Many Swollen Glands

[mamahuebsch]

I recently went to the doctor for some lumps I found in my neck.  I found about 4 or 5 on the right side below my ear.  My doctor discovered I also had swollen nodes under my arms and in my groin on both sides.  About a year ago I had a CT scan that showed an enlarged spleen.  What do you think of these findings?  I am very worried.  I feel fine and just completed 2 weeks of antibiotics for a sinus infection.

[mamahuebsch]

Doctor called and said the biopsy came back and that it was benign.  It was however reactive.  I go in on Friday and he is going to do some more tests for inflammation.  Praising God it isn't cancer, but still want answers.  

[Katey H.]

A platelet volume that low has probably given your doctor a reason to suspect leukemia.(cancer of white blood cells WBC) Leukemia destroys the immune system and that's why he biopsied the lymph node.(where WBC are made).  Leukemia cells commonly appear in lymph nodes and almost anywhere else. Some other symptoms of leukemia are tiredness, achiness, weight loss, fever, extremely high WBC, bruising, enlarged spleen. But enlarged lymph nodes could also be signs of lymphoma, which he may have already tested for.   As for the discoloration, it may be a  sign of necrosis of the node as a result of lymphoma.  I would strongly suggest going to an oncologist. Have you been tested for cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma? and what other symptoms do you have?  Hope this helps. Keep us updated.

Katey

[mamahuebsch]

I had my biopsy today and the node was larger than what he thought.  It had some black discoloration on it that the doc didn't know what to make of.  He is my GP not an oncologist.  Have any of you seen or heard of this before?

[mamahuebsch]

Ok, so I had some bloodwork done.  The only abnormalities it showed are as follows:
Lymphocyte 1.1 (1.2-3.4)
RBC 3.96 (4-6)
MPV 5.8 (7.8-11)

From what I have read the MPV sounds concerning.  Do you agree?  I also had a liver and kidney function test that came back normal.  Any advice?

[mamahuebsch]

I had a follow-up appt. today and the doctor did seem concerned.  I am scheduled for a biopsy Sept. 24 and I had a kidney and liver function test today.  I hope to have the results back on that by Friday.  Not sure what that will show or mean.  I really want to know what's going on...I hate waiting!  

[Katey H.]

Hi mamahuebsch,
Your symptoms are very concerning to me.  You should really go and get checked out because time is EVERYTHING: I wish I had found mine earlier.  By the time I was diagnosed it had spread to my spinal cord and brain because I had ignored it for so long. An advanced case is much harder to fight.

As for me, I was diagnosed about 3 years ago.  It's been an off and on battle since then.  Chemo, remission, bone marrow transplant, chemo, remission on and on...  Complications from the chemo and BMT had me on death's doorstep more than once.  I'm officially in remission now although it's never lasted long enough to be called "fully cured" I'm doing well for the time being.  I posted my full story as a journal entry on my profile page.  Feel free to check it out.  

Take care and keep me posted,
Katey

[mamahuebsch]

I am tired all the time, but I have just attributed it to the fact that I have 4 kids.  Lately, I have had very achey and swollen joints.  It is worse in the morning when I get up.  It's all of my joints from my ankles to my knuckles.  This just started the last few days.  How long ago were you diagnosed?  How are you doing?  Are you in remission?  

[Katey H.]

I don't want to alarm you but swollen glands and enlarged spleen are two of the symptoms I had before I was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia.  But you don't have any of the other symptoms like fatigue, bruising, or achiness that I had. Did your Dr. run blood tests recently? Wouldn't hurt to have a CBC and BMB just to rule it out.  Keep me posted.

Katey