Lymphoma?

I have lost over 40 lbs without trying. The lymph node on the right side of my neck is so swollen that when the technician who did my CT scan yesterday asked me to show him where I felt it, I raised my hair and he said "NEVERMIND" and placed the marker right on it!  I have been terribly sick, for months now I have run fevers, lost my appetite and I do have a lump but it is hard under my left armpit and a few of those in between my breasts. The mammogram was negative, blood work normal. I get these really really red patches on my face, neck and arms at times. I thought it was my blood pressure until the doctor said something the other day. He said he was concerned because the lymph node has not gone down and because of the weight loss. My skin does not itch as I have read up on lymphoma. I don't know, but I am worried.

[Dan631]

I had lymphoma as well - mine started in my mediastinum/chest when I was 20 years old.  Its symptoms just started off as a tightness in my throat and night sweats.  Eventually those got worse and a lump formed on the side of my neck and the doc said it was time to biopsy.  The diagnosis was acute lymphoblastic lymphoma or ALL, which shares a lot of properties and treatments with a leukemia of the same name.  I was lucky with mine; even though it was a very high grade and probably would have strangled me in my sleep in a few more weeks untreated, it's also one of the most cureable, with a prognosis of over 90% based on my age, health and the staging (2).  Sorry to tell you, but it sounds like you're going to get a positive diagnosis from your doc. The treatment for it can be hell depending on the person and regimen you get, but when you get through it, you'll be a much stronger person.

[myohno]

The CT was normal. Is it true that they can only get a real diagnosis by doing a biopsy?

[myohno]

HI Dan,
I changed doctors and immediately he questioned the hesitation or ordering a biopsy from the other doctor. I now have it scheduled on  08/17/09. I've had 2 barium CT's  just since seeing this doctor. Today they called me in to discuss the results! I'll go in on Friday for that part!  I don't know that I have the strength to fight this thing if it is!  My niece who is a student doctor, insists that it is and swears that if they don't get a diagnosis soon she's flying up here.  She's a go getter!  Thank you so much for your response!

[myohno]

Hey Dan, were the nodules in your chest hard?  I have 3 of them in between my breasts, 1 under my left arm, 2 on my right lung and of course the swollen lymph node is in my right neck. I see the surgeon on the 17th.