Thanks. Yes, I went through chemotherapy for about 6 months and now I'm on a maintenance therapy that I recieve every 2 months for 2 years. The maintenance therapy isn't a big deal as there are really no side effects from it. The doctors say I'm in partial remission because I have a stubborn spot on my liver. They are keeping an eye on it and if it gets any bigger I will probably have more chemotherapy. Unfortunately there really isn't a cure for what I have, but it is managable, much like diabetes or high blood pressure.
If you have an oral infection, or any infection for that matter, your body starts producing mass amounts of white blood cells to fight off the infection. Your lymph nodes are much like tiny little cleaning stations filled with white blood cells that filter the lymph fluid. When you have an infection, lymph nodes can swell up due to an increase in white blood cell production to fight those nasty bugs.
Also, when I say weight loss, some people experience a pretty significant weight loss due to lymphoma, although as previously mentioned, not everyone does. This is like 10 lbs or more a month without even trying. I know it's hard, but try not to worry until you know there's something to worry about. Please keep me posted on what your doctor says when you get back.
Thanks Mochadelicious, and I'm sorry to hear that ur suffering from this disease, did u get treatment yet? How's your situation right now? And I have a question is that serious oral/dental infection can cause swollen lymph nodes? And my weight is practically the same around 70kg, but I sensed that my neck are getting thin and recently I ate a lot, but didnt gain any weight, I'm still worried, but I will go back within a few days, God bless me...
There is a term referring to lymphoma symptoms called "B" symptoms. These are: fever, night sweats and weight loss. Some people get these B symptoms and others don't. For instance, I was diagnosed with follicular lymphoma, stage 3, grade 3A. There are up to 4 stages and up to 3 grades for this, so as you can see I was pretty advanced. The "A" stands for no symptoms at the time of diagnosis. Had I had any "B" symptoms, I would have been graded 3B. However, I did have a lump that was very close to the surface of the skin and the doctors feared it would rupture. They also figured that I would start experiencing B symptoms within a year if I didn't get treatment. Getting treatment is your doctor's call. However, if it's an indolent lymphoma, many times treatment isn't neccessary for a long time. On the other hand, there are more aggressive lymphomas that watch and wait isn't an option. Hope this helps.
Thanks for the reply, symptoms? What kind of symptoms? But I heard the symptoms are normally 3rd or 4rd stage, so is that a little bit late for treatment?
I suppose you could, but I'm guessing they will want to examine you first and then decide if a biopsy is really what you need to do. Waiting a week and a half to see a doctor probably won't make that much of a difference. Many people with lymphoma have indolent lymphoma, meaning it's very slow growing. So slow that many doctors recommend a watch and wait approach until symptoms start to show, then they treat.
Thanks for the comments, but i was wondering can I go the hospital and directly ask for the biopsy?
Thanks for the information, but i cant go to see doctor, I can only go there after one and half week, cuz I'm going back to the country.
Bluebird777 has it right that enlarged lymph nodes doesn't always mean cancer. Sounds like an oral infection or some other bug your body is fighting. The only way to know for sure if you have lymphoma or leukemia is via a biopsy. No one can say for sure what you have over the internet...you need to be examined. Is there any way to get back to the states or somewhere you can get medical care?
Sorry about that. I for some reason thought I read you had a rash also. Please omit that part of my comment. lol
Sorry that you don't have a doctor. Do you have an ability to go to a clinic and see someone?
Thanks for your reply.
the rash? I didnt mention that I have rash.
I dont have a doctor because I live aboard, and Its very complicated to see one.
But anyone thanks
Hope to see more suggestions.
Do you have a primary doctor? It wouldn't hurt to see him/her and get checked out. They can do some basic blood work and see what's going on. Without blood work...it's difficult to get an idea of what is going on. It could be an infection or virus of some kind or something more. Lymph nodes often swell when you are trying to fight off an infection or virus. The rash could be part of that also.
I hope this helps. Please keep us posted and let us know what your physician says.