The Un-known Here we go Again

Sorry to hear this. From your description, it almost sounds like an auto-immune condition. Our immune systems, if not properly regulated, can wreak havoc in our bodies. Immune cells can attack any organ or tissue in the body, and the generalized nature of his symptoms would "seem" to fit this condition. I would think that, at this point, he is way beyond the scope of a local hospital or primary care doctor. Q: Did this coincide with any vaccination or series of vaccinations? I am fighting an adverse immune response to recent pneumonia/diptheria/tetanus vaccinations.

In any event, since the onset of his condition seems fairly sudden and it has progressed, if he has not already, "I" would head to a major research hospital. Something to discuss with doctor.

Oh. That is a very possible explanation. He could have developed a sensitivity (immune allergic response) to current medication or potentially even withdrawal symptoms from the prior medication (thyroid or immune rebound?). I hope that he is being seen by a specialist.

Hmm. Has anyone mentioned lymphoma? Enlarged nodes are 1) signs of our immune system functioning, 2) a possible immune system malfunction, or 3) potentially a sign of malignancy. Lymph nodes enlarge each and every time we have an infection, no matter how minor. In the medical profesion, when a particular physician or group of physicians have exhausted their diagnostic capabilities, they will often toss us to a hematologist. Now, that may be their protocol, which is fine, but we may not have a malignancy and this action causes much stress and anxiety. We are almost infinitely complex creatures and the variety of conditions we can experience are countless. Pre-Covid, there were 68,069 known human diseases and conditions, with perhaps many times that number simply being unknown. Yet all produce symptoms. This points out a difficulty for doctors: our bodies are capable of producing only about 150 different symptoms. This is an utter simplification, but by simple math, a single symptom can point to over 350 potential diseases or conditions. You see the complication for the doctor.

So, they took one of his lymph nodes. That is very good, as a complete node is the best sample to produce a correct diagnosis or eliminate a particular diagnosis. Pathology results on that lymph node may either clear this up, or possibly point to the need for additional diagnostics. If the report states that it is a "reactive" node, that simply means that it is enlarged via being filled with normal lymphocytes. The question then is why are lymphocytes so elevated in number? Think of lymphocytes like soldiers in an army, and the lymph nodes and ducts (basically veins) as their barracks. Normally, they circulate around our bodies searching for evidence of bacteria, viruses or fungal infections, which are all pathogens - transmitters of disease. The lymphocyte's job is to identify and kill any of those pathogens when they detect one in their course of circulation. When an invading pathogen is encountered, they automatically send a signal and a small army of fellow lymphocytes arrives with the purpose of killing the infection.

So, the pathology report may provide clarity here. If you would be so kind, let us know what the report states and we can go from there.

Certainly some attention is required, and soon. I must say that the splenic involvement may change things. Some lymphomas trigger the immune system and produce autoimmune symptoms. I had one such, and coughing was incessant - but that is only my case. I am certain that you will begin to agitate regarding the pathology report, as it may well make or break the diagnosis. Men are not always the best that...;-)

Yet, lymphoma - all types - are treatable at all stages. My first diagnosis was stage IV with "innumerable" tumors. That was 2008. My advice is to keep the heat up so that the medical machine will work in his favor.

Sorry to hear that. Most lymphomas require a BMB to determine staging. For example my marrow was 26% cancer cells meaning stage 4. Here I am 12 years later. Lymphoma is very treatable and responds well to therapy which most likely will NOT include radiation. This is true regardless of the stage. He will feel much better after the first treament. No one wants cancer but given a choice lymphoma is one of the most treatable cancers a person can have. Please let us know what type lymphoma and the planned treatment. Someone on here will have had that therapy and can offer tips on dealing with it. As per the BMB I have had several and though not pleasant its over in just a couple of minutes. Good luck.