Hi Everyone! My oncologist thinks that I have lymphoma, I don't remember exactly what he called it, but he said that its like the beginning of it or something. Well, I have swollen lymph nodes all over, they are really not that big, but long, and he doesn't want to do a biopsy until they get bigger.

I was just wondering if that is normal. I mean, isn't diagnosing lymphoma really rely on a biopsy? Is it normal to just do nothing and let it progress? I am sorry if these are stupid questions, I guess I just don't understand what is going on. This is an unrelated question, but I was also wondering if something counts as a symptom if it only happens once in a while?

Thank you everyone so much for all of your answers and support. I come on this board almost every night and it helps me so much. I honestly don't think I would have gotten this far and continue to go on without you wonderful people who talk to and help me and you have never even met me. I just want to say THANK YOU! :wave:

~Nicola~

Hi Nicola,
I know...this is the hardest part...not knowing, exactly. I can "hear" it in your post. I'm so sorry you're having problems--as you can tell, you're not alone.
It was under my impression that you need a biopsy of one kind or another, before "lymphoma" can be fully diagnosed...although, I've seen on this forum something where they "watch & wait" to see if lymph nodes enlarge. That, I really don't know anything about, because once my node was biopsied, I've been in a whirlwind ever since! I'm just now settling into treatment and "accepting" this journey---I think after acceptance, THEN you start to get well. I've had many a person on here become my "cheerleader" & help me remain positive.
Maybe someone on this forum that has experienced the "watch & wait" syndrome can respond to you with more info.
Until then, think positively--because as I'm learning, lymphoma CAN be beat!
:) S.

Thank you so much Singer! I can't tell you how much I appreciate your replies! You and Susie are right, it is harder to not exactly know. I know that you got diagnosed and then a week later or so I got diagnosed so I have been following all of your posts Singer and you have been a good example for me on how to keep a good attitude throughout all of this. ;)

Thanks, back at cha'!

If it weren't for Ails, Susie, Deb and you other wonderful people (you know who you are) I'd be fretting SOOO much more than I am right now! :eek:

The "survivor's" that continue on this forum and help us all along, are absolutely angels, :angel: aren't they?

We'll get through this !
XO S.

Singer,

I am here to help.
How are you feeling today-day #5? You seem a bit better.

Deb :cool:

Yes, Deb...I am better. Thanks for asking.
I posted something stupid, when I first woke up about "Hodgkin's" being a young person's disease...and is it harder when you're older?? Now, I'm feeling dumb for my rambling post---although I would like to know if there's any "50 something's" on this forum that have "Hodgkin's."
The only symptom that's slowing me down today, is stomach achiness (as in period-like cramps), which they've told me is from chemo. Also, throughout the night, my still-growing node they left behind, causes me some discomfort...but, from what I read, it takes a few chemo treatments before they shrink in size.
I finally took a long mineral bath, changed clothes, put on minimal makeup, and I'm trying like crazy to do the dishes (not my favorite thing) because my husband always stops up the drain (we have a dish washer--it's broken). He's learning new things through my illness, too....like, how to "shop." I almost always did all the grocery shopping. This is a learning experience for us all, all the way around!
XO S.

Deb,

How have you been doing lately? I hope everything is going well for you too!

Yes, I'm sorry--this is her thread---:)


I'm editing again....
I thought the last one was from Deb to Nicola, instead of vice-versa.
It's another loopy day for me....