What are the early symptoms of lymphoma? Chris's diagnosis story

Chris Lewis discusses some of the symptoms of lymphoma and the process of his diagnosis in this interview with our Editor, Jade Parker.

[seansims]

Everyone who reads this and everyone in this comment section; im praying for you I understand how unique each of your stories maybe especially the ones fighting battles like this and stay strong! Fight! I believe in you all and wish the best for all of you. GOD BLESS

[IslandLife]

I start my journey tomorrow. Blood test, then Hematologist the next day and get results from the PET scan 🙏🏻🤞🏻 wishing everyone luck with their journeys and recover as best as you're able. Blessings and love 💓🤗

[matei]

I am not a doctor but from my research if you have an inflamed lymph nodule:
- Record when you first noticed, measure it, how fast it grows or if it decreases, if you were sick when it appeared. If you do ultrasounds ask and keep images.
- Do first an ultrasound. Echo cannot tell 100% but there are some characteristics which would be more worisome like short axis of the node is more then 10mm, nodule is more round than oval, it's hard, doesn't have hilum (in the centre), on Doppler the blood is not central but more chaotic. Ask the doctor to write all these characteristics and even print some image if you want to check the evolution. No characteristic is decisive but together they are very useful for estimation.
- Do a blood test on hemoleucogram, ESR, LDH, liver tests and a microscope check of blood cells/smear test to confirm hemoleucogram findings. However, lymphoma will not appear in blood tests unless it's advanced and reached the bone where blood cells are made. You can also check for EBV DNA to find if you had EBV previously.
- Ultimately only a biopsy can say but for Hodkins biopsy with a neddle cannot say for sure, an excisional biopsy is more certain. For Non-Hogkins neddle biopsy can be more accurate especially when performing IHC/flow citometry and molecular teats. Multiple tests are performed on a biopsy first histopatology, then IHC/flow citometry and possibly molecular tests.
- Pay attention to symptoms like weight loss, tiredness, night sweats, unexplained temperature.
Once again, I am not a doctor. Just hopefully gives some idea of the steps which can be applied. Still not sure which are the low grade, indollent and the double tumor time.

[jemb]

I’m only 30 and going through this right now. 😢 I felt like my heart is shattered after hearing what my diagnosis is yesterday. The rash and occasional night sweats make sense now. I really don’t want to have to go through chemo or radiation therapy. They sound like a nightmare to me.

[hollyhocks]

Thank you Chris for sharing your story. I hope you are keeping well.

[volcano]

Thank you! Lymphoma symptoms are a cluster of non-alarming daily nuisances that most physicians will ignore until you are in stage 4. My symptoms included episodic inability to walk in the morning. I thought I was fatigue from working out. I also had skin rashes that seem externally caused, however they would not go away for weeks. I also woke up with clasped fingers that would not open without mild assistance from furniture or my other hand. But it was episodic so I thought I was just getting old and my autoniimune disorders were flaring up. And so many more. Also, my blood tests were not symptomatic enough to draw attention. Finally I told my doctor these symptoms and I was in chronic pain at 5 somewhere, every day, in different parts of my body. After griping, complaining, and threatening my carrier I finally got the help I needed. This is exactly my story.

[B.L.Creations]

I was diagnosed around a month ago . He didn’t even look at me when he told me I have three different cancers . I was and still am in shock .

[lorettashields]

I’m praying for him, I hope he survived

[ezragonzalez]

Lovely Gentleman he hit it right in the nail head we guys avoid the doctor until we are violently ill only to be told the grim reality this has happen to many people I know we all need to be proactive ! wish Chris a long remission!

[PrincipledUncertainty]

Thanks. I'm awaiting tests myself and I am at the same age that my Mum got Lymphoma. Never ignore the symptoms.

[leoinsf]

Being a Kaiser patient, I get a blood test every year.
This is so important because I eventually was diagnosed with lymphoma (8 years) with almost no symptoms.
It then spiraled into leukemia (since December).
I am taking Imbruvica at the age of 86 to treat the leukemia and aside from tiredness, almost no symptoms.
Thank you, Kaiser!!!

[Iloveyoursmile]

I'm so glad for this story. I have swollen groin glands myself so need to see the doc.

[cherylemaybury]

Going through this now, surgery is booked for two weeks. It’s very scary.

[hollym]

Thanks for sharing.. I am hoping for the best for you. I go I. This Tuesday for lab work. My symptoms match yours and more. I'm nervous. Much love n light to you all

[miss.g-shun-w]

You think it's just your body getting older so you don't immediately become concerned. But once you have a diagnosis and you know all of the symptoms suddenly all of these individual pieces of the puzzle start to fit in place and take shape. Symptoms that you've discounted and played down suddenly make sense.

[janecarig]

My brother died today only 35 years old. He had surgery and removed the tumor on his neck but after a year it came back but it had spread to his liver and another part of his body. I can not believe how fast it spreads.

[Weekend]

The important aspect of his story is “Biopsy upon confirmation”. Everything else is speculative and does not result in patient diagnosis. PET Scans & Ultrasound are the best diagnostic tools to catch a lymphoma early. Early means above the torso.

[am]

I just found out about my lymphnodes and must say scared of the treatments I lived threw my partner who had cancer and it is terrible to watch people fight for their lives then die

[brent]

I have Myeloma. Almost the same thing. I'm doing Immunetheropy right now and it has brought my paraprotein down a little, but the last 2 months it is now staying the same.

[lionheart]

Hope ur doin ok bro, il pray for you Ahmen bro x