After 20 years, a Lymphoma re-occurrance

Debra425

Yes, I had Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma 20 years ago. I had a small relapse 5 years ago (I went on Chemotherapy for several months), but now it seems to have re-occurred. I don't even know the name of the type of Lymphoma that I have now -- it used to be called "poorly differentiated". I started to notice lumps in my groin area about a month ago. Me, being a teacher, decided to wait until school was over to see a Doctor. Well, by the time that I called the soonest appointment they had was July 27th. Only two days ago, I started to feel really bad -- nights sweats and waking up feeling tired (like I had the flu). I woke up this morning and I KNEW the Lymphoma had returned.

I am going to call the Doctor on Monday, but here it is Saturday and I am full of fear. I have spent the morning researching non-Hodgkins Lymphoma but not knowing the exact type has hindered my research (I know that its the slow growing kind). So I decided to look into support groups to help me get through the weekend. I was really foolish to not call the Doctor sooner, and I fear for the worst. I feel bad, I'm upset, etc. etc. And so, here I am!
Debra

bluerose

I had non hodgkins lymphoma 24 years ago
Hello. First let me tell you that I know how you must feel. I too am a little worried about a lymph node that was found recently in one of my breasts and apparently lymph nodes don't normally hang out in breast tissue but they said they have seen it a few times before. They said it looks perfectly benign but I want a needle biopsy to make sure and my doc agrees so that's on Tuesday and I am a little stressed. I had a needle biopsy on my other breast 22 years ago and it turned out to be a recurrance of the NHL which was treated only 2 years before.

I am a little confused though. Have you actually had another positive diagnosis for a new lymphoma or are you just thinking it's back? First thing Monday morning I hope you get on that phone and tell your doc it's urgent he sees you and push to be seen and if he can't then go to a clinic or the ER, don't wait any longer.

Try to keep busy this weekend so you will not have time to think but I know that's easier said than done. The waiting game after a diagnosis years ago can be excrutiating I know.

If I am reading your history right then know that with non hodgkins lymphoma one recurrance is very common so maybe these new symptoms are something else much less serious. Have you had any infections recently in the groin area or near? That could cause lymph nodes to swell too and could explain even the sweating and fatigue.

Hope all goes well for you and keep us posted.

Blessings,

P.S. Stop researching Lymphoma online til you know what if anything you are dealing with first. It will drive you crazy.

Bluerose

Debra425

bluerose said:

I had non hodgkins lymphoma 24 years ago
Hello. First let me tell you that I know how you must feel. I too am a little worried about a lymph node that was found recently in one of my breasts and apparently lymph nodes don't normally hang out in breast tissue but they said they have seen it a few times before. They said it looks perfectly benign but I want a needle biopsy to make sure and my doc agrees so that's on Tuesday and I am a little stressed. I had a needle biopsy on my other breast 22 years ago and it turned out to be a recurrance of the NHL which was treated only 2 years before.

I am a little confused though. Have you actually had another positive diagnosis for a new lymphoma or are you just thinking it's back? First thing Monday morning I hope you get on that phone and tell your doc it's urgent he sees you and push to be seen and if he can't then go to a clinic or the ER, don't wait any longer.

Try to keep busy this weekend so you will not have time to think but I know that's easier said than done. The waiting game after a diagnosis years ago can be excrutiating I know.

If I am reading your history right then know that with non hodgkins lymphoma one recurrance is very common so maybe these new symptoms are something else much less serious. Have you had any infections recently in the groin area or near? That could cause lymph nodes to swell too and could explain even the sweating and fatigue.

Hope all goes well for you and keep us posted.

Blessings,

P.S. Stop researching Lymphoma online til you know what if anything you are dealing with first. It will drive you crazy.

Bluerose

Lymphoma 20 years ago
Bluerose: Thank you for you speedy reply (I was waiting for someone to answer). I have had two relapses (re-occurrances) since the original diagnosis 20 years ago. Both times the symptoms were the same: swelling of the lymph nodes (especially in the groin area), night sweats, and a feeling of fatigue that was almost flu-like. Well, I have been experiencing those symptoms for the past few days, so I am pretty sure it has reoccurred. Of course, I will get to see a Doctor as soon as possible, but I don't think I will be surprised when he says that it has returned. To clear up your confusion, I have not seen the Doctor yet, but I am just thinking that this is what it is.

For both reoccurrances, I went on chemotherapy (the pill kind, not the intravenous) and it was in remission after four to six months (don't remember exactly). For the kind of Lymphoma I have, reoccurrance is highly likely (I have already been told that). The Doctor told me that since the original diagnosis 20 years ago, there have been lots of new drugs discovered so that there are now a variety of treatments (some really good).

I haven't had any infections recently, and in fact, since I am on summer break I have been exercising alot, eating well, and feeling good until recently. There is no other reason for my symptoms (again, not trying to be a doctor, but just realizing the facts).

SO, knowing all this, I shouldn't be worried. And yet I am (doesn't make sense, now does it?)

But you are right -- I will stop all the research until I find out what I actually have (and what type) and try to relax through the weekend.

Thanks for your reply,
Debra

bluerose

Debra425 said:

Lymphoma 20 years ago
Bluerose: Thank you for you speedy reply (I was waiting for someone to answer). I have had two relapses (re-occurrances) since the original diagnosis 20 years ago. Both times the symptoms were the same: swelling of the lymph nodes (especially in the groin area), night sweats, and a feeling of fatigue that was almost flu-like. Well, I have been experiencing those symptoms for the past few days, so I am pretty sure it has reoccurred. Of course, I will get to see a Doctor as soon as possible, but I don't think I will be surprised when he says that it has returned. To clear up your confusion, I have not seen the Doctor yet, but I am just thinking that this is what it is.

For both reoccurrances, I went on chemotherapy (the pill kind, not the intravenous) and it was in remission after four to six months (don't remember exactly). For the kind of Lymphoma I have, reoccurrance is highly likely (I have already been told that). The Doctor told me that since the original diagnosis 20 years ago, there have been lots of new drugs discovered so that there are now a variety of treatments (some really good).

I haven't had any infections recently, and in fact, since I am on summer break I have been exercising alot, eating well, and feeling good until recently. There is no other reason for my symptoms (again, not trying to be a doctor, but just realizing the facts).

SO, knowing all this, I shouldn't be worried. And yet I am (doesn't make sense, now does it?)

But you are right -- I will stop all the research until I find out what I actually have (and what type) and try to relax through the weekend.

Thanks for your reply,
Debra

Hi again Debra
That's what we are all here for - to share and get support when we need it.

I agree with all that you said except one thing, you said 'I shouldn't be worried and yet I am'. You, like anyone else with the experiences you have had with cancer, will be worried if symptoms arise that are familiar. That is normal. So don't feel you shouldn't worry, who wouldn't? Unfortunately it's part of this rotten cancer journey we are on, worry, wait, be vigilant, it can go on and on for sometime. However, having said that we try to keep busy, to remain hopefull and for me, pray. I don't know how spirtitual you are but for me that got me through alot and still does. Group prayer I feel is also very powerful so if you know of any churches with prayer chains I would call them and have them start doing group prayer for you. Hey, what do you have to lose by trying everything to help yourself? I have positive experience with group prayer, and I KNOW it works.

All the best, and keep me posted if you have time.

You are in my prayers.

Bluerose

CountryGal7557

Treanda is the latest chemo drug
Hi Debra, Let us know what you find out today. A year ago the latest drug in use was Treanda along with Rituxan. Hope you had good luck today. Hugs Janelle