Hi Everyone... Here is my update - Lymphomas Message Board

*Nicola · 05-30-2007, 01:30 AM

Hi! I hope all of you are doing good! I had my new doctors appointment and he thinks I do have lymphoma. I didn't think I had to worry because my lymph nodes are painful, but he said that when you have multiple lymph nodes like mine (neck, under chin, collar bones, armpits, and groin) and they are long strips, not big balls that they tend to be painful. I guess some of them could be precancerous and some are cancerous, but they are all relatively small in size. I will be going to an oncologist on Thursday already. They said that it usually takes 2 months or so to get in, but they got me in in two days so I thought that was kind of weird. But the really weird thing it this: My boyfriends mom died of cancer 2 years ago and my doctor is going to be the same doctor as hers. When my ENT referred me, I thought the name was formiliar. Anyway, what tests do you think the oncologist will do? Will he do some on Thurday do you think?

Well, I hope you all are doing well! Please keep me updated! All of you have really been supportive through these 2 years in finding a diagnosis. Thank you!

~Nicola

singer78 · 05-30-2007, 05:20 AM

Oh my goodness, Nicola. Two years for your diagnosis?
I'm so sorry to hear that. I have "Hodgkin's," and the more I learn (especially from this forum) the more I'm ready to take action and eliminate the cause. My first appointment with my Oncologist was last week, and it's a good thing I had my husband with me (take someone) because I needed his "ears" as well as mine. I took notes....you just can't remember everything. Everything is done is a seemingly "manner," and it's all routine for them---but it has a tendency to "upset our apple cart" and change your life....but only temporarily.
With every situation is different, I assume. You may not need lots of tests--I've had MRI's, PET scans, and blood marrow biopsy, blood work, etc...---and through it all...my friend "Ail's" was telling me "nothing is quite as bad as you make it out to be"...and she was right. Anticipation is the worst---as, I am still (as I type) going to one more doctor in a little while. My "journey" is finally winding down some---I need a "port" put in, since my veins are small. It's seems to be protocol, as of late. They say it's much easier for all involved to have a port put in.
Take a deep breath---and get informed. The other ladies on this forum have literally become my "life savers." As you know this is a curable disease--
I'm excited to think of being "normal" someday. I haven't felt "well" for years. Set your focus ahead & your sights on becoming a healthier version of you! Knowledge is also power, as I'm finding out. It's become quite a journey---a quite long one, and I haven't really even started my treatment...just yet.
Hang in there---and talk to these wonderful people that are virtually full of knowledge & lightheartedness. They've become my guardian angels..with an "edge."
I've been reading your posts, and I'll certainly pray

for you.

S. p.s. I hope I'm giving you good advice, as I'm still "seeking" advice myself.

sarmee · 05-30-2007, 08:03 AM

hello. It has been almost a year for me and they still dont know what is wrong. I wish you the best. I got your post earlier my name used to be star on here but I had to change it. I am in bed all day today due to my severe back pain. I have a doc appointment today hopefully he can tell me something. I am trying to get better because I am getting married next wk.

sarmee · 05-30-2007, 08:10 AM

Nicola I am keeping you in my prayers. I am also about your age and have similar symptoms. I am going to see another doctor I think mine is giving me the run around.

*Nicola · 05-30-2007, 02:12 PM

Yes, you are right Singer, two years is a very long time for a diagnosis and its actually been a couple months over two years! I haven't felt well for years either. Going through this trying to find a diagnosis, doctors have told me: its heartburn, infection, I am crazy, my boyfriend cheated on me and he gave me aids (he really didn't but this is what an ER doctor told me, and he didn't even know my boyfriend) and many other very stupid "diagnoses".

Anyway, I don't think I am going to bring anyone tomorrow, my boyfriends mom died of cancer he still really isn't over it, and strangely out of all the doctors in the Milwaukee/Waukesha area, I am going to his mother's old doctor. I still can't believe that. I am probably not going to bring my mom either, because I don't want to worry her and she is very upset with doctors, since it took so long to get a diagnosis.

Don't worry Singer, you do give good advice

as do many of the people on this board

so, thank you everyone!

I just wanted to say thank you again for everyone whom have helped me along the way and who will in the future! You are in my thoughts and prayers

~Nicola