Question on Treatment Please - Lymphomas Message Board

*Nicola · 06-05-2007, 09:48 PM

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!

~Nicola~

singer78 · 06-06-2007, 08:29 AM

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.

*Nicola · 06-06-2007, 11:33 AM

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.

singer78 · 06-06-2007, 12:00 PM

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!

The "survivor's" that continue on this forum and help us all along, are absolutely angels,

aren't they?

We'll get through this !
XO S.