lovelife

Hello Everyone! I have been reading these boards for a couple of weeks now and really think this forum is great. I have realized that much of what we go through is shared and we are not alone. It is very comforting. I also wanted to extend a heartfelt prayer to all of you either suffering with lymphoma or waiting for results. I understand the process and I wish everyone the best of luck for the healthiest outcome possible!!!
My question is - does anyone know anything about the correlation between lupus/sjogrens overlap and lymphoma? I was recently (in June) diagnosed with possibly having a connective tissue disease (Lupus/Sjogrens overlap). I presented with debilitating joint pain, fevers, protein in my urine, and swollen glands in my neck. My GP ran some tests and found my sed rate was high, ANA was positive (1:640 speckled), RA factor positive. He then referred me to a Rheumatologist for further evaluation. She is great – took further tests – and found I had low WBC (not sure of the number) and some elevated proteins in my blood. She seemed to think it was related to the connective tissue disease, but referred me to a hematologist just to rule out any other possibilities. The hematologist did further tests and suggested that I go for a CT Scan (I have told her of my history with swollen glands) to rule out Lymphoma. I had the CT scan done and they found two lymph nodes enlarged (1.4 CM) one of which is deep in my chest and the other deep behind my collarbone I think on the right side. Should the fact that these areas were found be alarming or worrisome for lymphoma? Fortunately the blood work she did came back fine with the exception of the EBV – that was slightly elevated – which she said could be due to the fact that I have had mono twice - once in high school and again about 3 years ago. She (hematologist) said that unfortunately she could not entirely rule out Lymphoma, but she also did not seem alarmed. She suggested either a biopsy (which she said would be pretty invasive) or just wait 3 months and see what happens. She strongly suggested the wait and see approach. I have to say that she really did not seem alarmed and felt that it was probably nothing, but that she really could not ignore it either. I have this second CT scan scheduled for the end of October. So I still have to wait for about 4 weeks. I have to say that this has been an absolutely harrowing experience. I am very happily married with two young kids (son is 18 months and daughter is 4 ½) and just the thought of potentially having something – or not being there for my children is really weighing on my brain. I am having trouble focusing for I am thinking about it a lot and am trying desperately not to jump the gun. I know this process is completely testing my patience level – and I feel as if the level is slowly dwindling. Does anyone else feel this way? I know I probably have no reason to worry, for swollen glands (lymphadenopathy) is common I think in lupus/sjogrens, but I also know that with Sjogrens your risk level is slightly higher for lymphoma. Am I just being paranoid?!! Thanks for taking the time to read this “novel” and any advice would be great!