Structural changes to lymph nodes, appointment Monday

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Hi everyone, I'm looking for a bit of a hand hold and advice from those with similar experiences. A few weeks ago, a lump popped up on my throat. I had an ultrasound and blood tests this week that ruled out infection and showed 2 abnormal lymph nodes with structural changes. I have been really exhausted and having night sweats for a few months, but I thought it was just hormones and I needed to go back on HRT. My doctor has mentioned the results could suggest lymphoma and they made an urgent referral for a biopsy. Luckily I already had a call from the hospital and have an appointment on Monday with the specialist. The nurse was great and explained that on Monday, they will decide what type of biopsy and other tests to do. But I'm absolutely flawed and shaken by this whole situation. I really expected the ultrasound to be normal, I even planned to go straight from it to a work meeting as I thought it would be a blocked salivary gland or infection or something. I'm trying not to panic and just take things as they come but I'm really worried. Has anyone had experience of something similar? What can I expect next? Thanks in advance for any replies.

Hi, I'm so sorry for what you're going through, OP ❤️ I know how scared you must be feeling. I was diagnosed with Stage VI Hodgkin's Lymphoma in November last year. The part where I was waiting for scans and biopsies was actually worse than finding out the news and coming to terms with it, as devastating as that was.

There are many types of Lymphoma, and I obviously don't know what's going on with you. But I would say that many types of Lymphoma are curable. I have been in remission since March, am working part time, my hair is growing and I'm generally doing really well. Periods have just returned - there was no guarantee this would ever happen. My treatment was bloody hard but actually not as bad as I feared it would be. I was still able to go out sometimes and to look after my DD on most days.

Likely, if the biopsy suggests Lymphoma they'll sent you for a PET-CT for staging. This will dictate what the treatment will be. Look at Lymphoma Action's Facebook group; they also have a helpline. I hope you don't need any of this info and everything is fine ❤️ sending you lots of love.

Thank you so much for your reply, this is really reassuring. Glad to hear you are in remission, that's wonderful! I am trying to reframe my thinking that even if it is lymphoma there's plenty that can me done. The shock sent me spiralling thinking of the worst, now I'm trying to focus on trying to take things a but easier while waiting so I'm as prepared as I can be for whatever is coming.

You are wise to try and take it easy, and to be kind to yourself ❤️ even with a diagnosis like Lymphoma, where there are lots of treatments available and a very high cure rate, being diagnosed with cancer is a gut punch. Once you receive your diagnosis, things tend to progress very quickly and before you know it, your treatment has started.

I really hope they come back to you saying it's not Lymphoma, but if it is please feel free to inbox me if you want to talk. I'm happy to listen and to share my experience in more detail if it would help

Also, lean on the people in your life and let them take the strain a bit. You don't have to carry this alone and you will need other people in the moments that you feel vulnerable.

Sorry you’re going through this

if it helps at all I know someone who had lymphoma not that long ago and after a relatively short course of treatment that wasn’t that bad at all has now been in remission for 2 years and is now very much moving on with his life. A lot of lymphomas are very very treatable.

Thank you, it's good to know there are good options for treatment.

I had a hospital appointment today, they found more swollen lymph nodes in my clavicle area and have booked a biopsy for next Monday. The doctor said they can't confirm or rule anything out without a biopsy but my symptoms seem to be pointing towards something more serious.

I took a day off work to process and prepare, I had lots of meetings and client work today that I just wasn't in the right headspace for. Luckily my manager has been great and has told me to rearrange my calendar as I need to.

Hi I have lymphoma, diagnosed last year and treated successfully. I kept working throughout and it was mostly fine. Mine is for life despite remission, but they say more likely to die with than from. This is a scary time but as I was told in the breast clinic (I was referred there too for checks as lumps were everywhere no breast cancer though), lymphoma is "a good one to have" treatable compared to many. Good luck and ask them to explain anything that bothers you.

Hi, I know it’s been a while since you posted, but I wondered how you got on with your investigations? Currently going through similar and, like @WhiteJeans7 said, the wait is just so, so difficult. Hope you’re ok, whatever the results were.

Hi, I'm going through the same thing and was wondering if you have any updates.