Should I be concerned?

[texgal911]

A few weeks ago, I was awakened from bad headaches for a couple of days in a row. I normally don't run off to the Dr, but I also noticed an area on the right side of my neck was extremely sore.  I went to my GP, who checked me for ear, or throat infection..which there was no sign.  I didn't feel bad otherwise. He said the lymph was a little swollen. He ordered CBC and gave me a Zpak of antibiotics. I took them immediatly, and left town for vacation.  I received a call from the nurse on my voicemail advising that my white count was elevated and the Dr. wanted me to return to retest. I did that the following week. I then received a call from the Dr. himself wanting me to come in the next day.  I did that. He showed me my charts.  The first blood test showed a white count of 18.0, and the second 16.3. He was concerned because the white count did not drop much after the Zpak. He began asking me if I had any other symptoms, such as night sweats...which I advised that I do.. Its not every night, and sometimes not even every week,but sometimes it's like I just ran a marathon.. I am drenched. Especially my neck and chest. I also have severe itching on my arms..and have for a year or so.  He referred me to an oncologist. I am going in this week for a series of tests, such as CT scan of chest, abdomin, and pelvis.  A urinalisis, and a blood test  (leukocytes?).   The orders said (R/O Hodgkins).   Another thing is that the last time I was at the Dr. for a physical (a year ago) my white count was 15.6. He had me return in 2 weeks and it dropped to 11.7. He figured I had some sort of infection that was clearing up on its own.  So the last 4 CBC's I've had show white counts from 11.7 to 18.0.   Could this just be some infection that hangs on? I have also had a cough that never goes away.  It is worse in the mornings.   (I am no longer a smoker)
I appreciate any insight anyone can give.  

[texgal911]

Thanks for the response.  I did follow through with all of the tests that were ordered. My next appointment with the oncologist is this Friday.(results day) .  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this is not a cancer of any sorts. My parents both passed away from cancer (dad-colon, mom-brain tumors that began from cells in the lung).  Being an ex smoker, needless to say, I am a bit nervous of what the CT scan will show.
Again thank you for responding....Wish me luck!

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

This could indeed be just an infection, however your symptom of drenching night sweats may really point out to something else, and I understand the astuteness of your doctors regarding this matter.

This may be an early sign of lymphoma, and it is best that you be worked up for the presence of such.  However, if this is indeed lymphoma, it is more likely to be an indolent one, given the long time frame.  The probability is small, however, it is real.

If all work ups tend to be normal, I believe that another course of antibiotics may be warranted and this should be discussed well with your doctors.

For now, have adequate rest, and get the tests done as prescribed by your physicians.  Wishing you all the best.  Regards.