Hi,

First I will start with a little background on my problem. In June of this year I had an MRI of my back because my neurologist suspected a problem with my spinal cord. When the results came back they said there were some enlarged lymph nodes that would suggest lymphoma or metastatic disease. He then ordered ct scans of my pelvis, abdomen and chest which was done in July and referred me to an oncologist. The ct scans showed enlarged lymph nodes in my right axillary, left groin area and the retroperitoneal lymph nodes. The oncologist was going to take a wait and see approach but a couple of hours after my appointment they called me with an appointment with a surgeon to consult about a biopsy of the right axilla. I had the biopsy in August and when I went to see the oncologist he said they were just waiting on one test but everything had come back that is was not lymphoma, he wanted me to have repeat ct scans in 4 months (December). I saw my surgeon after I saw my oncologist and he told me that when he did the biopsy he was sure it was cancer because of how enlarged they were and I think he said how they were clumped together or something like that. He said the pathologist was surprised that the tests came back that it wasn't cancer also. Well, I had my ct scans repeated on Tuesday and picked my results up today and for the most part they said there were no significant changes in the lymph nodes except the right axilla (where they removed the lymph nodes in August) had gone from 3 cm to 1.5 cm. And it also said there is a new enlarged left iliac lymph node that measured 1.7 cm in July it measures 2.0 cm now. I see my oncologist on the 14th but since I have read these results I am starting to worry again and I hate having to wait another week to see the doctor.

My question is, since the lymph nodes haven't gone down and there is new ones enlarged, do you think it could still be lymphoma or is it most likely something else since 4 months ago the tests came back there was no cancer? This may be a stupid question but, even though it has only been 4 months can this be lymphoma, what are the chances that it could now be lymphoma? I know you can't tell by just reading about my results but I was just wondering if this has happened to any of you before.

Thanks.

Hi Schittum,

I just wanted to write to you a word of encouragment and support. I hear your worries and I know it is far from easy to be told to wait and wait to know what is happening with you.

One thing we both know, is that there must be a reason for all those lymph nodes to be enlarged like that, whether it means cancer or another medical condition of any kind.

I know at this point, after all these months, a whole week sounds like a heck of a lot to wait to know what is going on with you, but try to arm yourself with patience and not go into total panic mode, alright?!?

'til your appointment, take this week to take care of yourself, do things you enjoy, rest when you need to, eat healthy as much asyou can, stay hydrated, etc. Take this week as a week to think of YOURSELF !!!

And if I may say this, when you go see the doctor for your results, if he doesn't have the answer on what is happening to you, please tell him to FIND OUT!!! Whether it is a serious condition or not, they should find out what it is!!! You don't have to stay in the dark, trapped with your worries...

Hope everything goes alright hon, hang in there, keep your chin up, I'll keep you in my thoughts!!!

*hugs*

Tekkymrc

Thanks for you support, I have been trying to go on as if I didn't see the results. I guess it is a mistake to pick up the results before seeing the doctor but I just couldn't wait. I was hoping all of the enlarged nodes would be back to normal.