introducing myself

[Ashley1014]

hi! Thought I’d introduce myself. I’m Ashley 34 female. I have not been diagnosed with lymphoma but I believe that is where my symptoms are headed. Unfortunately I am experiencing some medical gaslighting and I’d like your opinions.

I currently have swollen lymph nodes on the right side of my neck, weakness and fatigue that is more severe than from my chronic illnesses, night sweats, loss of appetite and I’m losing weight and I struggle to lose weight. I also have shortness of breath. Infection has been ruled out. I was given a course of steroids and antibiotics which did shrink one of the lymph nodes slightly but otherwise did nothing. Ultrasound of the neck wasn’t clear. The doctor who ordered all this told me it must be a viral infection or my chronic illnesses and I was worried about nothing. So I have made an appointment with an ENT but it isn’t for a few weeks. what do yall think? My husband won’t even discuss it because he is worried of the outcome but my sister is quite worried about me. I also am on methotrexate which makes me at higher risk for lymphoma. I also have a very strong family history of cancer.

[Tiko1]

Hi Ashley,I understand your concern. Cancer like lymphoma is not common at your age. I think it's good that your being your own proponent and pushing your doctors to check examine you with more attention.

I was diagnosed with Lymphoma myself in 2024 at age 44 and I had no fatigue, night sweats or enlarged lymph nodes. What I did have was a strange lump and discoloration. I pushed my GP for a year for tests when she would brush it off as I didn't fit the age range and would say it's a cyst.

Regardless of your outcome it's better safe then sorry and if it is cancer you would have caught it earlier then the medical community would have which always gives you more options for treatments and observation.

Try not to worry, easier said then done I know, but worry won't help you and will only waste your energy on what if scenarios.

Focus on your daily tasks and spending time with your husband, family and friends. The test will come when they come. In the meantime it's nothing till it's something. And if it is Lymphoma or anything else it's not the end of the world as there are always options.

[Ashley1014 in reply to Tiko1]

Thank you so much for your reply. I have been trying to just take things day by day and not worry too much about it. To be honest I’m not too scared if it is cancer, I just want to know what is going on with me. It’s so frustrating knowing something is wrong with your body but being told by doctors that they have a degree so they know more when that isn’t always the case.