Mono or Lymphoma?

[martha2u]

I'm 40  yrs old and very active (runner) and healthy. I've been sick w/a high fever, one sided sore throat, swollen face for over a week now.  The dr. initially prescribed antiobiotics, but they did not work so they suspected mono and took blood.  The dr. said the test was positive for mono and that also my liver enzymes were very high and platelet count very low (not life threateningly low, but low).  I was ok with that, but then did some reading and tied in some other symptoms I was having prior to the fever.  I've been having mild trouble swallowing for the last yr or so and if feels like I have something stuck in my throat.  I have had heartburn for the last couple of months.  Also, I run and my chest has felt tight (mildly) while running and I've developed a cough when I run  mainly because I feel like something is stuck in my throat and I'm not getting enough air.  I just discounted those symptoms because they were mild enough and planned on bringing them up at my next yearly physical. However now,  I've never ever felt this sick before in my life.  I just have no energy whatsoever and the fever will not subside.  
I intend to call my dr tomorrow w/questions, but in the meantime I am rather freaked out.  My brother passed away from leukemia 15yrs ago, so I am concerned for myself.

Is it possible to test positive for mono if in fact I have lymphoma?  
What is the likelihood that I never contracted mono before.  I come from a large family (7 kids) and 2 of my brothers had mono when I was growing up.

I'm just really concerned this is something more than mono - am I way off base?

Thank you!

[JDS2805]

My initial question is how long have you been feeling this way overall? I definatly agree with the doctors finding of mono. I had mono three years ago and had very similar symptoms including the elevated liver counts. As for the throat issue- mono can cause very painful sore throats but if this has been going on for some time, and you haven't had your tonsils out, you may want to follow up with an ENT Specialist.

I understand the fear you are feeling. My dad passed away from leukemia at the age of 43 so when I had mono, I was afraid that it was leukemia. To the best of my knowledge, with lymphoma, the gland swelling is usually painless. So if your glands are tender and swollen, chances are it's because of the mono infection. You should also know that leukemia, for the most part is not genetic-there are some forms of lymphoma and leukemia where a person has to have the Philidelphia Chromosone.

I would keep following up with your doctor. Share your concerns with them. There is no such thing as a wrong question when it comes to your health. Try not to stress out because that will make the mono worse and delay a recovery. Wishing you all the best. God Bless!

[Marri272]

Hi. Been down both roads with Non Hodgkin's lymphoma and Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia. Anyway, the Mono sounds like MONO and I think you should rest and give it time. Mono will make you feel exactly the way you are feeling. It can be very debilitating for awhile. I think you underestimate. Thing like lymphoma CML don't pop up suddenly like that but generally linger. You will have a low grade fever (around 100 but not higher) and NON TENDER lymph nodes with no other explanation.  I really think you are tired and need rest then reassess when you feel more up to it. Ask lot's of questions. Ask if there is any possiblity of false positive MONO (some of the rapids I think just have false positives).  I was also a nurse for awhile until I got sick. I really think you should not worry yet and just take care of yourself and feel better.  It is possible to have Mono and something like CML at the same time since CML suppresses your immune system but it doesn't sound like it to me. The cough and lumpy feeling sounds very much like a GERD situation though but ask about your risk for heart disease too.  Believe me if you had CML or lymphoma it's not likely you would have been up running at all. Good luck. Feel better

[kittyface]

Hi,

I'm concerned about your elevated liver enzymes.  Did your doctor perform Hepatitis B and C tests?  I had undiagnosed Hepatitis C for 25 with similar symptoms.  Hep C is epidemic and many people are misdiagnosed or don't have symptoms.  

Kittyface