were you tired before diagnosis?

Hello, All:

I was just told that I have some kind of cancer but we don't know what kind yet. I have a swollen lymph node in my neck so had bloodwork, a CT scan, and an ultrasound. The bloodwork came back normal (so no infections) but the CT scan showed a mass in my tonsil as well as the lymph node being dark inside, which according the doctor (if I understood him correctly - frankly, my head is still kind of swimming from all of this), means that it looks suspicious. He scheduled me for a biopsy of the lymph node and offered to do a tonsil biopsy right there. I should have said yes, but I really hate needles in my mouth (he said, "It will be similar to having work done at the dentist." Um, not exactly reassuring! LOL). Also, I was afraid my insurance would refuse if I didn't get a prior authorization. I called them this morning and they said I don't need PAs for a biopsy, so I guess that was a needless worry. But, on to the needFULL worries....

The doctor said it is likely either carcinoma or lymphoma but he thinks likely carcinoma and easily treatable (I'll bet says that to all the girls - ha ha).

So, until I find out exactly what the heck is going on, I am wondering about some of my syptoms and wondering if anyone else experienced similar symptoms before their diagnosis.

I have been suffering from almost crippling fatigue for at least a year now. All bloodwork always comes back normal: no anemia, no thyroid issues, no vitamin deficiencies, etc. So my primary always says there is nothing wrong with me. But I can FEEL that something is wrong. This level of tired is not normal.

Also, I have been getting migraines every so often for many years, but a few weeks ago I had migraines every other day for almost 2 weeks. I do usually get a migraine right before I come down with an illness like a cold or flu, but not usually this many. Then I noticed the lymph node swollen. Usually I ignore stuff like that but I've never had just one lymph node swollen before. They usually swell in pairs on each side of my neck. Also, it's usually different nodes, not the one that was swollen this time. So, I went to the primary who said it's probably notihing but get thee to an ENT - stat - just to be safe. And that brings me back to the beginning of this saga.

Anyone else have fatigue and/or migraines before diagnosis? Thank you in advance for any responses.

p.s. I'm trying not to freak out. I have two small children (ages 7 1/2 & almost 10). I really don't want to leave them. That is my biggest worry. I'm trying to be positive. I know that attitude makes a big difference.