Mono & Lymphoma Connection - Lymphomas Message Board

vanillarain · 07-09-2004, 03:51 PM

Hi All
Need some info from someone. Been through hell and back recently with surgury and biopsy of a lymph node on my neck. When they removed they said it was lymphoma, but second opinions said it was Mono. My Hematologist agrees with this, however, she did state that Mono up's a person's chances of getting Lymphoma in the next 5 years. Now, does this mean that I will get lyumphoma in the next five years or, my chances are very high that I will get it. Anybody know of the stats on this? Frankly I'm very scared. I have been feeling so sick with this mono. Extremely tired, very depressed and anxious and just ****ed off at everything. Is this normal to be feeling this way? I'm 35 years old, female and have never had mono before. I didn't think it would be this bad. Can any of you give me some good suggestions on how to cope with the depression and anxiety around all of this. I am at my wits end and to top it all off, my doctor has put me on disability, indefinetly, until we get this under control, so another whammy to top things off. I'm just really depressed and scared of the possible lymphoma link. I don't mean to be childish, but I can't help these feelings of fear, apprehension and uselessness.

JenBrooke123 · 07-09-2004, 05:08 PM

well it's Epstein Barr (can cause mono)that is related to lymphoma, they think that that can cause it. I would have to say your risk could be higher because of it, but that does not mean you will get cancer. I remember reading that researchers believe that it also could be the cause of Chronic fatigue syndrome. they say that Epstein Barr could also be linked to other cancers suchs as breast cancer and some smooth muscle tumors. (However, that is just what I was reading.) They say that most people will become infected with Epstein Barr sometime during there lives.

Marimac · 07-09-2004, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vanillarain

Hi All
Need some info from someone. Been through hell and back recently with surgury and biopsy of a lymph node on my neck. When they removed they said it was lymphoma, but second opinions said it was Mono. My Hematologist agrees with this, however, she did state that Mono up's a person's chances of getting Lymphoma in the next 5 years. Now, does this mean that I will get lyumphoma in the next five years or, my chances are very high that I will get it. Anybody know of the stats on this? Frankly I'm very scared. I have been feeling so sick with this mono. Extremely tired, very depressed and anxious and just ****ed off at everything. Is this normal to be feeling this way? I'm 35 years old, female and have never had mono before. I didn't think it would be this bad. Can any of you give me some good suggestions on how to cope with the depression and anxiety around all of this. I am at my wits end and to top it all off, my doctor has put me on disability, indefinetly, until we get this under control, so another whammy to top things off. I'm just really depressed and scared of the possible lymphoma link. I don't mean to be childish, but I can't help these feelings of fear, apprehension and uselessness.

I think that your doctor may have suggested a higher chance of Lymphoma due to the age at which you got mono. It is usually an illness that kids get from early school age through teens and then don;t worry about it after that. There have been studies that say a lot of people have the EBV and never even know that was it because the symptoms were so mild. The fact that you are having such a hard time with this is a clue that you are having a hard time with your immune system fighting this one off. Try to relax and help your body to heal. Imagining the worst can be self fulfilling prophesy.

nicegirl · 08-10-2004, 04:20 PM

I had mono when I was in kindergarten and I am 23 years old now. There was no concerns about lymphoma for me. I agree with you Marimac. I hope all goes well. The power of prayer is true.believe.

trac · 08-10-2004, 07:51 PM

i had mono last september and still don't feel good. i never had a sore throat but my right tonsil and node under ear are swollen and are not going down at all. i heard of the connection between mono and lymphoma and am a bit concerned. ever since being dx with mono i have been ill. i can't keep up with housework. i spend one day busy then the next laid up feeling achy, flu like and short of breath. i now have to have b12 shots too, and i had a scope done which showed nothing. i get chest pain, pain in my side and upper/middle right back. i am 32 and have never been this ill before. i have an appointment with ent on thurs so we'll see what they say. just wanted to let you know that you are not alone. i feel like i'm dying most days too. good luck and try some vitamins. they do help a bit.