Possible lymphoma

[Twtd123]

Hi there I’m 59 and have had a rollercoaster of a few weeks. I was admitted to a&e a couple of weeks ago with severe abdominal pain and vomiting. I have diverticulitis so presumed was a bad flare up. Had 2 ct scans and they found numerous sites in my body with swollen lymph nodes, so being investigated for lymphoma. Having my neck biopsy on Tuesday with follow up results the following week. Feel fit and well in myself otherwise and pain has gone and vomiting subsided after a day. The wait is killing me and keep thinking what else could it be. No weight loss, did have the odd night sweat but put that down to post menopausal sweats. I’m just wondering has anyone any experience of this? Thank you

I don’t have any experience of this but didn’t wave to leave your post unanswered. It sounds scary. I have had various health scares over the year and some serious issues and the waiting for results is always the worst bit so I sympathise. Please don’t google. The lack of weight loss plus feeling fit and well I would think is a positive. Good luck with the biopsy.

Thank you so much for replying and so sorry to hear that you’ve had dreadful heath issues of your own. Yes agreed the waiting is agonising. I wish you well and thank you for the good wishes x

Hi, I have lymphoma. Sorry you have had a scary and unpleasant time! I was diagnosed late 2024 when I was 44 yo with NHL that was absolutely everywhere (v lumpy but no symptoms!).

It sounds as though you will also need treatment if results come back that way (some forms don't always need treatment right away), and I know how shocking that feels.

I was able to work through treatment (chemoimmunotherapy), which was very successful (though my type is considered lifelong). I have had some complications since but stemming from existing health issues plus treatment effects rather than cancer itself.

You might have a kind that is curable, but either way it is likely to be treatable. It is a big deal but fingers crossed wouldn't dominate your life long term.

Happy to chat and wish you luck.

I’m so sorry to hear of your diagnosis and although lifelong I’m sure you are receiving the best treatment possible . Yes others have said oh maybe it’s something else, but realistically I’m preparing myself for the worst. Take care x

I'm sorry you are having such a difficult time @Twtd123

My DH was diagnosed with aggressive NHL three years ago. He was exhausted all the time, had drenching night sweats and had stomach pains, which we (and our GP) thought were down to gastric / kidney stone issues. It was a huge shock to be told it was actually Stage 4 Lymphoma.

However, he had 6 rounds of chemo which was successful. He is in remission, and continues to have regular check ups with his consultant.

One thing I will suggest is to write down any questions you have. Take a notebook and pen with you to your hospital appointments, because these can be a bit of a blur and things get forgotten. For us, the worst part was waiting for results, both for the actual diagnosis, and following chemo to see if it had worked.

I hope it turns out to be nothing serious. Please look after yourself. X

Thank you so much for responding and so sorry to hear about your DH, must have been a terrifying time for you both. So happy to hear he’s in remission and long may that continue.
Thanks for the advice and you’re right it’s best to be prepared for the call with haematology as I think it might all pass in a blur otherwise. Wishing you both all the best x

I had a lump removed from my breast along with the nipple and two lymph nodes. Saw surgeon 4 weeks later and she said cancer is in one of the nodes so scheduled an operation for 29th July to remove all the nodes. I am absolutely petrified of the awful side effects and lymphoedema. Is it really necessary to have them all removed? If I refuse the operation what is my life expectancy? Can anyone please tell me your own experience?

@SusieQuohave they offered you radiotherapy to the nodes instead. I believe it’s deemed to be as effective as surgery but with lower risk of lymphoedema. You could ask for a second opinion from an oncologist.

Thank you, I get pre op tests tomorrow and I will ask then. This has all happened so quickly and it’s really hard to take it all in. If I have the op and then discover there is an alternative it’d be too late then.