Scared, but trying to stay positive - Lymphomas Message Board

grandmato 4 · 11-25-2006, 12:29 AM

I am so glad to find this site, Last week I went to my doctor because of drenching nite sweats and a swollen(painless) lymph node on the side of my neck. I have also had pain and increased swelling on my upper left side.(spleen area). I have been exhausted sleeping as much as 18 hours a day. I had labs done and my SGPT level was elevated. I had a CT scan done on my side and neck on Monday. My father died of Lymphoma 5 years ago. What is the next step and does anyone know if lymphoma risks are higher if family has had it?

Merimac · 11-25-2006, 12:46 AM

The literature in medical studies does not indicate that lymphoma is genetically passed down to other relatives but if you were exposed to some of the same viruses, like Epstein Barre etc, you might have the same immune system vulnerability, but come up with a totally different form of lymphoma. The problem with this disease is that there are many other illnesses out there that have the same symptoms. So the only thing one can do is wait on the testing to see if it points to anything.

grandmato 4 · 11-25-2006, 12:59 AM

Is there a difference between the type of biopsies? Is one better or faster than the other?My father was in the hospital when his was diagnosed and they did an excional biopsy. They told us he had about 3 mos and he died 10 days later. I have a real "bad" feeling in my gut about this. My Mom also died of Cancer, she had Ovarian Cancer.

Ails · 11-25-2006, 04:28 AM

Hi Grandmato4

Try not to worry - I know it's hard when cancer has touched you so closely

If it turns out to be lymphoma it really is not the end of the world. Even in just the last five years treatments have come on in leaps and bounds!!!
I hate to sound insensistive but you also have age on your side (as well as all those improvements in the last 5 years) . I'm no expert but it also sounds like you father's lymphoma was very advanced to lose him in such a short period of time.

Like I say, try not to worry . If it's any consolation, I think it's easier to deal with being ill yourself than watching someone else go through it. I know from personal experience. It's not quite so scary

You will get through this. Stay positive and do not be afraid to come on here and ask for help/ advice when you need it.

Let us know how it goes

Good luck and Take care

Ails x

grandmato 4 · 11-25-2006, 05:03 PM

This site is truly sent by God to help very scared people help each other. Thanks so much for the positive words and encouragement.
My Dad was very ill when a lump showed up on his neck,they biopsied it because they knew something was going on but didn't have a diagnosis.
My Mom was undergoing chemo at that time for ovarian cancer and cancer in Dad wasn't even a thought. Mom died 2 years later to her cancer.
I plan to stay as positive as possible ,I saw what it did for my Mom and I feel she did better because of it.
Thanks again to all of you and I keep you posted as I learn the CT results and the next steps?