like it. She said since I've had it for 2 years I'd be dead if it was melanoma, but I'm going for an emergency check with a dermatologist at a major hospital in Vancouver. I'm sure everything will be fine. Thank you, so much, for being supportive. Let's hope everything turns out OK for me and for all of you! Off to celebrate my birthday!

jfkbluecircle · Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007 8:15 am Post subject: Re: Teenager in need of advice

Happy Belated Birthday, bbbb1,
It sounds as tho' all went well at the doctor, and I am sure it will be fine at your next appointment, too.

Hope you had a great time on your birthday.
Best,
Jessica

brainman · Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007 8:32 am Post subject: Re: Teenager in need of advice

Happy Birthday bbbb1!!!

Great news from the doctor also! Just follow up with your tests and with the dermatologist appointment. It might not be anything to worry about or you would have noticed a change over the last 2 years. However, it is always good to have a specialist take a look. Good luck and continue to keep us informed.
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