On 4/15/2008
DavidP1227 wrote:
I am currently going through a very tough time. Today being worst than others. I am a 38 year old male. About 9 months ago I spoke with my doctor regarding my fatigue and night sweats as well as various other problems. After a number of tests it was determined that I had multiple lymph nodes that were large and were not going back down to normal sized.
In November last year I had a biopsy of three of the nodes in my neck. All three were clear, but the symptoms persisted and other areas were becoming inflammed and my pain has been growing. Originally in my chest and neck the pain has moved into my armpits, collar bone area and chin as well as chest and neck.
I have had a PET scan in February which showed no masses. All of that is great, except my symptoms persist. After all of this my doctor and oncologist wanted to wait 3 months. To help with some of the symptoms they perscribed medication for fibromyalga. That has helped with the general pain and fatigue, but not the pain at they lymph nodes.
Not being someone to wait around I went to another doctor to see if there was anything else we could look at. Any other ideas that would cause my pain, fatigue, sweats, etc. I opened my records and things just seem to take SO long. I have kept up with it, but I'm getting exhausted emotionally. I finally got an answer from the second opinion doctor. She had discussed it with collegues and they wanted to review the biposy slides. This told me that the general consensus seems to be that I most likely have lymphoma but it is unsubstantiated. The initial review of the slides was just the lymphs are swollen and they are now making new slides with the left over tissue.
It seem in the last month the pain is moving up on the scale again. I'm feeling like I'm at the end of my wits. Not having a diagnosis with this pain is wearing on me, but I can't stop pushing. My oncologist did say that he has seen cancer cause the body to react that isn't seen in a PET scan and shows up later. I guess I just need to hear if it has been this difficult to get a diagnosis for anyone else. I also need ideas to help with the pain. I'm not able to stay ahead of it even trying to get more sleep. I also just want any other ideas for what else I can do.
I guess I just feel like if I don't find something to do I'll become overwelmed with everything and break down.