kristi_chick
New User
Joined: 20 Sep 2007
Posts: 1
|
 Posted: Thu Sep 20, 2007 4:50 pm Post subject: Long term swollen lymph nodes... lymphoma? |
 |
|
Hi Everyone,
My name is Kristin and I'm a 17 year old female. My lymph nodes (where my jaw meets my neck, I believe Submandibular) have been swollen for as long as I can remember, several years at least. I never thought much of this until a little over a month ago, when I noticed new swelling on the underside of my chin (not sure what this one's called). It was then that I began researching lymphoma and registered that there might be a problem.
Some background: When I was a baby, I got frequent ear infections and had to have tubes implanted in my ears. These were taken out long ago and I haven't had problems with my ears since. I have not had regular medical involvement in my life. My insurance situation is weird and my mom has always had a "deal with it yourself" mentality about these things, so I rarely saw a doctor. I last went in the spring (for the first time in years) for irregular periods. My periods had been regular up until about 8 months prior to the appointment. The doctor observed my swollen lymph nodes and suggested bloodwork, but my mom was opposed to that idea. My periods evened out again shortly after, and nothing became of it.
The size of the nodes in my neck has remained constant the past few years. They're definitely swollen, but the swelling has not fluctuated at all. When I found the new one in my chin, I began to freak out. I just started this month at the University of Michigan, where I get free health service. I went in to the health center a couple days after the semester started to get a brief consultation. The doctor briefly examined me and suggested I see the ear, nose and throat specialist, who is not available until this coming Monday (the 24th). I will see him then, but, unfortunately, I got sick with a nasty cold a few days ago, so I'm afraid he will not be able to target the problem while I'm suffering from an infection that would cause my lymph nodes to swell anyway (even though my nodes were swollen long before the infection). I have been obsessing over this for a while now, and just want answers/to be able to rule out the really scary stuff. If he cannot find the problem due to my sickness, I will probably request bloodwork or a biopsy anyway, just to put my mind at ease.
Meanwhile, I was hoping you could give me your thoughts of my situation. Does it sound like it could be lymphoma?
I really appreciate any input. I am pulling for you all to make it through. |
|
brainman
Site Admin
Joined: 13 Oct 2005
Posts: 3711
Location: Tennessee
|
| Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2007 1:55 am Post subject: Re: Long term swollen lymph nodes... lymphoma? |
|
|
Hi Kristin, I am glad that you are having this checked by doctors. However, it does not sound like lymphoma to me since it has not changed that much. It could still be something that the doctors can take care of... In other words, no need for you to worry just continue to work with your medical team.
As a minor, you should also talk to your parents about this and all communications you have over the Internet.
Best wishes.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/ |
|
Search 
Email Digests
Register to post
Profile 
Check private messages 
Log in
What is this ?
We subscribe to the HONcode principles. Verify here. All content and posts are copyright.
