Lymphoma?

[samantha609]

For the past 3 months I have had swollen lymph nodes in my neck. I went to the doctor and they put me on amoxicillion 2 times a day for two weeks because my doctor thought I had tonsil stones. When that didnt seem to work I went back in and they tested me for mono my test came back negative but I was give a steroid to help with my swollen lymph nodes since it was hard for me to eat and the constant feeling of something being stuck in my throat. That worked for the 3 days that I was supposed to take it. A couple days later I started having the feeling of something stuck in my throat and still swollen lymph nodes. I went back to the doctor she told me I had mono and said that it just doesnt show up on blood work all the time. She ordered another blood test which came back negative again for mono and everything else was normal. I went back to eating fine and then the something stuck in my throat came back and then went away and is now back again which stops me from eating regular food. I have lost weight from not eating so she gave me the same steroids again so that it would bring the swelling in my lymph nodes down and so I could eat but it didnt even work. Now I have times where I get shortens of breath and I always seem to be spitting up phlem expecillay after I drink or eat anything. Im going to be going to get a biopsy of my lymph node under my armpit to see if it cancer but its just a biopsy with a needle. Is there any other tests that I should ask my doctor to schedule? Has anyone else had any similar symptoms?

[samantha609]

I have had my thyroid tested twice with blood tests and they said that it was normal. I think I have already been tested for HPV. The packet I got that explains what the tests are say that they go over the test with you that day when your there. I need to get paperwork of all the tests I have had because I don't have any of that.

[Ken_PA]

Keep in mind that even if something is found, it can still be something benign and not cancer.

HPV is mentioned here: http://www.emoryhealthcare.org/voice-center/diseases-conditions/laryngeal-tumors.html


Also, I'd ask the person that does the test about what they saw. Some are helpful and will tell you, others are close-mouthed because they're technically not supposed to. I'd also ask for a copy of the report to be sent directly to you.

[Mochadelicious]

It's good to hear that they are at least going to do some more tests.  I really hope they are able to pinpoint what's going on with you.   This process of going to doctor after doctor and having test after test can surely be frustrating, but hang in there.

Has the ENT checked your thyroid?  Last year I had to have part of my thyroid removed because it was enlarged and they wanted to check it for cancer.   My doctors were surprised that I didn't have any problems with swallowing because it was pushing on my esophagus.  Maybe you are having a similar problem.

Well please keep us posted on your future tests.

[samantha609]

I went to the ENT today and he ordered a Laryngeal Videostroboscopy and a Flexible Endoscopic Examination of Swallowing. Im getting these done on the 28th and then I have a follow up with the ENT on February 6 to go over these tests and see whats going on and what were going to do depending on what they find or dont find. He did mention that everything from the outside looked fine and that they have people who specialize in helping people getting over the fear that i have of swallowing because of the feeling in my throat so i guess if they dont find anything i will have to do that so that i can start to eat regular food again but i will still need to find out whats wrong. I will let you know how the tests go and keep you all updated on whats going on.

[samantha609]

Yes i told the doctors about the slim jim incident and they told me that i had tonsil stones and thats whay i felt like something was stuck and then they told me it was because i had acid reflex that was giving me that feeling but anything they gave me didnt help that feeling so it wasnt those.
My chest x ray came back fine they didnt find anything on it. My doctor wanted to do the biopsy just to rule out cancer but shes not really sure if that maybe be what i have or not. Im not getting any answers because nobody can find anything i have another ENT appointment in the morning to see what they want to do and if they dont find anything my parents are talking about taking me to cleveland clinic because thats about the only choice we will have left.

All the doctors say that there is something medically wrong but they just dont know what it is because they cant find anything wrong in my blood work and everything else that they have done.

Thanks i will update you on how the appointment goes.

[Mochadelicious]

I'm assuming you told the doctors about the slim Jim incident?  It almost sounds like you got a piece stuck in your throat but I'm sure the ENT would have seen that when he used his scope (and how that would make your lymph nodes swell and your arms hurt I don't know).  How did your chest x-ray turn out?  You mentioned earlier that you were going to have one.  

Possibly something is pushing on your esophagus from the inside (like an enlarged lymph node or an enlarged thyroid).  If the doctors think that there is any possible way it could be cancer then I would ask them that straight up.  If  they say yes, then ask about doing a PET/CT scan and keep pushing for a lymph node biopsy.  Keep in mind that it is possible to have normal blood work and still have cancer (this happened to me).

Good luck Samantha.  I hope your appointment goes well tomorrow.