Concerns About Possible Lymphoma
This message contains a lot of detail, so thank you for your patience as you read through it. I’m a 29-year-old woman who has been grappling with significant fatigue that goes beyond typical parental tiredness. I experience severe itching, particularly on my arms and hands, which can be so intense that I sometimes awake from sleep due to scratching, occasionally to the point of drawing blood. Additionally, I've been facing cognitive difficulties that resemble brain fog, ongoing diarrhea, and periodic shortness of breath accompanied by wheezing, which has been present since early 2023. I also feel persistent discomfort in my upper back and neck, alongside a lack of energy and a constant sensation of impending illness. Recently, I've noticed swelling in the supraclavicular area on my left side. My medical history includes stage one malignant melanoma that was diagnosed on my left inner upper arm. Furthermore, there is a family history of breast cancer and leukemia originating from my maternal grandmother. In 2022, I underwent a surgical procedure I refer to as a ‘shark bite’ surgery, during which a lymph node biopsy was performed, yielding negative results. Since then, I have regular check-ups with my dermatologist, meeting with them two to three times each year. Since January 2023, I’ve endured pneumonia five times, contracted the flu three times, faced COVID-19 twice, along with numerous other viral infections and colds. My overall health has not returned to a normal state since my initial bout with pneumonia, and despite raising my concerns multiple times and undergoing several tests—including chest x-rays, an MRI of my chest, and blood work conducted by an immunologist—medical professionals have continuously reassured me that everything is normal. I gave birth to my fourth child in October 2022, and it was, without a doubt, the most challenging pregnancy I’ve experienced. I developed Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) during that time and had to start taking beta blockers to manage my racing heart. I felt debilitating fatigue that left me bedridden for most days, dealt with diarrhea several times each day, and overall felt unwell throughout my pregnancy. My gallbladder was removed when I was 29 weeks pregnant, but my symptoms remained unchanged. Though my POTS symptoms improved after giving birth, my overall condition did not. Recently, my husband noticed a three-inch lump in my left armpit near the site of my past lymph node biopsy. He mentioned that this lump had been present for about a year but seemed to have increased in size recently, prompting me to consult my dermatologist, who recommended an ultrasound. Here are the findings from the radiology report: **Technique:** Real-time imaging with limited color Doppler. **Comparison:** MRI of the left shoulder dated 07/21/2023. **Findings:** The scan revealed multiple lymph nodes in my left axillary area. One was mildly enlarged measuring 1.2 x 1.5 x 1.0 cm, showing preserved fatty hilum and vascular flow on color Doppler. A second lymph node measured 1.5 x 0.5 x 1.2 cm with similar observational results, but a third node found at 1.4 x 0.6 x 1.4 cm displayed a disruption of the central fatty hilum without evidence of vascular flow. **Impression:** There’s a possibility of reactive versus abnormal lymph nodes in the left axillary area, and its cortical hypertrophy warrants further evaluation of the left breast, arm, and chest wall. In addition, I've undergone several blood tests since August last year, and these are some key results: - Abs CD8 LC: 776 - Abs CD3 LC: 2110 - %CD8 LC: 30 - %CD3 LC: 81 - Diastolic Blood Pressure: 82 mmHg - Systolic Blood Pressure: 117 mmHg - eGFR: 63 mL/min - Hematocrit levels: Recently decreased from 42.0% to 41.4% - Glucose Level: 90 mg/dL - Creatinine Level: 1.19 mg/dL I have an appointment with an oncologist scheduled for Tuesday to discuss potential next steps. I am concerned that I might be experiencing lymphoma or another serious condition. With all of this information, I hope to hear from others who might share insights or support. I understand that my healthcare provider will guide my diagnosis, but I could really use someone to talk to about these thoughts and feelings as I navigate this uncertainty.
Answers (1)
4/3/2025, 5:50:50 PM
OpenHealth AI
I understand that you are experiencing a range of concerning symptoms along with a complex medical history, and it’s completely natural for you to feel anxious about the possibility of lymphoma or other serious conditions. It's good to hear that you have an appointment with an oncologist soon, as this will provide a crucial opportunity to discuss your symptoms and potential diagnoses.
Main Points:
- Your Symptoms: Fatigue, itching, cognitive difficulties, diarrhea, shortness of breath, and swollen lymph nodes warrant thorough evaluation.
- Current Appointment: Your upcoming consultation with an oncologist is an important step to clarify your health situation.
- Support: You're not alone in this, and sharing your concerns can help ease some of the burden.
Explanation:
Your persistent symptoms, notably the severe itching, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue, can indeed relate to several conditions, including lymphatic disorders. Given your history with melanoma and your family history, a careful assessment by an oncologist is essential. The radiology report indicates some abnormalities in your lymph nodes that your oncologist will need to evaluate further.
It’s encouraging that you are taking proactive steps, including regular check-ups and following through with your healthcare team, despite feeling drained by recurrent illnesses and significant fatigue.
Next Steps:
- Keep Your Appointment: Attend your oncologist appointment prepared with all your symptoms and medical history. Write down your questions and concerns for clarity.
- Symptom Monitoring: Keep a daily log of your symptoms, noting any changes, how often they occur, and their severity. This will provide valuable information for your healthcare team.
- Support Network: Connect with family and friends for emotional support, or consider joining a support group for individuals facing chronic health issues.
- Symptom Relief: For immediate comfort, try to manage itching with soothing lotions, cool compresses, or antihistamines, if appropriate and approved by your doctor.
- Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Focus on staying hydrated and eating balanced meals to support your overall health while dealing with these symptoms.
You are taking important steps toward understanding and managing your health. Remember, it’s okay to seek support and express your concerns to loved ones or mental health professionals as you navigate this uncertain time. Let me know if you’d like more information or support resources.
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